SAVE HIMALAYAS - BE A GREEN HIKER

Few experiences in the world can match the ecstasy of sitting in a lime green meadow in the highest alpine mountains with wildflowers and ponies tor company. Stretching over 2,400 km along the Indian subcontinent, home to over 100 peaks higher than 20,000 ft and boasting 15,000 glaciers, the Himalayas offer much more than a series of geographical superlatives. Think natural beauty in liberal doses, think mysterious forests, think landscapes that vary every 10 km, think about the humbling scale of the peaks, think vast, high-altitude deserts, think unique wildlife and tremendous rivers, and you might begin to understand why man gravitates towards these enormous giants.

But as Alex Lowe, the celebrated mountaineer, once said, 'There are two kinds of climbers, those who climb because their heart sings when they're in the mountains, and all the rest." Today, the Indian Himalayas endure, on an average, an influx of 1,28,70,928 enthusiastic tourists every year, which is almost one-third of their entire human population. In this modern age, riding a bike to Leh is considered a rite of passage, and the biggest high that the self-proclaimed Marco Polos of the year 2010 can concoct is driving a 4WD into the north-eastern Himalayas and setting up a blog upon return, peppered with ample pictures of remote valleys. But this is the nemesis of our generation, and it is this very remoteness that stands endangered. Despite enough public messages and easy access to information, glacial meltdown is threatening eco stability. For example, the glacier that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay camped on for their first ascent of Mt Everest, has retreated five kilometres upslope and melting rates worldwide have doubled since the 1980s remains only another newspaper report to most, intrepid travelers included.

Save Himalayas - Be a Green Hiker

• Get local guides wherever possible so that the economic benefits remain in the region.
• Purchase locally grown food and beverages wherever possible.
• Support community based initiatives like home stays.
• Be considerate when using shared infrastructure and services.
• Minimize pollution from phones, radios, loud conversations, sudden movements, flash photography, bright colored clothing and open fires
• Avoid night-time wildlife sightseeing tours unless required for conservation projects
• Avoid feeding wildlife.
• Learn more about sensitive sites and species in the local area by talking to local area managers, conservation groups, researchers or other professionals.

Based on this information, small changes in tour routes, how often they are used, the duration of activities or the key natural sites visited could help prevent irreversible damage and allow natural areas to regenerate.
Use established tracks and sites wherever possible when choosing routes and campsites. Avoid clearing new areas or tracks to help minimize erosion, habitat-clearing and trampling on vegetation. Where there are a few key routes and sites, rotate the ones used to allow areas to recover without putting too much pressure
on anyone area. This can be particularly important where there are no sealed or graveled tracks or boardwalks. When choosing routes and campsites, avoid highly sensitive sites such as breeding grounds (which may be seasonal) and areas where vulnerable or sensitive species exist. Avoid camping within a distance of 30m from water bodies and 100m from cave entrances. Clean all equipment and footwear before entering mountain areas to avoid chemicals entering waterways and exotic seeds and diseases entering the local ecosystems. Avoid open fires to reduce accidental fires and scarring of the landscape in dry areas. In snow-covered areas, this can also help protect sensitive vegetation beneath the snow. Remove all artificial structures after use. In snow-covered areas in particular, it is important to remove kitchens, shelters and other constructions after use as they are visually unattractive and create artificial wind and water breaks. Avoid over-packaged goods and disposable items. Purchase in bulk and use recyclable and refillable containers where possible. Keep waste and chemicals away from natural water bodies. Avoid the use of cleaning products, soaps, detergents and toothpaste near or in fresh water. Be careful with the disposal of human waste. If toilets are unavailable, bury human waste at least 15 cm deep and 100m from water sources or campsites. Use permanent toilets or portable chemical toilets where possible.

But consider the impact of off-track driving as opposed to routes that stick to metaled roads, think about the noise pollution generated due to any festival, not to forget the waste left behind, and you are getting closer to the issue. In higher altitudes, tourist season coincides with peak wildlife activity, which affects the fragile ecosystem in more ways than one. Tourists clean out sparse mountain vegetation for campfires, leaving very little food For wild herbivores, and disturbances to animals such as the wild ass, often chased by jeep safaris, isn't unheard of either. Breeding grounds of the waterfowl and black-necked cranes are under serious threat as well.


Almost all of the Himalayas are in danger, and if we don't wake up to the looming reality, our future generations will be unable to enjoy world's most fantastic natural heritage. Hillary summed up the reality of our situation in these words: "Cod has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools' Mountains are worth saving, and you can help do it."

DRIVING RULES IN THE HIMALAYAS

Here are a few pointers to guide you towards a better drive in the mountains.

