"Just as a white summer-cloud, in harmony with heaven and earth, freely floats in the blue sky from horizon to horizon, following the breath of the atmosphere - in the same way the pilgrim abandons himself to the breath of the greater life that wells up from the depth his being and leads him beyond the farthest horizons to an aim which is already present within him, though yet hidden from his sight".

Trekking is the most natural way to travel through a mountain land - on foot and at human speed. As with all travel, it is at its best when it becomes a sort of pilgrimage, a challenging game played to enrich you physically, emotionally and occasionally spiritually. Of course, this kind of game can be played at home. Yet there are some places that lend a hand to the 'pilgrim'; places where it is easier to live simply and at a slower pace, where the landscape creates awe and demands respect, and where the way of life challenges your preconceptions and offers refreshing alternatives.

Travelling on foot with few luxuries but with all your basic needs is a liberating experience. This may be hard to appreciate on the first few days of a trek as you struggle with the physical pain of exercise, the discomfort of few possessions, and the mental torment of veering from intense happiness one moment to the depths of despair the next. Then suddenly you break through the barrier. Rising with the sun, walking all day and sleeping under the stars feels the most natural thing in the world. Your body thrives on its new-found energy while your mind, lulled by the rhythm of walking, is freed from its habits and rush. This is the intoxication of being truly alive.

Trekking offers wonderful opportunities for direct interaction with unique cultures and the natural world, while also providing precious moments to explore your own values and capabilities. If you walk through the Himalayas with an open mind, as well as awareness and sensitivity, you will have done everything to ensure a fascinating and rewarding trip. That fit, tanned figure may not last but the experiences gleaned from along the trail can change your whole life.With a group or on your own?

Foreign travellers have been following Ladakh's mountain trails for centuries. For over a thousand years long rambling caravans of heavily-loaded

Precautions: It is advisable to be medically examined before starting a trek. The first aid kit for the trek, should include basic medicines and bandages for cuts, burns, headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and sore throat. Running water should be used for washing, and washing should be done well downstream of campsites. Keep a map handy, and set a comfortable pace. Allow for time to enjoy the panoramic and magnificent sites of the awesome mountains, rivers, flora and fauna. 

Permits: Indian nationals need no permission for trekking in any area, outside the Inner Line. For routes inside the Inner Line, the local District Magistrate's permission, or that of the Central Home Ministry is necessary. For foreigners, crossing the Inner Line is not permitted. Treks upto 4900 mts need no permission, and can be undertaken on tourist visas. For treks above 4900 mts, prior permission is to be taken from the IMF. Camera permits are also necessary.

Equipment: A firm rucksack with broad straps, sleeping bag, foam mattress, comfortable walking shoes, raincoat, torch, matchboxes, umbrella, and water bottles are essential. Personal clothing including woollen shirts, pullovers, T-shirts, feather jacket, longjohns, toilet items, camera and film, should be included to suit the duration and altitude of the trek, while keeping the overall weight to the minimum.

Insurance: This is possible through the standard insurance companies. The IMF, Indian Air Force, and local authorities should, as far as possible, be kept informed of the route.