Trek the Himalayas - Roopkund trek - Advise needed

A

alekhkhanna

Skilled
Hey guys,
Planning a trek with TTH - Roopkund trek - 21st Sept batch. First time trekker here, so need a know how on the items I should buy. TTH has listed most of the things here: http://www.roopkund.co.in/Trek-Essential.html , but wanted some community input from trekkers, if any.
Which backpack should I go for ? What shoes, specially since I'm flat footed (many recommend Quencha) ? How long will it take to get accustomed to the new shoes ? Any online sites for ordering most of the items as would like to order on EMI ?
Anything else I should keep in mind ?
Kindly guide a n00b trekker. Anybody interested in joining ?

Thanks in advance. :)
 
IF you have not finalized, Have a look at YHAI. They have awesome and el-cheapo (But very very good) trek plans. (do not know about roop kund but for Valley of Flowers every year). They enroll group of 15-30 chaps in each trip. Price should be 6K-7K including everything.

IMP - Prep by taking 4-5 KM walks or at least 2-3 KM running everyday. If you do not run regularly, start by walking / running for 1 KM everyday, and increase distance gradually. This will drastically improve your trekking exp. Else, during trek, your will stop after every 20-30 mins for catching your breath. Again, very imp to prep for 1-2 months before going for a trekking trip of 9-10 days, to get best possible experience.

For items, most of the trek organizers provide all the details regarding what a trekker should be carrying. So once you decide your organizer, best thing is to ask them. They will provide all the details. Commonly used trek stuff is rucksack (do not opt for biggest one, choose optimum size as per the items which you might carry during trek), hiking shoes, knife (multi purpose), or Hunting knife , minimal clothing, and rest of the your stuff. Quencha is good for shoes.

Some more - http://www.decathlon.in/hiking/footwear/shoes/forclaz-700-men/p-245918.htm

In my opinion, do not buy shoes which are covered above ankle, like this - http://www.decathlon.in/hiking/footwear/shoes/forclaz-700-men/p-245918.htm . For long mounitain treks, these can be little bit uncomfortable. (Personal opinion) And please no woodlands.

Else go with these kind of shoes - http://www.decathlon.in/hiking/footwear/shoes/forclaz-flex-3-low-novadry/p-248656.htm

Tents and stuff is generally provided by organizers. Some also provide you Hunting knife.
 
crossbow said:
IF you have not finalized, Have a look at YHAI. They have awesome and el-cheapo (But very very good) trek plans. (do not know about roop kund but for Valley of Flowers every year). They enroll group of 15-30 chaps in each trip. Price should be 6K-7K including everything.

IMP - Prep by taking 4-5 KM walks or at least 2-3 KM running everyday. If you do not run regularly, start by walking / running for 1 KM everyday, and increase distance gradually. This will drastically improve your trekking exp. Else, during trek, your will stop after every 20-30 mins for catching your breath. Again, very imp to prep for 1-2 months before going for a trekking trip of 9-10 days, to get best possible experience.

For items, most of the trek organizers provide all the details regarding what a trekker should be carrying. So once you decide your organizer, best thing is to ask them. They will provide all the details. Commonly used trek stuff is rucksack (do not opt for biggest one, choose optimum size as per the items which you might carry during trek), hiking shoes, knife (multi purpose), or Hunting knife , minimal clothing, and rest of the your stuff. Quencha is good for shoes.

Some more - http://www.decathlon.in/hiking/footwear/shoes/forclaz-700-men/p-245918.htm

In my opinion, do not buy shoes which are covered above ankle, like this - http://www.decathlon.in/hiking/footwear/shoes/forclaz-700-men/p-245918.htm . For long mounitain treks, these can be little bit uncomfortable. (Personal opinion) And please no woodlands.

