Over the years at Indiahikes, we have observed reservations among trekkers about insects on a trek. This insight applies not only to kids and teenagers but also to adults.

We share trekking trails not only with our fellow trekkers but with the diverse insects that inhabit them. When we venture into the outdoors, we inevitably encounter some common insect bites and understanding this reality is key to enjoying our time in nature to the fullest. 

In a similar context, recently when Lakshmi, Head of the Learning and Development team, was at Raithal, the base camp for one of our treks, she was accidentally bitten by a bee. The swelling lasted for almost four days, causing significant pain and itchiness. This experience made her realize how common insect bites are for trekkers and how important it is to know how to deal with them. 

The purpose of putting across this article is quite simple. All of us at Indiahikes believe that when you are empowered with information, you are less afraid of the things that can become a challenge for you on a trek.

Bee and Wasp Stings

This is a very simple formula for the outdoors: If you spot a bee or wasp nest, walk away calmly. They usually attack only when they feel threatened.

Moreover, the first signs and symptoms of an insect bite are crucial in identifying the cause. Whether it’s a bee sting or any other insect bite, recognising the symptoms helps in administering the right treatment.

Remove the stinger properly: Bees leave their stinger behind on your skin. Instead of using tweezers (which can push the venom deeper), slide a card or a hard object across your skin to dislodge it.

Apply a cooling cream: This helps with itching and swelling.

Take an antihistamine: If an allergic reaction occurs, antihistamines like Avil or Fexofenadine can be administered. Both Avil (Pheniramine) and Fexofenadine are antihistamines used to treat allergic reactions, including insect bites.

Monitor the swelling: It should subside within 4-5 days. If it persists, consult a doctor.

What to do if there are serious reactions?

In rare cases, an insect sting can cause anaphylactic shock, where your airways close up. Anaphylactic shock is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur in response to an insect sting, particularly from bees, wasps, or hornets. It can cause airway constriction, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and even loss of consciousness.

People with a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) and be familiar with its use. It's also crucial for trek leaders and teammates to know how to administer it in an emergency since anaphylaxis can escalate rapidly.

Our observation regarding allergic reactions to insect bites

Trek leaders at Indiahikes are trained to handle such emergencies. Former Trek Leader and Experience Manager at Indiahikes, Sanjay Mistry, observed that “children are more prone to developing rashes due to insect bites, particularly from mosquitoes, ants, or bedbugs. Their skin is more sensitive, and frequent scratching can worsen symptoms.”

Additionally, It is always advisable for trekkers with known allergies to carry their prescribed medicines.

Leeches

Leeches are not common on many Himalayan treks except the Goecha La. They are especially prevalent in slushy areas of this trek, particularly during the first few days. At lower altitude treks like Benog Tibba (5600 feet) they are frequently found near streams. Other than that, in treks in South and West India, you will encounter leeches, especially during the monsoon.

how to prevent or treat a leech bite (video)

Leeches bite by injecting a local anaesthetic and an anticoagulant called hirudin, preventing the victim from feeling pain while the leech feeds. This causes prolonged bleeding once the leech is removed. Since the anticoagulant thins the blood, clotting takes longer.

Leeches can be removed using sanitisers or salt, but salt kills them, which is not a good idea. So, the reason why using salt is discouraged is salt dehydrates and kills leeches. It can make them regurgitate stomach contents into the wound, increasing infection risk. Vinegar, alcohol, or strong-smelling substances can have a similar effect.

Sanitiser may work due to its alcohol content, but: It can also cause the leech to vomit, raising infection risks. The safest method is to use a fingernail or flat object to gently push the leech’s sucker sideways until it detaches.

How to stop the bleeding from a leech bite?

Pressure dressings and non-porous bandages can be effective. However, our trek leaders have also observed that pressing a dry piece of paper onto the wound helps seal it. It is essential to use antiseptics to effectively prevent infection. 

To effectively prevent leech bites, applying tobacco directly to the legs and feet works wonders. High-ankle socks or leech-proof socks are essential for added protection. Tucking your trousers into your socks is another smart strategy that trekkers have been following and it definitely offers an extra layer of defence.

Ticks

If you have trekked in Central and South India, you need no introduction to ticks. Ticks can be dangerous as they carry bacteria and viruses that may cause infections. A few months ago, our CEO, Arjun Majumdar, had a similar experience from his Pench Tiger Trail trek. 

