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Uttarakhand - A Hiker's Paradise
If your cruising speed is “one step at a time”, walk this way. Whether you’re a casual walker or a die-hard hiker, we have a trip for you, be it a forest trail, river front, heritage walk, mountain trek or a bird watching expedition Uttarakkhand offers it all. Over 20-years of experience in Uttarakhand hospitality has taught us that going afoot is the best way to truly get off the beaten track. If you enjoy a good walk, then you'll certainly enjoy a hiking expedition within the lush green mountainous environs of the Himalayas. As hiking does not require any experience, a fit and healthy individual with enough courage is all it takes to take up the challenges and tame the wild.
Of course hiking involves walking, but there are certain things every individual should keep in mind, and pay attention to, before taking up the next hiking trip. The clothing should be of a fabric that provides a breather to your skin and allows your body to shed excess heat and sweat, so avoid cotton because it retains sweat. For cold weather, look for polypropylene such as Capilene, Thermion, Thermax and Thermostat or silk undershirt. For warm weather - Cool Max, Supplex or Polyester microfiber are good choices for base covering. In addition to this, you could wear a shirt and pants of wool, fleece and pile or down fabrics. A windproof and water-resistant jacket worn loosely also works as a good clothing option, which can be removed when you start feeling warmer while walking.
The right hiking shoes for your feet can make all of the difference for walking comfort and an enjoyable hiking tour. If your walks are passing through natural paths and off-beaten tracks, you may require more rugged shoes with a superior grip. Look for the lighter weight variety shoes for hiking that have some flexibility and are waterproof. The socks should also be made from Cool Max, polypropylene, or other woven fabric as they help the sweat to evaporate and help prevent blisters. Other things that a hiker should carry include a hat, waist and back packs, water bottles, a sunscreen and route maps.
One should drink water before, during, and after walking. Your comfort and stamina depends on getting enough water into your system while walking. A hiker needs to drink every half hour if walking at a moderate pace, more often if you are sweating it. Maybe getting lost or wandering in the middle of nowhere becomes enjoyable and exciting for some, but for most it's a frustrating and scary experience. For that reason, carrying a route map always helps and no hiker should set out without a trail map and compass. A comprehensive pre-tour briefing is absolutely essential for safety and security reasons.