Else go with these kind of shoes - http://www.decathlon.in/hiking/footwear/shoes/forclaz-flex-3-low-novadry/p-248656.htm

Tents and stuff is generally provided by organizers. Some also provide you Hunting knife.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Will check with YHAI.
I do walk on incline (7-12 degrees) for around 2 kms and another 2 kms on a cross trainer everyday. And I agree, not comfortable with ankle covered shoes. But are the shoes you linked good for flat footed ? Reason I'm asking it I'm a complete flat footer, so any arcing causes pain while walking (after 5-10 mins).
 
No no. That was just for example. Do not know whether they are flat footed. Better to check with decathlon. Roop Kund is at tremendous height. It will be fun.
 
crossbow said:
No no. That was just for example. Do not know whether they are flat footed. Better to check with decathlon. Roop Kund is at tremendous height. It will be fun.
Click to expand...
No stores nearby (Lucknow). Any suggestion on the backpack size ? 50-60 ? Should I get a porter (don't really want to, but if it hampers my photography experience, then I might) ?
 
alekhkhanna said:
No stores nearby (Lucknow). Any suggestion on the backpack size ? 50-60 ? Should I get a porter (don't really want to, but if it hampers my photography experience, then I might) ?
Click to expand...

Directly send query to decathlon for Quencha shoes. This is their official website - http://www.decathlon.in/hiking. Everything hiking related stuff. Sorry I pasted wrong link in first reply. IIRC flipkart also deals with decathlon.

For rucksack, 60 should be good. Most of the times during trek, you will be wearing Jackets which IMO will take most of your luggage space . No need to get porter IMO.

60 and 70 L backpacks -
http://www.decathlon.in/hiking/backpacks/large-volume
http://www.flipkart.com/bags-wallets-belts/luggage-travel/rucksacks/pr?p[]=facets.capacity%5B%5D=60+L&p[]=facets.capacity%5B%5D=65+L&p[]=facets.capacity%5B%5D=70+L&p[]=sort=relevance&sid=reh,plk,san&q=rucksack&ref=4df46e4e-e6c8-4687-aca6-8c6f2f54383d#jumpTo=400|10

This is cheap but not waterproof - http://www.decathlon.in/hiking/backpacks/large-volume/forclaz-60-brown/p-234623.htm

Do not know about rucksacks with special SLR compartment. If they exist, they will be costly. I guess, workaround would be to get a shoulder bag for SLR. How many lens are you planning to carry ? Holster can be another option as well. Trip will be long and there will be walking and hiking for long duration, so rucksack is most imp. So SLR backpack with porter is not recommended.


EDIT - Wildcraft store must be there in your city. Visit there. And get some idea about rucksacks and jackets and stuff.

EDIT 2 - http://www.indiamike.com/india-sear...e=&date=all&city=&state=&category=&customTag=
 
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crossbow said:
Directly send query to decathlon for Quencha shoes. This is their official website - http://www.decathlon.in/hiking. Everything hiking related stuff. Sorry I pasted wrong link in first reply. IIRC flipkart also deals with decathlon.

For rucksack, 60 should be good. Most of the times during trek, you will be wearing Jackets which IMO will take most of your luggage space . No need to get porter IMO.

60 and 70 L backpacks -
http://www.decathlon.in/hiking/backpacks/large-volume
http://www.flipkart.com/bags-wallets-belts/luggage-travel/rucksacks/pr?p[]=facets.capacity%5B%5D=60+L&p[]=facets.capacity%5B%5D=65+L&p[]=facets.capacity%5B%5D=70+L&p[]=sort=relevance&sid=reh,plk,san&q=rucksack&ref=4df46e4e-e6c8-4687-aca6-8c6f2f54383d#jumpTo=400|10

This is cheap but not waterproof - http://www.decathlon.in/hiking/backpacks/large-volume/forclaz-60-brown/p-234623.htm