So, what becomes important is prevention and proper removal

Use insect repellent: Apply a repellent on your body to keep ticks away.

Wear full-coverage clothing: Ensure there are no exposed areas where ticks can latch onto your skin.

Remove it correctly: Pull the tick perpendicular to your skin using tweezers. This prevents the mouthparts from getting stuck, which could lead to infection.

Treat the bite area: If swelling occurs, apply a topical antihistamine ointment. Cold compresses or ice packs are more effective in reducing swelling. For severe itchiness, an oral antihistamine may help.

Monitor for symptoms: If the bite is followed by fever or fatigue, seek medical attention immediately. Tick bites can lead to illnesses such as tick fever.

Sanjay recounts an incident involving a tick bite that occurred with one of his fellow trek leaders at Indiahikes. Read through: “Having been a trek leader, I have encountered cases of tick bites among trekkers. However, one specific incident involved a trek leader named Aniket at our Manali campus during the monsoon season. Due to a tick bite, his entire leg was badly swollen and red, and it remained painful for 2-3 weeks.”

He continues, “If the tick’s mouthparts remain in the skin and an infection develops, get medical intervention as soon as possible. It is always advisable to consult with a doctor if you suspect complications.”

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are one of the most common insects you’ll come across during a trek. Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid them completely, but you can take steps to minimize the risk of bites.

Prevention is always the key! Here are a few tips that have consistently aided trekkers in reducing the troubles posed by mosquitoes.

Check for mosquito presence: Before your trek, find out if mosquitoes are a problem in the region you’re visiting.

Use insect repellent: Carry a mosquito repellent, either as a roll-on or topical cream—whichever is more comfortable for you.

Wear appropriate clothing: Light-colored, fully covered clothing helps reduce access points for mosquitoes.

This was all you needed to know about common insect bites on the treks. Write to me if you have any doubts or concerns. I would love to hear about your encounters with insect bites and how you tackled them. It would also help your fellow readers to make informed decisions.

When we venture into the outdoors, we inevitably encounter some common insect bites and understanding this reality is key to enjoying our time in nature to the fullest. 

Common Insect Bites on Treks and How to Handle Them

insect bites on treks, how to handle insect bites on treks

Soon after we opened our groups in Mount Rinjani, our trekkers have been tossing many questions about trekking to an active volcano.

Mount Rinjani has always been very popular because of the thrill of looking into a volcanic crater, and trekkers around the globe have always been very fond of it. Izzat Yaganagi, Head of the Indiahikes School of Learning (InSOUL) Team, shared a similar story with all of us after completing this trek. 

Our trek information team has beautifully documented her account. You can read it here (Head to the experts speak section) 

This post is dedicated to addressing a very frequently asked question: 

Is Mount Rinjani still active? 

Mount Rinjani is known for being an active volcano, and though you may not always witness visible fumes, the potential activity adds an element of excitement to this trek. The visibility of fumes depends on the timing; sometimes trekkers have spotted them, while for other trekkers, they were absent.

The last time Mount Rinjani erupted was in late October 2015. The ashes from this 12,000-foot volcano blanketed the entire town and surrounding farmlands. Soon after, the government shut down air traffic to several airports.

Reports by several experts and a prominent educational channel, GeologyHub, which emphasises volcanoes and their current eruptions, had predicted Rinjani could erupt in 2024. 

Rinjani is known for a pattern of eruptions that have occurred approximately every decade over the past 100 years. However, it showed several signs of unrest in 2023.

Is it safe to trek to Mount Rinjani?

It is completely safe to trek to Mount Rinjani. Trekkers need to follow strict regulations and guidelines before they start their trek. 

Understanding the geography of Mount Rinjani National Park

To get a better idea of the safety, we have to understand the geography of Mount Rinjani.

Mount Rinjani holds significant geological and geographical interest. The area was once a massive volcanic mountain. Over thousands of years, repeated eruptions caused the primary volcanic structure to collapse, leaving behind a vast crater.

Now, this is important to note: The active volcano within this crater, known as Mount Barujari, has emerged as the central feature. Surrounding it are unique geological formations, lakes, and an area called a "caldera." A caldera is a land that was historically flooded with volcanic lava, now forming a landscape of striking contrasts.

Mount Barujari is relatively small and its activity is quite localised. The crater features Segara Anak Lake, with the active volcano appearing as an "island" within the lake.

