Beginner's Guide to Himalayan Trekking — Triund, Harkadun, Vale of Flowers, first expedition starting from Delhi

The first requirement for Himalayan trekking for beginners isAltitude, schedule, accessibilityIt's about achieving this balance. The three courses most frequently chosen by Koreans in the early days of their settlement in India are summarized below. All three coursesFixed lodge or national park designated campThere is little need for individuals to carry large camping equipment, and there are many regular expedition teams departing from Delhi, Rishikesh, and Dehradun, so it is not difficult to reserve a guide.

In what order should I take the challenge?

1. First: Triund— It is closest to Delhi and has a low altitude, so there is less risk of altitude sickness. A good place to start is in the spring or fall of your first year in India.
2. Second: Harkadun— It is a 6-7 day valley trek that passes through villages, cedar forests, and rivers. Suitable for first experience over 3,000m.
3. Third: Ballet of Flowers— Wildflower Valley has been designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. There is limited room for planning as it is the peak monsoon season between July and August, but once you visit, it will become an unforgettable part of your life in India.

The success or failure of a Himalayan trek is more than the equipment.Choose whenIt diverges from . The monsoon in northern India lasts from late June to mid-September, and during this period, landslides, rockfalls, and lost bridges actually occur in mountainous areas. Conversely, from December to February, snow accumulates and only beginner courses in lowlands are possible. The peak season varies slightly for each course, so make your plan based on the table below.

The only exception is during the monsoon season — Ballet of Flowers

Monsoons are generally a no-no for trekking, but Vale of Flowers is an exception. The wild flowers of this valley areImmediately after precipitation from mid-July to mid-AugustSince it peaks in , this period is rather treated as the original peak season. butCase of road loss between Govindgat and GangariaAs these occur frequently, be sure to check notices from the Uttarakhand government and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India and the latest guidance from the local trekking team before departure.

The grammar of winter trekking is different

Triund is also popular for snow trekking from December to February.Even if it is the same course, when the season changes, it is a completely different mountain.You must remember that this happens. Crampons (snow grips), thick waterproof gloves, and a cold-proof sleeping bag are essential, and sudden snowstorms in the afternoon can reduce visibility to several meters. If you are a beginner, you must do it in winter.Full-time away team with certified guideCome with us.

triundis a hill town in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.McLeod GanjThis is a one-day to one-night course starting from . The city itself, home to the Dalai Lama's Tibetan government-in-exile, is also a popular weekend destination among Koreans living in Delhi NCR, so Triund is a popular destination.‘First Himalayan trekking’Most often recommended.

basic information

• Distance/Altitude: Gallu Devi Temple trail head → Triund Ridge approx.9km (one way), normal altitude approx.2,828m
• time taken: 4-5 hours walk (one way). Depending on your physical strength, a round trip is possible on the same day.1 night 2 daysthis standard
• Difficulty level: Beginner. However, the last 1km uphill is steep, so expect some strain on your knees.
• lodgment: Many designated tent sites and cabins on the ridge. Advance reservation recommended during peak season and weekends

How to reach from Delhi NCR

1. night volvo bus: From Delhi Kashmiri Gate ISBT or Majnu Ka Tila to Dharamsala and McCloud Ganji approx.10-12 hours. There is an official schedule for HRTC and HPTDC, and reservations are typically made through the redBus app.
2. domestic flights: Delhi (DEL) → Kangra Gagal Airport (DHM). Flight approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Please note that flights are limited to 1-2 flights per day and weather cancellations are frequent.
3. After arriving at McCloud Ganji: Approximately 15-20 minutes to Galu Devi Temple trail head by autorickshaw or taxi.

Things to watch out for

• The altitude is around 2,800m, so the chance of serious mountain sickness (AMS) is low, but we arrived in Delhi.Don't climb right away on the same day.It's much easier to acclimate by sleeping overnight in McCloud Gansey.
• Tent camping on the ridgeOfficially licensed camping siteThis is only possible in , and there are seasons where unauthorized cooking is restricted to prevent forest fires. Please check in advance whether you have made a reservation through the lodge's SNS or reservation app.
• Crampons and trekking poles are required for snow trekking in winter (December to February), and beginners must be accompanied by a local guide.
• Korean and Tibetan cafes in downtown McCloud GanjiBhagsu Waterfall, Namgyal MonasteryIf you include it in your itinerary before and after trekking, your travel satisfaction will greatly increase.

harkadunis located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.Govind Pashu Vihar National ParkThis is a valley trail located within. As its name, which means 'Valley of the Gods' in Hindi, is characterized by a 6-7 day journey passing through mountain villages, rivers, and cedar forests with the Swargarohini peak as the backdrop.The highest altitude is approximately 3,566mIt is a challenging level for beginners, but the trail lasts for more than 4 days.Physical fitness preparation is definitely more intense than training..

