TREKKING ON THE MOUNTAINS WITH A BUDGET

Trekking on the mountains with a Budget

10 CRUCIAL TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR TRAVELLING COSTS ON A TREK

A trek trip is the most adventurous thing to do; the costs involved however are as adventurous!

Yes, treks to multiple day trips to higher altitudes are expensive. Hence, not only Planning and (fitness) Preparation, Financial aspects also are a mandatory prep to trekking.

There is no cause for worry though. There are some ways you can actually reduce your costs and fit it into whatever budget you have in mind.

Here some 10 crucial tips that you can use for that tight Budget!

1. Off season trekking

Planning a trek in an off season is the best bet to retain those dollars in your pocket. While the lack of queues will please your legs, the off season costs would certainly please your pocket.
Discount coupons are offered by many trekking companies during the off season. They can reduce your cost by 20% so keep a lookout for these.
The costs of Transportation and restaurants are also lesser than in the off season.

2. Accommodation

Scout for cheap guest houses. Check out on online forums for more information. There many experienced trekkers who keep sharing their experiences on these forums which you can use.

Costs can be further reduced if you share rooms or book well in advance particularly for treks in Nepal and north India.

3. Light weight packing

Packing light for travel is always a good job done; especially when you are to ascend great heights. Climbing becomes easier and you can travel more in less time.

Another big advantage of travelling light is that nearly 40% costs are reduced from your total trek costs!

How?

The costs accrued for use of mules or porters to carry your luggage will be nil! Of course attempt climbing up without support staff only after gaining considerable experience in trekking.

4. Carry your own food

Many travelers depend on outside food during trekking. Carrying your own food is a better option for the penny-pinching budget. You can use any or all of these tips…

Get pre cooked food for the journey. Foods with high carbohydrate content are best options on the mountains– sandwiches, granola bars cheese, tortilla wraps, dried fruit and meats will take care of your hunger pangs. These can be made at home and can be cheaper than restaurant food up the mountains.
Pack store-bought dehydrated food. Likewise buy a Utility dehydrator to do the job yourself.
Use energy bars for that extra burst of energy.
Eat locally; people of hills have their inexpensive food courts at highest of altitudes and serve yummy rice, spicy curries and even Yak cheese

5. Book transportation diligently

Transportation charges form major part of your expenses during travel. So, the more you cut costs here, the more beneficial it will be for you.

Avoid flights and cabs from your home to the trekking base. Use an economical mode of transport.
Some Railway stations are located many miles away from your trekking place. You have to hire another mode of transport to reach your trekking. It is better hence to opt for a bus service that stops closer to the trekking spot.
As the buses pass through many hairpin bends and turns. Therefore opt for a daytime journey so that you can get to an accommodation at night to sleep in peace.

6. Trekking gear

You really have to spend on good Trekking gear! Snow storms and other weather vagaries are common on top and you cannot survive the trip if you go unprepared.

You guessed right, the equipments cost a bomb!

But there are some ideas you can adopt to counter this issue.

Ask your trekking friends if they can rent out their equipment for you. There are some companies such as Sharepal.in, Hikers 360.com, Gears on Rent and others who offer trekking equipment on rent. Check offers on Indiamart as well.

Point to note: If you are borrowing trek clothing and shoes, do check if they fit you before you embark on the trip.

KEDARKANTHA TREK

7. Travel in groups

There are numerous advantages of going in a group while travelling. The first one would obviously be great company on an arduous journey. Another one would obviously be a reduction in travel expenses. Check out how…

You can share travel gear, food, rooms and porters.
Group discounts are also offered by tour companies if your group consists of 5+ members. And so, the more, the merrier – the more, the cheaper!

8. Choice of trekking destination

Low and medium mountain ranges are generally economical to trek. India and Nepal have fine offers in this direction. Also remember that the costs are inversely proportional to the group size – the bigger the group the lesser the per person cost.

Some budget friendly trips and their highlights…

1. Triund Trek

It is located in Dharmashala. The trek begins at Mcleodganj. But you can a hire a taxi for about 300/- to a temple that is the base. From there it is a walkable trek to the top and back. Even an 8 year old can try this trek.
Nearby tea stall offers some snacks and tea, so you can save on food costs as well.
Check out the amazing views of the valley of Kangra from the top
Costs for this trip could be as low as INR.1000 per person

2. Beas Kund Trek

This is a great trek for beginners. It is at an elevation of 12,772 m above sea level
It is within the Pir panjal mountain range. Amazing waterfalls and streams converge to river Beas here.
It is said that Rishi Vyas wrote Mahabharata after taking bath in the lake. Beas is hence derived from the word Vyas.
This trek could cost around 7000/- per person

3. Kheer Ganga Trek

The summit of this 2 day trip is at 10000 feet height.
Beautiful meadows with pine cover, gorgeous sunsets and cascading water attract a lot of visitors
Mythology tells that Lord Karthikey meditated for 1000 years here
Cost for this trip would be around INR 2000/- for the trek, excluding other expenses

4. Sainj Valley Trek

- It is located within the Great Himalayan National Park. It is a weekend trip that can be attempted any time of the year.
- You get to see unique flora and fauna here.
- The trek begins with amazing meadows in Shangash. It passes through beautiful villages, Raktisar glacier, apple orchards, Pundrik lake and temples
- The prices of this trek is approximately around 3000/- per person

5. Har Ki Dun Trek

- Idyllic summit is located in Garhwal at the height of 3556 m
- It provides all round trekking experience in terms of terrain and landscape.
- According to Mythology, this is the place from where Pandavas went to heaven. A temple of Duryodhan is located here.
- It passes through lovely isolated villages with amazing cultural traditions.
- This trek is a 6 days/night trip costing from approx 8000 – 15000

6. Chopta and Chandrashila Trek

It is a 2 nights trekking good for beginners.
A picturesque location it attracts lots of photographers.
Tungnath temple located here is highest temple for Shiva at altitude 3600 m
Cost per 2 -3 persons is below 5000, the costs decrease as the group size increases

7. Valley of Flowers Trek

At 3658m, above sea level the Valley of Flowers lies in the Garwal Himalayas. It takes 6 day to complete this trek
The mesmerizing landscape of flowers is an astounding Wonder of Nature
July-September is the best time to visit here
The cost of this trek would hover aroundINR.8000-9000 per person

There are many more such economical treks that will follow in the next article.

9. Understand the trail

When you go trekking do try to understand the route and use of the modern navigational instruments. Also, gaining knowledge of mountain terrain and observing weather patterns could help you attempt solo trips in future. This could save costs to appoint tour companies. We at Kashti Adventures provides one of the best budgeted treks in India.

10. Go local

Use local guides for your trips. There are many available during the shoulder seasons. For this you can check out online forums from other people who have already been there and done that. They can recommend some good local guides who will charge you less than other. Do assess the experience levels of the guides before you employ them.

Beyond these 10 tips you can

save on bank charges by choosing a bank partner who charges less for withdrawals abroad
Buy less things on the trip
Stay with friends you may have made in past trips and save on accommodation costs

Utilize cash backs and encash reward programs to enjoy an inexpensive and joyful trip in the Himalayas.