How safe is trekking on Mount Rinjani crater?

Now coming to safety, the trek to Mount Rinjani does not involve scaling Mount Barujari itself, as approaching the active volcano is geographically challenging. You do not go anywhere close to Mount Barujari.

Trekking is limited to the crater rim (which is 1-2 km away from Mount Barujari) and forested areas of Mount Rinjani National Park.

Secondly, water within the crater lake further serves as a natural barrier, making trekking along the crater rim a safe experience

Unlike other volcanic mountains in Indonesia, Mount Barujari is considered less intense in its eruptions. Even though the volcano is active, the minor activities noticed remain contained within the crater and do not pose a significant risk to those trekking along the crater rim.

Importantly, Mount Rinjani National Park operates under strict regulations to ensure safety. The National Park Authority actively monitors volcanic activity and enforces guidelines accordingly.

Do you require a guide to trek to Mount Rinjani? 

Do you require a guide to trek to Mt Rinjani? 

Yes! It is mandatory to have a guide along with you for the Mount Rinjani Trek. Local guides, who have an in-depth understanding of the terrain and volcanic behaviour, accompany trekkers. 

Additionally, you must also obtain forest permissions and ensure your guide holds proper certification.

What is the main challenge of trekking to Mount Rinjani?

The main challenge of trekking to Mount Rinjani is the altitude gain. On the first day, you will climb from 3,750 feet to 8,650 feet, which is an altitude increase of 5,000 feet (approx). The following day, you will begin your summit push at around 2:00 am, ascending to nearly 12,200 feet, resulting in an additional altitude gain of 4,000 feet (approx). The summit itself presents even greater challenges in terms of acclimatisation and terrain. The terrain mostly consists of gravel, making the ascent more difficult.

What is the best time for the Mount Rinjani trek?

The best time for the Mount Rinjani trek starts in April and stays well till October. April marks the start of clear weather after Indonesia's monsoon season. The answer to why is it preferable to trek during this stretch of the year is that the post-monsoon season offers clean trails (by this time the dust has settled down) and greenery starts to set in the picture.

In some cases, the trails are also accessible till during the start of November as well but the conditions are most favourable from April to September. 

According to Abhishek Tiwari, operations manager at Indihikes, who recently led this trek, “April resembles the green, which is similar to popular treks in regions like Manali, while September ushers in subtle hints of Autumn, giving trekkers a shift in experience, but the trail remains equally thrilling and adventurous.”

If you have any further questions, you can head to our trek information page or place your query in the comment box. I will revert as soon as possible.

Information Credits: Izzat Yaganagi (Head of Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning), Abhishek Tiwari (Operations Manager), and Sharwari Brahme (Former head of the Green Trails initiative at Indiahikes).

Mount Rinjani is known for being an active volcano. It has always been very popular because of the thrill of looking into a volcanic crater, and trekkers around the globe have always been very fond of it.

Is Mount Rinjani still active? Can you hike Mount Rinjani without a guide? 

mount rinjani, Is Mount Rinjani still active?, Can you hike Mount Rinjani without a guide?

This is by far one of the most common questions we get from people. Not just us, the query is often googled. 

So, What is the difference between a trek and a hike?

I am sharing our CEO Arjun Majumdar’s video, where he briefly talks about the difference. Here we start hiking vs trekking.

Reiterating what he said: there used to be no difference between a hike and a trek! We were talking about the same thing all this while but using different terms. The term ‘Hike’ is an American version, and the term ‘Trek’ is the English (British) version.

Over time, the usage of these words has evolved. So, now there’s a difference between both of these terms.

What is a Hike?

Hiking involves walking on a well-marked easy trail. On a hike, you walk on more accessible trails. There could be a single-day hike or a multi-day hike. It depends on the trail and how you choose your itinerary. 

Shachi Tripathi, Programme designer and trainer at Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL) and a former trek leader, says, “A hike could also be termed an introduction to the world of trekking.” 

Our chief explorer at Indiahikes, Nitesh Kumar, points out three famous hikes in the Himalayas for beginners.

I can list endless trails around the country. The ones I have listed are from the Himalayas. We have beautiful hiking trails in the Western Ghats and Sahyadris, and then we have gems in central India. You can also go on day hikes/weekend hikes (multi-day hikes) around the city on your own.