basic information

• base camp: Sankri village — Most of the expedition team goes here for briefing, equipment check, and registration with the forest department.
• Trail Overview: Sankri → Taluka (vehicle) → Cheludgad → Osla → Har Ki Dun → round trip. Total walking distance approx.Approximately 48km (round trip)
• Sample schedule (6 days): Day 1 Sankri~Taluka~Cheludgad, Day 2 Cheludgad~Osla, Day 3 Osla~Har Ki Dun, Day 4 Har Ki Dun exploration and descent start, Day 5 descent, Day 6 Sankri~Dehradun
• Difficulty level: Beginner/Intermediate. 5-7 hours of walking per day

How to reach from Delhi NCR

1. Delhi → Dehradun: Approx. by night train (Nanda Devi Express, etc.) or Volvo bus.6-7 hours. For train reservations, the IRCTC app is standard.
2. Dehradun → Sankri: Approx. by jeep/minivan200km, 10~11 hours. It is a mountainous road, so you need to allow plenty of time to be safe.
3. Most of the regular away teams travel from Dehradun to Sankri.Included in packageTherefore, team pickup is more convenient and safer than individual transportation.

Things to watch out for

• Govind Pash Vihar National ParkEntrance fee and camera usage feeSeparately, at the Sankri Forest Department office.Registration by number of peopleYou need this. Foreigners have higher rates than Indians, so be sure to bring your passport. The exact rate changes every year.Check the official information from Uttarakhand Forest DepartmentThis is the principle.
• Because the altitude exceeds 3,000m,Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS)The risk is real. If you experience headaches, vomiting, or difficulty sleeping after the third day, do not force yourself to climb and descend.
• The Sankri-Kharkadun section isThere is almost no cell phone signal. BSNL has the best connectivity, but in practice, it is safer to go with a regular team equipped with radios and satellite communications.
• In Sankri villages, ATMs are often missing or broken. In DehradunPrepare plenty of cash (INR)Take care of the tips for the lodge, meals, and porters.

Since national park registration and admission fee processing may require a copy of your passport and e-FRRO registration certificate, it is convenient to upload a scanned copy to the cloud in advance. If this is your first time managing documents and setting up apps while living in India,Summary of life apps in IndiaIt is recommended that you set IRCTC (train), redBus (bus), and Paytm (payment) in advance by referring to the section.

Ballet of Flowers, UttarakhandChamoli areaofNanda Devi National ParkIt is an alpine valley that was listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1988. It is famous for the spectacle of over 500 species of wild flowers covering the entire valley during the summer when the snow melts and precipitation flows. butThe opening period of the valley is limited from June 1 to October 31 each year.(Check the Uttarakhand Forest Department notice for exact opening and closing dates), and the peak flower season isMid-July to mid-AugustThe defining characteristic is that it lasts only 4 to 6 weeks.

basic information

• trail head: Govindghat village (approximately 1,800m)
• main section: Govindghat → Ghangaria approx.13km (6-8 hours walk)→ About entering Ballet of Flowers4km (3-4 hours round trip)
• highest altitude: About the top of the valley3,600morder
• Sample schedule (4-5 days): Move to Delhi and Rishikesh → Arrive at Govindghat → 1 night at Ghangaria → Round trip to Vale of Flowers (same day) → Ghangaria → Govindghat → Return to Delhi
• importance: According to national park regulationsCamping or overnight stays in the valley are prohibited.. Must descend to Gangaria every evening.

How to reach from Delhi NCR

1. Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh: Night train or Volvo bus, approx.6-7 hours
2. Rishikesh → Govindgat: By mountain road approx.270km, 10~12 hours. Depending on the situation, it is recommended to stay overnight in Joshimath and then travel in the morning.
3. Govindgat → Gangaria: Hiking or pony rental. Recentlyhelicopter shuttleHowever, reservations are required and there are frequent weather cancellations.

Things to watch out for

• Valley entrance fee (entry ticket)is sold at Gangaria Forest Post, and the rates for foreigners are higher than for Indians. Fees and validity period change every year.Check the official information from Uttarakhand Forest DepartmentThis is the principle.
• July-August monsoon seasonShowers every afternoonIt's falling. It is safe to enter the valley early in the morning and return to Gangaria before 3 PM.
• The area from Govindgat to Joshimath to Chammolli isHistory of roads being lost due to landslides and floods in the pastThere is this. Be sure to check Uttarakhand disaster management notices and road conditions before departure, and allow extra time (±1 day) in your plan.
• Temple pilgrims (to the Sikh shrine of Hemkund Sahib) and trekkers share the same trail, so Gangaria accommodation is fully booked during peak season. make a reservationAt least 4-6 weeks in advanceFinish on.

