Here's some general information for anyone planning on going for treks but don't know how to go about it -

Where to go :

  Try to pick a place that isn't very far away. Going trekking to some exotic place you've only heard of might sound exciting, but organizing such a trek is not easy unless you've had some experience.

  In summer ,pick places that will most probably have water year round. In the winter, any place would be appropriate (especially right after the rains end) but avoid high altitude treks.

  Trekking in the Monsoon is a great experience but it has it's disadvantages. You normally end up wet and dripping at the end of the day. The leeches are another bad thing, but remember one thing - Leeches draw a few millilitres of blood only and they do not hurt. In fact ,you won't even know you've been bitten by a leech. So, don't believe any stories about people fainting due to blood sucking by leeches !

Mullayangiri Range -Western Ghats	Celebrating 'Govinda day' in College !!

How to go :
  You can either get together with friends and organize a trek or you can join a local Adventure club or the local chapter of the Youth Hostel. Becoming a member of the Youth Hostel is a good idea anyway because then you can stay at any of the Youth Hostels around the world for a nominal fee.

  If your town doesn't have a trekking outfit (!) The only option is to organize the trek yourselves. The first thing to do is to decide on the place and the duration of the trek. Once you know the number of people accompanying you on the trek, draw up a list of items everyone will require. if you're going to an out of the way place, you'll need to make arrangements for food, travel & stay.

  The smaller the group, the easier the trek. You can make better time with lesser numbers. The logistics are much simpler. You get to know each other better. Any number below eight can be considered a small group. BUT, a larger group has fun. You may take longer to complete the trek but who cares!

One of the longest railway bridges in Asia	Gadhwal Himalayas - Kuari Khal

What To Take :

    Travel light. Remember this and you've solved half the problem. Whatever you take, you'll have to carry yourself, and you just might find yourself the moment you decided to to bring that new jean and that wollen sweater. Just take the bare minimum along. Travelling light doesn't mean you should forget the basic necessities.  The following list contains most of the stuff you'll need for a trek. Some of the items (especially clothes) vary depending on the terrain and climate in which you plan to trek.

    Medicines, Toilet paper (yes, TP should be on the top of your list !), one or two changes of clothes, at least half as many pairs of underclothing as the number of trekking days, same for the socks, toiletries, torch, a sewing needle and thread, water, a plate and tumbler if you're cooking for yourself, matches/lighter, deodorant ('cause you normally don't get a chance to have a bath on a trek ! ).

    Go easy on the soaps & stinkum if you're trekking in a forested area and expect to see any animals. Animals are very sensitive to foreign odours (I don't mean your imported perfume) . Take foot powder along ; your feet need more care than the rest of your body. Use an old pair of shoes that you're comfortable with. Going for a new pair of shoes on the eve of a trek will defenitely give you cramps or blisters or worse.

    While packing your rucksack, remember to keep the heavier thing at the bottom and the lighter ones on top. While walking, you're less likely to lose your balance if you do this. Maintain symmetry while packing. The weight should be equally distribued on both the shoulders. Keep the things you'll need frequently (camera, pen knife etc.) in a waist pouch or the outside pocket of the rucksack. If you're trekking in a rain prone area, put each class of item in a seperate plastic cover before packing them.