Indiahikes has documented a list of more than 365 short hikes and treks in our country that can be done in DIY (Do-it-yourself) style. Tagging along the List of best day hikes around Bangalore. Check out if you are in and around the city.

Picturesque forest trail en route George Everest House. Picture by Loges R

What is a trek?

A trek involves walking on a trail that requires you to do a considerable climb, and you gain a lot of altitude over the days of your walking the mountains. Because of these mentioned reasons, a trek is comparatively more challenging than a hike.

Shachi further adds, “As a hike is an introduction to the world of trekking, experiencing a trek is a more serious dive”. 

If you want to know more about the best treks season-wise, I suggest you read our exhaustive blog on 4 best treks in each season.

Now you know the primary difference between a hike and a trek. As you scroll down this article,  I will list down more parameters to give you a better understanding.

From Gorson Bugyal to Auli, you are accompanied by the big mountains. This is a rare privilege you get only on the Kuari Pass trek. Photo by Jothiranjan.

Hiking vs Trekking: Terrain & Gear

When on a hike, you will see easy-going terrains. The trails are well-marked and easily accessible. Treks, on the other hand, could have easy-going or harsher terrain. In many of the moderate, moderate-difficult, and difficult treks of our country, you climb steep slopes and venture through forests and clearings.

As a hiker, you need minimum gear since a hike is not as challenging as a trek. For a hike, you would essentially need a 10L/20L backpack, hiking shoes (regular sports shoes would also work depending on the terrain), a water bottle, a first aid kit, and a rain jacket. In most hikes, you do not have to carry a kitchen system (flint and portable stove) or a sleeping system (sleeping bag and tents). But If it is a multi-day hike and you are camping, then you need all of this! 

On the other hand, when you are on a Himalayan trek like Kuari Pass, you need a maximum 50L backpack, a good pair of trekking shoes, trekking poles (at least one), trek pants, micro-spikes (if you are trekking in winter), rainwear, ropes, and more. Additionally, you need a kitchen system and a sleeping system too.

Please Note: Gear primarily depends upon the difficulty and duration of the trek. You should be updated with all the ‘Gear Information’ before packing for your trek.
As outdoor sports like trekking and hiking are getting very popular in India, there’s a big market building for gear. Brands like Wildcraft, Quechua, Forclaz, Salewa, Salomon, Rei, Columbia, and Patagonia are bringing a separate line of products for trekking and hiking.

How to Physically Prepare for a Hike?

In our experience of taking people outdoors, we have seen most people completing their single-day and multi-day hikes with ease. In order to have a fulfilling hiking experience in the outdoors, you should be physically fit. 

If you lead an active lifestyle and regularly run or take brisk walks, you're fit enough for a hike.

How to Physically Prepare for a Trek?

Preparing for a trek is even more important. 

Below, I am briefly listing a few pointers that will help you physically prepare for your trek.

Go for long walks. And when we talk about walking, it should be active-brisk walking. 

If you are going on a Himalayan trek, in addition to the above two pointers, you should have an active regime.

I would recommend you read this complete training guide so that by the end of it, you’ll know exactly where you stand and what you need to work on when you sign up for your Himalayan trek.

More or less, for both of these outdoor sports, you need to prepare yourself physically

Hiking with Family

This is another important thing that I want to talk about. Hiking is a wonderful way to expose children (and even seniors) to the outdoors. 

We at Indiahikes always talk about hiking as a wonderful family ritual. It prepares your children to interact with the outdoors, prepares them for greater adventures, and makes them more curious about the outdoors. It builds confidence, resilience and a deeper connection to nature. 

Hiking is an amazing medium that will help you, your parents, and your children for trekking in the Himalayas, not just physically but mentally. 

Summary

So, What’s the Difference Between Trekking and Hiking?

Hiking refers to walking on simple well-marked trails and trekking refers to covering a trail that requires a considerable climb, and you gain a lot of altitude over the days. Hiking is comparatively easier than a trek. And you don’t need technical gear for a hike, which is mandatory for a moderate, moderate-difficulty, and a difficult trek.

Now, you can easily differentiate between the two. You can drop in the comments if you have any further doubts. 

I hope this article on trekking vs hiking helped you get a better understanding of both verticals of the outdoor world.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Hiking shoes vs trekking shoes, which one should I choose?

Trekking shoes can be good for hiking too. As treks are usually more challenging, they ask for more durable gear. Hence, you can comfortably wear trekking shoes for your hikes.

