Hello to all fellow members,
Me and my spouse are planning to have a first Solo trekking in February. We wish to have it independently sans any agency. It is requested to guide on following :
1. We are planning for a trek to Chopta. Any other trek that can be better considering that it will be our first trek.
2. Things to take care of while going for solo trekking.
3. How to get permits.
4. We have done bike trip to Spiti. So AMS issues we are aware of. However, any specific medical care to be taken.
5. Dangers of any wild life/locals.
Thanks in advance.
Utkarsh
I assume you are talking about trek from Chopta to Chadrashila/Tungnath ?
Assuming that you are please keep following in mind and that you are planning in February
- Most of the trek from Chopta to Chandrashila will be under snow, with amount of snow increasing as you go up.
- Also, Feb-Mar is the time when a lot of WDs hit Himalayas and Snowfall is very common. There are good chances that roads to Chopta might be snowed out and you may have to start treking from Duggalbita or even below.
- I would suggest to take a guide , as there would be no marked trail. There are good chances to get lost easily. Also, it is always good to have a backup. AMS should not be a issue on this trek, but Snow and weather can be. A guide cum Porter would come in very handy.
- Locals would be very sparse to find on this trail, specially in February. In fact next to none.
- Wild life encounter is a possibility. We did this trek in April first week, there was loads of snow. Looking back, we were wise to take a local guide. We had a wild encounter with a leopard. And even had an encounter with Bear in night. So, I would suggest to take someone along.
- No permits are needed for Chopta.
- As an alternative option Har ki Doon comes to my mind instantly as a good winter trek. it is more frequented and chances of finding help in case of any untoward incident are good. Prashar could be another short option.
- While trekking solo, you will have to arrange following things for yourselves
- tents, sleeping bags. Even if Chopta to Tungnath is a short trek, please factor in weather on the top can get worse in no time and you may not be able to find your way back in those conditions.
- Carry dry rations like dry fruits, choclates, energy bars.
- Carry couple of torches with some batteries.
- batteries to be protected from cold or they die off real quick.
- Always inform your whereabouts to some friend or someone in family, whenever you get a chance to connect.
- Carry adequate winter clothing as you plan to do it in feb.