• First and foremost, be nice.
• Keep to the left, especially around corners
• Move out to overtake only when you have a clear line of sight
• Never stop too close to the vehicle ahead - if it rolls back while trying to start off your car could be damaged. Be courteous and patient - not everybody may have the torque and power you have so show them some consideration
• Right of way- on narrow roads there may be times when you'll need to wait for an oncoming vehicle to pass. Or you might need to back up to a wider area. It is courteous to give right of way to the driver with the more cumbersome vehicle. 
• Breakdowns-if you can, do try to help fellow motorists who have broken down on lonely hill roads. I have helped people and have always been helped in similar situations. I call it motoring karma. 
• Horn Not Ok Please-Go easy on the horn, but do toot it when you are going around corners or blind bends

HEALTH AND SAFETY DURING YOUR SUMMER DRIVE

• If you or your passengers start feeling the altitude severely then descend to a lower altitude immediately. On no account should you climb higher or spend the night at that altitude. Remember that mild symptoms like headache and nausea are quite normal.
• Buckle up - always wear your seatbelt and insist that all passengers wear them too.
• Fuel and punctures - start looking for a petrol pump after your car's gauge goes below half. Also if you do get a puncture, have it repaired at the first opportunity.
• Rest - if you're tired, rest. Dozing off at the wheel on a hill road is almost always fatal.
• Edges - some mountain roads have crumbly edges. Do stay away from them Rockfall and landslides-at potential landslide areas do not stop or linger. Go through as soon as possible.
• Water crossings - do not rush through streams that you might have to cross. There might be hidden rocks that could damage the underbelly of your car. Gauge the depth and the path by observing the car ahead and then drive across slowly.
• Motion sickness and high-altitude sickness - remember to take motion-sickness pills half an hour before starting off. They are no good once the sickness has come on. Remember that they do bring on drowsiness.

THE ROAD FROM BINSAR TO MUNSIYAR

When you drive from Almora to Binsar you think that it couldn't get any prettier. Then you continue on towards Munsiyari and happily realise that it does. You will also think that the roads can't get any narrower, but they do. Solace lies in the fact that there is once again very little traffic and the views more than make up for the width of the road.

Yes I want to go, tell me how

Head from Delhi to Rampur (230 km) on NH 24 and then turn left turn onto NH 87 which is the Bilaspur-Rudrapur-Haldwani route. From Haldwani head towards Almora and from Almora head to Binsar. En route, you can also visit Nainital and Mukteshwar. Binsar is 180 km from Rampur and it should take about 6 hours. The distance from Binsar to Munsiyari is 180 km and will take another 6 to 7 hours, but this is an even more stunning drive that passes through little villages and past tranquil lakes.

Binsar has wooded trails to explore, stunning sunrises to photograph and perhaps a chance sighting of a leopard or two. Munsiyari has simply astounding views of snow-capped mountains. It is while standing in Munsiyari, looking out at lofty white peaks that seem close enough to touch, that you realize that you have well and truly beaten the heat and escaped from the clutches of summer. Binsar is meant for walking enthusiasts and the places to stay here are Mountain Resort,

Munsiyari is the place for trekking enthusiasts and if you have tents, carry them along because there are plenty of campsites where you could bed down for a delicious dose of even more adventure, camp at Chandra Tal, which is near the Kunzum La on your way from Kaza to Manali. For the night cradled between towering white peaks. Or, you could stay at the Zara Resort (Tel: 05961 222 524), where the staff are very helpful, but be warned that it is quite basic.

THE ROAD FROM DEVPRAYAG TO KANATAL

Devprayag is a holy city in the Garhwal region and it is here that the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers meet to form the Ganga which then rushes down to Rishikesh. You could visit Rishikesh and spend a few days at Devprayag, but these will still be hot because they lie down in the valley. To escape the heat you have to take the road to Kanatal from Devprayag that goes via New Tehri and Chamba. The drive to Kanatal offers lovely mountain vistas and absolutely stunning scenery not to mention very sparse traffic.






Start from Devprayag and head towards Rudraprayag on NH 58. Twenty-five kilometres from Devprayag, much before Rudraprayag turn lei onto the little road that climbs away into the hills towards Dangchunara. Just before Dangchunara there is another very narrow road that heads towards New Tehri. You can take this road for very scenic views or head down the main road and go to New Tehri via Molnari. From New Tehri drive to Chamba and then take the road towards Kanatal, Dhanaulti and Mussourie.Devprayag to Kanatal should take you about 5 hour.You can drive back to Delhi via Mussourie and Dehradun which should take about 7 hours.

You could stay at The Terraces which is a very charming property at Kanatal and has unhindered views of the snow-capped ranges. There are lovely walks within the property itself as well as an in-house spa for massages and other pampering. There are also visits to nearby forest reserves on offer. The rooms are very comfortable with lovely big balconies and multicuisine food is on offer.

THE ROAD TO MORI

The road to Mori leaves behind the hustle bustle of the Indian plains at Dehradun and then takes the motorist past Mussourie on a lovely -narrow mountain road through pine forests, past waterfalls and down to the Tons River. This is a driving trip to adventure which can be found on raft on the Tons. Or else you could simply stay by the river in a tent and partake in small and interesting treks everyday.

Head to Dehradun and then take the road to Mussourie. From there take NH 123 to Nainbagh and follow it right through to Naugaon. From here take the road to Purola and follow it to Mori. You could do the delhi to mori drive in a long eight-hour driving day.

You could stay at Camp Lunagad the banks of the tons river. Sleeping close to the river and hearing it rush by isan experience in itself. The food is very tasty and -the toilets are very basic.