Friday, May 29, 2009

SARPASS TREK - YHAI (Some tips)















SARPASS TREK - YHAI (Some tips)
Hi Friends,
With regard to my experience from 2009 May batch of SARPASS Trek through YHAI, I realized that there is no much information provided on any of the sites/blogs with regard to what to carry and what not to carry. From my own experience I realized that there was a lot missing. Hence I decided to write this blog, which could provide some information to the trekkers trekking SARPASS through YHAI.
- Do some basic preparation before the trek. Suggest some exercising, jogging to help you warm up for the trek. There are some very steep climbs. So better be prepared.
- At the YHAI base camp in Kasol you may leave your extra baggage and collect
it back on your return . You may want to carry your mobile phones along as
at most camps there is connectivity available.
- YHAI provides for Rucksacks and sleeping covers. Hence you may not want to carry your own rucksack.
- As there is a whole lot to climb, carry minimal stuff to reduce weight.
YHAI provides for sleeping bags and blankets at every camp. Hence avoid carrying your own sleeping bags.
- One may not be able to take bath in the cold temperature. Hence avoid carrying toiletries like shaving kits etc that may not be of use.
- It’s very slippery in the snow and may also rain heavily. Hence wear a good trekking shoe. Ideally a water proof one. We friends had purchased Lafuma and Merrell, which has Goretek (waterproof) and Vibram sole (considered best for hiking). It may be a little expensive, but worth buying considering the steep and slippery climbs). Try keeping your shoes dry as much as possible.
- YHAI serves food at all camps during the trek. Hence it’s important to carry a tiffin box, small bowls, and a glass. We also used butter paper, which helped us avoid greasing of our tiffins. It was very hand. Hence I would recommend you carry some butter paper along to place over the tiffin box before you get your food packed.
- Now most important thing – Clothes. What to carry, what can be avoided.
Must Carry – Thermal wear for extreme temperatures. A rain coat which cover till your knees. (Make sure it has a hood). Carry 2 to3 trousers. 3 –T-shirts, which you can reuse during the treks. Avoid extra clothes. One good Jacket is a must, which keeps warm inside, and also which is waterproof from outside (Weather may get extremely cold, Hence ensure you have best Jacket.). 3 to 4 sets of Socks. (Make sure it’s absolutely dry when you are wearing them to avoid blisters). A monkey cap that covers most of your face, a water proof gloves which is also warm inside.Towels,napkins.
Note: Do not wear wet clothes. Look to dry it everyday. If required you may keep your clothes overnight in your sleeping bags provided by the YHAI at every camp. It will help dry your clothes. You may also keep your water bottles inside the sleeping bags to keep the water warm. Travel light.
- Water is available in most camps. Hence 1 little of water bottle should suffice
(ideally a sipper). Reckon carry an extra empty water bottle which may be
used for cleaning etc.
- Your regular tablets. Some First aid kit (pouch) may be carried along.
- Other essentials to carry
- Torch is a must.
- Shades to avoid direct contact from UV rays. Preferably black glasses.
- Good Sunscreen Lotion
- Cold cream (Moisturiser,Vaseline)
- Sanitizer, Toilet Papers, Powder to keep your feet clean.
- At some places the local villagers also provide for food during the lunch breaks. They serve Maggies, omlets, tea etc. There may be porters also available in some camps to carry the rucksacks. Hence you may want to carry some cash along.
- Carry your camera, there are excellent scenic views where you can take awesome pictures.

At any stage of the trek if you feel you may not be able to move ahead, then I would suggest you return back. It’s no point strectching/risking yourself. There is always a next time in life.

The above information provided is from my own personal experience. This blog is an attempt to help SARPASS trekkers get some additional information on the YHAI – SARPASS Trek. One may choose not to consider this suggestion.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Indian Stock Markets Soar Historic High – 15% in 60 seconds >>>>

Indian Stock Markets Soar Historic High – 15% in 60 seconds >>>>
Yesterday we witnessed Indian stock markets soar overall 20% high in just 60 + 15 seconds of trading hitting the upper circuit. The trading had to be halted. The positive news of election results and a stable government in the country has boosted the sentiments of investors. Thus we saw such a rocket high index in just seconds of trading yesterday. This will create a lot of interest among the foreign investors to invest in Indian stocks. Can we say Indian stock market will now serve as an Oasis for the investors in the time of recession? Time will tell.
In my earlier articles I had a mention of the tremendous growth which India will witness in near term and medium term. I guess this is the dawn of the growth which we are witnessing. From the economy stand point in India, a stable government will now enable for some of the reform bills to be passed in the parliament. Most important of which is the Insurance bill, which is long awaited. Thus a good long-term investment can be foreseen in the insurance sector space. The real estate stocks also rose very high from yesterday’s rocketing rally.
Yesterday’s rally also helped some of the US stocks take a positive cue and hence we also saw some of US stocks in green. Thus changing the sentiments of investors towards a positive direction.
Overall a strong indication of growth. I feel, its now the right time to invest in some of the stocks which are still cheap to buy with a high potential to grow. Good time for retail investors to make money too.

Times are changing >>>>

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Green Revolution, Greener Planet - A gimmick of the corporate world..


Green Revolution, Greener Planet - A gimmick of the corporate world..

Friends I thought this week I would pen down my experience of the recent Himalayan trek. But this trip pushed me to write for a cause which is more important and that's Global Warming. The bad weather which took lives of 2 during my recent trek has compelled me to write this blog.

Friends we have been seeing some ads in television of green revolution, go green etc..These initiatives have been put up by various corporates to pretend and cover up of being aware of the global warming and trying to do their bit. Initiatives like no use of paper, less use of power, plastic etc are being taken. All these to me seem to be such a gimmick. On one end these corporations are building power plants, more factories, vehicles emitting smoke which adds to the global warming and on the other end they advocate for a green planet by limiting their use of papers in the offices, building gardens around their offices/homes. You create troubles for the planet and then just say that you are being responsible by taking some measures to stay green. And what is annoying is that the entire world is blind about all this.

Honestly we are not realizing the mistakes, we are doing. My trek to the Himalayas was suppose to have an ideal weather to trek during this season. But it had turned disastrous. Heavy rainfall, snow storms, extreme temperatures made it really difficult for some of the trekking teams. Some groups were sent back. 2 of them even died. No one expected the weather to deteriorate so badly. It’s all due to the global warming.

Gradually we humans are creating a danger for ourselves by making our planet a difficult place to live.

Lot more has to be done to conserve our resources and create enough greener pastures. Not by destroying the forests and building concretes and then saying we are providing gardens around your house.
Pls think though it…