2. What are the similarities between hiking and trekking?

Hiking and trekking both take you outdoors. Hiking is the introduction to the world of trekking. One more similar point is that both of these outdoor sports positively impact your mind, body, and soul.

Hiking refers to walking on simple well-marked trails and trekking refers to covering a trail that requires a considerable climb, and you gain a lot of altitude over the days. Hiking is comparatively easier than a trek. This article on trekking vs hiking will help you get a better understanding of both verticals of the outdoor world

Hiking vs Trekking - What’s the Difference between a Hike and a Trek?

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Before you head out on a Himalayan trek, experienced trekkers will tell you all about the freezing nights, the starry skies, the difficult terrain, and the beautiful mountain scenery. 

But there are several small realities that make every Himalayan trek challenging and no one tells you about them. These are experiences that you’ll possibly despise when you’re experiencing them, yet fondly think of them later.

And I would rather have you know about these now, much before you embark on your trek so that they don’t come at you as surprises. 

Long Road Journeys

Any Himalayan trek, no matter which region of the country you choose, has a long drive to the base camp. It could be an 8-hour drive from Shimla or a 10-hour drive from Dehradun. These long road journeys are inevitable. 

The bad: These are winding journeys with uncomfortable hairpin bends. The roads are bumpy, sometimes just dirt tracks. And if you suffer from motion sickness, you have to be extra cautious! 

How to deal with it: For the bumpy, winding roads, the best thing you can do is distract yourself with the journey itself. Look out the window to watch stunning landscapes, make conversation with your driver, ask for stories from the region, and get to know other travellers with you. If you’re someone who is prone to motion sickness, then using this guide could help you prevent motion sickness on your road journey. It worked for me. 
The good: The good part is that these are a few of the most beautiful road journeys you will go on. Trekkers don’t talk much about it because the trek itself overshadows the journey, but these are fantastic locations you drive through. Thousands of tourists come from all over the country (and outside our country) just to drive on these roads. So take in the journey. These are some of the greatest mountain journeys you will do in your life.

Zero Mobile Networks

Most of our trekking trails have no network, right from the base camps. So your trek is a week-long goodbye to the over-connected world that we live in. 

The bad: On certain treks your family/friends will not be able to get in touch with you. You will not be able to call or text them. You’ll have to leave your work aside for a week. The worst thing is, if there is an emergency back at home no one will be able to get in touch with you, not even through us.  

How to deal with it: Ask your driver till when you’ll have a network and finish up all important calls before that. Tell your family and closest friends that you’re going to the Himalayas and will be out of network for a few days.

The good: Being out of the network area for a week is not necessarily a bad thing. Psychologists are always suggesting we detox ourselves from technology. A trek is a very natural way to do it. We seldom get a chance to do this in our urban lives, which are increasingly dominated by technology. Trekkers understand this importance. They get a chance to look inward and reflect.

No/Intermittent  Electricity

Here’s a reality that leaves most trekkers taken aback. They go to the base camps and find very intermittent electricity. They find it difficult to charge their phones/cameras. A week-long plan of taking good pictures or videos is ruined. 

The bad: This will affect you if you’re someone who is carrying any gadgets that need charging -- cameras, GoPros, phones, video equipment, drones and so on. None of them can be charged once you leave the base camp. You’ll have to make do with whatever battery juice you have for the next 4-5 days. 

To make matters worse, you’re usually dealing with extremely low temperatures in the mountains. The cold weather alone drains out the battery even if it’s not being used.

How to deal with it: We usually take power banks for our phones. One power bank above 10,000 mAh will easily last you 3-4 charges. For cameras and drones, there’s no option but to carry spare batteries. Further, you’ll need to wrap all batteries in something warm (your woollen socks or gloves). We usually keep them inside our jacket pockets at night to keep them warm. 

The good: This is a wonderful chance to push yourself to see how much you can achieve even when you’re low on resources. It pushes your boundaries and makes you think out of the box. If you’re a photographer, you’ll learn to plan your shots in advance instead of impulsively getting many shots and picking the best one. If you’re just using your phone, you’ll learn to conserve your battery better.

Staying in Tents & Sleeping in Sleeping Bags

4.) Staying in tents and sleeping in sleeping bags on a hard floor

Trekkers don’t realise how different it is to sleep on the ground that is not their bed. It is enough to make many lose their sleep. This is the truth about trekking. We sleep where we can.  