Do not know about rucksacks with special SLR compartment. If they exist, they will be costly. I guess, workaround would be to get a shoulder bag for SLR. How many lens are you planning to carry ? Holster can be another option as well. Trip will be long and there will be walking and hiking for long duration, so rucksack is most imp. So SLR backpack with porter is not recommended.
Click to expand...
Already called up Decathlon. They don't have a clue on flat footed shoes. :(
For backpacks, was thinking of going for the Wildcraft 65 ltrs bag (http://www.flipkart.com/wildcraft-g...t+65&ref=641b9141-0e3f-4ed2-a7aa-66063584631d)
For camera, was thinking something from Lowerpro, but they are costly. Not much info on waterproofing too. I just have 2 lenses, 35mm and 18-105mm. Will carry both, plus a ND filter and couple of batteries. Don't need a big bag, but waterproofing is a must IMO.[DOUBLEPOST=1407844034][/DOUBLEPOST]How about waist camera bags (http://www.flipkart.com/lowepro-out...epro&ref=4bad65a7-b02e-41a3-bae9-bcfd3919c8e3) ?
 
Dang it. Other brands which are recommended for hiking shoes are salomon, merrell (have seen salomon, merrell shoes sold by jabong, FK, myntra, amazon IN). Will be costly. I personally do not have any idea regarding specific shoes for flat footed. So again, if possible, find out if these brands are sold in Lucknow or not for trying them out.

Found one article - http://goarticles.com/article/How-to-Buy-Hiking-Boots-for-Flat-Feet/5401988/ - may be helpful.

wildcraft option is good for backpack. But do visit the store once to check it.

Caselogic Slrc-202 Slr - http://www.flipkart.com/case-logic-slrc-202-shoulder-bag/p/itmdfhayr7exxsuq?pid=ACCDFHAVKMZG7UGN&otracker=from-search&srno=p_1&query=case logic slrc-202&ref=e24df8e9-bbe7-4c67-b941-699f783cb7a8
Mentions waterproof EVA Base. Do not know how much effective in this care.

Lowerpro are costly indeed, waterproof - splash proof bag is for 149 USD :bag: http://store.lowepro.com/duffle/dryzone-df-20l
 
crossbow said:
Dang it. Other brands which are recommended for hiking shoes are salomon, merrell (have seen salomon, merrell shoes sold by jabong, FK, myntra, amazon IN). Will be costly. I personally do not have any idea regarding specific shoes for flat footed. So again, if possible, find out if these brands are sold in Lucknow or not for trying them out.

Found one article - http://goarticles.com/article/How-to-Buy-Hiking-Boots-for-Flat-Feet/5401988/ - may be helpful.

wildcraft option is good for backpack. But do visit the store once to check it.

Caselogic Slrc-202 Slr - http://www.flipkart.com/case-logic-slrc-202-shoulder-bag/p/itmdfhayr7exxsuq?pid=ACCDFHAVKMZG7UGN&otracker=from-search&srno=p_1&query=case logic slrc-202&ref=e24df8e9-bbe7-4c67-b941-699f783cb7a8
Mentions waterproof EVA Base. Do not know how much effective in this care.

Lowerpro are costly indeed, waterproof - splash proof bag is for 149 USD :bag: http://store.lowepro.com/duffle/dryzone-df-20l
Click to expand...
Almost every flat footed person swears by Asolo, but cannot find them online in India. :(
The superfeet is again not sold in India. >.<
Sadly am not able to locate any adventuring shop in Lucknow. Will search when I'm in Delhi next. Thanks for all the help. If possible, PM me your number. Will Whatsapp you in case I need specific help. :)
 
Yep cannot find them online. No "Where to Buy" info as well for India.