India's trekking equipment market is located in Delhi's Karol Bagh, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Manali.DecathlonThis has become a de facto standard and there are several large stores in Delhi NCR where basic equipment can be procured in a day. butTrekking shoes that fit your feet and a backpack that fits your back.It is safer to prepare it in advance from Korea.

Preparation recommended in Korea

• trekking shoes: Waterproof mid-cut that reaches ankle length. Must travel at least 10 to 20 km before departureBreak-incomplete
• backpack: 30~40L for 2 days and 1 night, 50~60L for expeditions of 5 days or more. Model with adjustable backrest and sturdy hip belt
• 3 types of layering: Sweat-absorbing and quick-drying base layer, fleece/down mid-layer, waterproof/windproof shell (Gore-Tex or similar material)
• personal medicine: Painkillers, antidiarrheals, wound disinfection, bandages, antibiotic ointment. Altitude sickness prevention medication (Diamox, etc.)After consulting a doctor before departureGet a prescription

Available locally in India

• Trekking poles, headlamp, poncho/poncho cover, sleeping bag (-5°C to 0°C), waterproof stuff sack
• Socks, hat, gloves, buff, sunglasses (UV 400) — Decathlon’s own brand is inexpensive.
• High-calorie snacks, energy bars, and instant oatmeal — also available at Deli Premium Supermarkets (Le Marche, Modern Bazaar)
• Disposable hand warmers/crampons (snow grips) — Depends on season store inventory, check in advance for winter trekking

What you can pass on

• Large tent/cooking equipment: The regular away team prepares. Personal tents are just luggage.
• large capacity battery: There is a paid charging station at the lodge, and one 20,000mAh auxiliary battery is enough for a 5-day expedition.
• excessive camera equipment: All you need is one mirrorless + two spare batteries. Tripods have low usage relative to their weight.

The regular expedition team for Indian Himalayan trekking is largelyLarge trekking operators (travel operators)andLocal guide at mountain hut/village levelIt is divided into: If you are a beginnerIndian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF)orAdventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI)Choosing a registered company is much more advantageous in terms of safety management, insurance, and first aid protocols.

6 things you must check before booking

1. IMF or ATOAI registered?— Request disclosure of registration number on company website or when making inquiries
2. Guide/porter ratio: The minimum standard is 1 certified guide and 1 leader per 8 to 10 trekkers.
3. emergency response protocols: Whether or not oxygen cylinders, emergency evacuation, and mountain insurance are included?
4. Cancellation/refund policy: Refund rate in case of monsoon loss or cancellation for personal reasons
5. Reviews/Safety History: Cross-check history of major accidents over the past three years, reviews on Google, Tripoto, and Instagram
6. Payment method: The general structure is 30-50% down payment + on-site payment of the balance. Be careful about paying the full amount in advance

Self-check for altitude sickness (AMS)

When altitude exceeds 2,500m, altitude sickness (AMS: Acute Mountain Sickness) may occur regardless of individual differences. The most common symptoms are headache, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, and dizziness.Vomiting, staggering, loss of consciousnessThe rule is to descend immediately when appears. The precautionary principle is:

• daily elevation gainWithin 500mis ideal. Above 3,000m, secure an acclimatization day every two days.
• water a day3~4LRefrain from drinking coffee and alcohol
• On the first day after rising to altitude, avoid excessive activity and sleep at a low point (sleep low).
• Diamox (acetazolamide) is effective in prevention and treatment, butMust be prescribed by a doctorUsed under. Allergies and side effects must be checked in advance

Common safety rules for mountainous areas in India

• Please bring your original passport/visa and a copy of your e-FRRO registration certificate. This may be required when registering at a national park post.
• In alpine areas, BSNL signals are better. Airtel and Jio often lose signal above 3,000m, so use only for trekking.BSNL temporary SIM cardIt is convenient to prepare.
• Payment at lodges and villages is mostly in cash (INR). In remote areas like Sankri and Gangaria, there are no ATMs or they are broken.Prepare cash in advance in the citydo.
• Share the detailed itinerary and expected descent date with your family and company in advance, and save the Delhi Embassy Incident and Accident Team number and the company's local representative number.

If it is difficult to find a companion, one option is to use Korean trekking clubs in Delhi and Gurgaon. How to enter the communityIndian Korean Community GuideThe response to injuries and emergencies during the expedition was summarized inGuide to using hospitals and emergency care in IndiaPlease refer to .