Trekking in the Himalayas - An Adventure to Remember


By Jacob M Martus


The Himalayas have long shaped the lives of people around the world, influencing both the Hindu and Buddhist religions. This vast mountain range stretches nearly 1,500 miles from west to east and spans across 6 different countries. Trekking in the Himalayas is an exciting adventure taking you through one of the most mystical regions on Earth. The trails through this mountain range have been traveled for hundreds of years and trekking here will allow you to experience one amazing sight after another.

Before going trekking in the Himalayas, it is important to be prepared for your journey. The climate here can change at the drop of a hat, going from freezing cold in the morning to baking hot during the afternoon. Having proper clothing and gear can make or break your trip. Below you will find the most essential items for a trekking trip into the Himalayas.


Wide-brimmed hat
Sunglasses
Quick-Drying T-shirts
Waterproof Jacket
Flexible warm gloves
Plenty of socks & underwear
Waterproof hiking pants
Comfortable & reliable hiking boots
Sleeping bag
First Aid kit
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Duffle Bag or hiking backpack

There are many popular treks throughout this mountain range and choosing one can be a challenge. However, all of them will provide you with an exciting and adventurous trip full of amazing views and challenging terrain. Today, we're going to look at three of the most popular treks through the Himalayas.

Mount Everest Base Camp - Nepal
Trekking to the first base camp of Mount Everest is the most popular of all trekking trips in the Himalayas. People really enjoy seeing where the world's most adventurous climbers stay on their journey to the top of Earths highest mountain. This trek begins in the Sherpa capital city of Khumbu and follows the Imja Khola river to the base of Mount Everest. Along the way, you will pass through many small mountain villages where you can experience the Sherpa culture. The people here are considered by many to be one of the most hospitable and friendly, especially to tourists. Meeting these people is a humbling experience and one you will not forget.

Ladakh India
Known for its challenging mountainous terrain and its sorted wildlife, Ladakh is one of the most popular areas for trekking in the Himalayas. Buddhist monasteries are abundant in Ladakh and visiting them offers a unique look at a lifestyle much different from our own. Trekking here will require some acclimatization to the altitude, as most of the area is above 10,000 feet in elevation. Views of the snow-capped mountains abound everywhere in Ladakh, clearly stating their dominance over the region.

Eastern Himalayas - Bhutan
Bhutan is world renowned for its predominantly Buddhist culture. Mystical looking monasteries perched high in the mountains are what awaits you here and seeing these beautiful works of art is truly awe-inspiring. The varied terrain moves from lush green forests in one area to snow-capped mountains in the next. Everywhere you look, traditional Asian buildings rest near the edge of precarious cliffs and frightening drop offs.

As you can see, the Himalayan mountains are a paradise for adventurers. Whether you are looking to experience the challenging mountainous terrain or the unique and friendly atmosphere of the Sherpa, the Himalayas offer one of the most exciting vacations on Earth.

These are just a few of the most popular areas of the Himalayas for trekking. There are many more worth seeing, and deciding on one just comes down to your own personal preference.

 

Jacob Martus publishes a website about Backpacking Through Europe. He enjoys helping budget travelers and adventurous spirits plan and enjoy their vacations. If you are looking to take a cheap trip to Europe, check out this related article: Backpacking Montenegro.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_M_Martus

 

© 2010 EzineArticles.com - All Rights Reserved Worldwide.