The bad: Our Hillman tents and sleeping bags are extremely warm and top-quality. But camping outdoors means you are roughing it out. You’re camping in cold snow sometimes, or camping on sloping surfaces, mostly on hard earth. Sometimes you hear heavy rain battering the tent through the night, with snow and water leaking in. Sometimes you might even have a tent mate who snores! 

How to deal with it: Mental conditioning plays a big role here. You must be prepared for such conditions much before you get on your trek. You must also be layered and cosy much before you go to bed (even before sundown). But come what may, you will roll over to the corner of the tent, or be bunched up in the morning, will wake up multiple times in the night. Even given all these factors, trust your body to take rest. A couple of hours of sleep will rejuvenate your body even if you feel you have not rested enough.

The good: This is one of the best experiences on a trek. It’s what gives you a feeling of adventure, an experience of the wilderness. Even stepping out of your tent in the middle of the night to answer nature’s call is a celestial experience. You’re not going to see the Milky Way spread out above you every day. No matter how cold you get in the middle of the night, it’s going to remain one of your favourite experiences for life. 

Food

I can’t speak for anyone trekking on their own or with others, but if you’re trekking with Indiahikes, you can remove all worries about food from your head. If you’re not trekking with us, however, minimal food is a reality you have to prepare yourself for. 

The bad: It is not easy to get good food at high altitudes. First, it’s difficult to take provisions up to remote locations (there’s always a weight constraint). Second, it takes very long to cook anything in low temperatures and high altitudes. It also requires good cooking skills. 

On most self-managed treks, you’ll see that people manage with very limited food (canned or dehydrated food). Even on treks with enough infrastructure, dal bhaat is the staple. When you’re trekking you don’t see much deviation from the staple. 

How to deal with it: If you’re trekking with Indiahikes, you don’t have to deal with it. We have dedicated cooks who are trained to make good food for you. You could even expect gulab jamuns at 14,000 ft! However, if you’re trekking on your own, dehydrated food is definitely something you should explore. You should also carry dry fruits, channa (Bengal gram), with you for instant energy and nutrition while trekking. For long, Maggi has been considered trekkers' food. Avoid Maggi -- it is hard to digest, extremely unhealthy and gives you low energy.

The good: Being able to manage with minimal food helps you build a whole lot of resilience. You realise that you don’t really need much to live with. It gives you a very strong understanding of what you want vs what you need. On another note, you’ll appreciate almost any meal at the end of an exhausting trek.

Washing Your Own Cutlery

At Indiahikes, we expect all trekkers to bring their own cutlery, eat from them and wash their own cutlery. Trekkers sometimes ask why we do not ask our staff to clean their cutlery like in a hotel. The danger to that is something that does not occur to most trekkers -- stomach disorders. When cutlery is mass washed, it invariably leaves unwanted bacteria and germs on them. The last thing you want on a trek is a stomach disorder. 

The bad: Eating out of your own cutlery, dipping your hands (which have gotten warm after great difficulty) in freezing water, scrubbing your dish until it’s clean and putting your gloves back on. This is the life of a high-altitude trekker. It makes you wish you could be back home, using regular temperature water, or just leave your dish in the sink until later. But you cannot do that on a trek. 

How to deal with it: Some trekkers share their cutleries and end up having to wash just one dish among three of them, and they take turns to do this. On another note, some trekkers don’t wash their dishes for 2-3 meals at a stretch. These are examples of what not to do. The best thing to do is face it head-on. There’s no way out of it. Use steel cutlery instead of plastic, the grime comes off a lot easier. That way, your hands will be wet for much less time. 

The good: We’ve seen that after a trek, many people begin to become more efficient with their work. They learn to do things on their own, especially those who have house help at home. Washing your own cutlery plays a major role in it. Trekkers who come with children appreciate this learning even more. It teaches children basic life skills. 

Using Dry Toilets

In the mountains, there are only dry toilets. These are deep pits dug into the earth, where you finish your business and use toilet paper to clean up. There’s no water, no seat, no pot (Indian or Western). 

The bad: Getting used to cleaning up with toilet rolls is something many of us have trouble with. Not being able to use water is another. You also have to cover up your business with mud (or at Indiahikes, we use a fast composting mixture). And doing all this in a space alien to you, a toilet tent, which is slightly away from the campsite takes time to get used to.

How to deal with it: Practice using toilet paper at home for a week before your trek, you’ll get used to it. Another tip is to wet the toilet paper a bit, to make it like wet tissue. Note: We do not allow packaged wet tissues in the mountains. They are non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment. 
The good: The good part of a dry toilet is that there’s no sight or smell when you go in. Everything is covered up with earth, there’s no mess from the usage of water. It’s a clean and hygienic experience. Many trekkers prefer it to normal public toilets by the end of the week.

So those are a few of the realities we wanted to share with you. 

Over the past ten years, we have found that just one week-long trek in the Himalayas leaves trekkers in a much better mental space. They are more open to challenges, they solve problems more easily, and they are more humble and open to learning.

I want to share with you all what Sandhya Chandrashekharayya, co-founder of Indiahikes, mentioned in one of her statements: ‘Everyone Must Trek.’ This belief comes from the transformative power of trekking. Trekking brings changes to our minds, bodies, and spirits that are hard to imagine.’

With this, I conclude. These are 7 small realities but highly impactful ones that change them for life. And that’s the beauty of a Himalayan trek! If you trek with Indiahikes, it becomes even more eventful & memorable.

If you have been on a trek and have any more points you’d like to add, drop in a comment below. We’d love to hear from you! 

Several realities make every Himalayan trek challenging and no one tells you about them. I would rather have you know about these now, much before you embark on your trek so that they don’t come at you as surprises. 

7 Realities Of Trekking No One Tells You About

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I’m writing this post with a bit of exasperation. 

These stats will explain why: Out of the 260 calls we receive every day, at least 40 are about the Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar treks, requesting slots in full groups. 

Most of our KGL and Tarsar Marsar groups were filled last year. Even after opening new groups, we are left only with the last few slots. The trek doesn’t have a higher carrying capacity. 

But here’s something most trekkers don’t know. 

We have seven other equally fantastic treks in Jammu and Kashmir. Most are on par with the beauty and adventure of the Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar. 

Given that these are new treks, trekkers don’t know them yet. But give it two years, and you’ll see these treks with a rush similar to KGL and TM. 

As a subscriber to my emails, I hope you use this information well and plan treks to other Kashmir treks instead of waiting on the most famous (and crowded) ones. 

Here’s the full list of 7 other great treks in J&K. 

If you have the Kashmir Great Lakes in mind, then Nafran Valley is a trek that makes the best alternative. I strongly recommend it. 

There are three reasons it makes a great alternative to KGL 

(a) The beautiful lakes of Harnag and Harbhagwan. 

Here’s a fact. This trek is so picturesque that it has been featured in our Mountain Lovers Gold Calendar since we discovered it. Only a handful of treks are chosen to be featured here, yet we can never ignore this trek. 

The big bonus is that you camp right next to the famous Kolahoi glacier.

Harnag Lake is the biggest and the most beautiful lake on the Nafran Valley trek. You get to walk beside this lake for two days! Picture by Bijju Shekar.

Bhaj Margi meadow is the grandest meadow of the Nafran Valley trek. If you are blessed with the clear weather, the morning or evening sunlight hitting the meadows is a stunning sight to witness. Picture by Diptarka Gupta.

Here’s the ultimate grassland trek in Jammu and Kashmir. Trekking from one valley to another, you will be treated to some of the region's most expansive grasslands. By now, trekkers know that if any grasslands come close to the Swiss Alps, they are the grasslands of J&K. That’s what you see on this trek. 

Yet, the grasslands are just one of the highlights of this trek. You also see around seven beautiful lakes on this trek, which gives you a classic Kashmir experience. 

The sunset from the Ashtaar Valley campsite makes you never want to leave this campsite. In fact, this is the case with almost all the campsites on the Bodpathri meadows trek. Photo by Nitesh Kumar.

A 10-minute gradual ascent from the Ashtaar Valley, you'll view the Tatakooti mountain. The sunrise from here is majestic, making the valley below, look magical. Picture by Pritish Bhanushali.

Bodsar lake is arguably one of the most beautiful lakes on the trek. You keep seeing the lake for hours even after you start ascending to Gadtar, you just have to turn back to take a look every now and then. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali.

This is the rarest of the treks you can do in J&K because it is our only trek in the Kishtwar region. Kishtwar, in the south of J&K, has some of the most beautiful valleys you can see. 

Here are 7 Terrific Alternatives within J&K

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