Other brands - Asolo, Merrel, Vasque, Soloman, Lowa, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Zamberlan, TNF

PMed.
 
boots: buy some good army boots, 1. because they are cheap, 2. very grippy sole, 3. very warm with woolen socks, 4 very good at waterproofing. something like these but from an army shop. don't worry about being flat footed, when in minus degree cold, nothing else matters ;)
sleeping bag: buy a very good thermal rating sleeping bag. for example, http://www.kathmandu.com.au/camping/sleeping/sleeping-bags/camper-sleeping-bag-insignia-blue.html which is rated "comfort" at -1C but, when I slept at around 4C cold night in a tent, I was almost frozen. so, buy a very good rating sleeping bag. ask fellow hikers for advice on which one is good for Himalayan weather.
gloves: buy thinsulate gloves. I bought a pair which was rated -20C in ladakh for 120rupees and they were awesome. I even wore for riding my bike as the riding gloves were freezing my hands. try to buy two pairs, one which perfectly fit your hands and second a little larger so that you can wear double gloves. trust me you will need them.
buy woolen socks, atleast 5-6 pairs, probably from army shop again. you may want to wear double socks again. so check the correct shoe size.
 
I did Roopkund few years back with my wife.
We didnt go through any agency. I know a guide for the kumaon region who went with us and 1 cook , 1 porter.
How much are they charging you ?
For your query, you can go for :
Backpack: Quecha Forclaz 50. Its ultra light weight and very practical. Are you going to carry the rucksack or the agency is hiring porter & ponies for carrying luggage ?
Shoes: Quecha Forclaz 500. My wife is flat footed and she and I both use these and she was able to reach also.
Being flat footed, it depends on how much flat footed you are so it will be a trial and error with shoes. shoes need to be well broken in. you need to walk in them and train in them if you are not going to trek anywhere before.

When you say you are a noob trekker, im assuming this is your first trek ?
If so, let me tell you roopkund should not be your first trek. its a strenuous and a tough trek. Altitudes are high and I have read many cases of AMS and 2 deaths on this trek for people who are not fit or not used to high altitudes. This happened with Indiahikes , an agency.
Rest is your decision. I did couple of good altitude treks like valley of flowers, hemkund, indrahar pass before rookund.

Training:
Of all the training I have done, the best training is going up and down stairs. normal incline training, running on roads and cross trainer / treadmill helps but for long strenuous treks, you need to be at your best. I would do around 1000 to 1500 steps daily before the trek. I would walk and run stairs in alternate going up and walk down.

Roopkund involves lot of walking. 2 to 4 kms training is less. got to up your distance to around 6 - 7 per day.

Any other questions, you can ask here.
 
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puns said:
I did Roopkund few years back with my wife.
We didnt go through any agency. I know a guide for the kumaon region who went with us and 1 cook , 1 porter.
How much are they charging you ?
For your query, you can go for :
Backpack: Quecha Forclaz 50. Its ultra light weight and very practical. Are you going to carry the rucksack or the agency is hiring porter & ponies for carrying luggage ?
Shoes: Quecha Forclaz 500. My wife is flat footed and she and I both use these and she was able to reach also.
Being flat footed, it depends on how much flat footed you are so it will be a trial and error with shoes. shoes need to be well broken in. you need to walk in them and train in them if you are not going to trek anywhere before.

When you say you are a noob trekker, im assuming this is your first trek ?
If so, let me tell you roopkund should not be your first trek. its a strenuous and a tough trek. Altitudes are high and I have read many cases of AMS and 2 deaths on this trek for people who are not fit or not used to high altitudes. This happened with Indiahikes , an agency.
Rest is your decision. I did couple of good altitude treks like valley of flowers, hemkund, indrahar pass before rookund.

Training:
Of all the training I have done, the best training is going up and down stairs. normal incline training, running on roads and cross trainer / treadmill helps but for long strenuous treks, you need to be at your best. I would do around 1000 to 1500 steps daily before the trek. I would walk and run stairs in alternate going up and walk down.

Roopkund involves lot of walking. 2 to 4 kms training is less. got to up your distance to around 6 - 7 per day.

Any other questions, you can ask here.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback.
Yeah, 1st trek. Coming to around 10k.
Hmmmm. I'm already upping my distance slowly. Will start the stairs from today itself ! :)
Valley of the Flowers isn't open in the coming months (cannot see on TTH/Indiahikes). Roopkund seemed like a fun, challenging and low cost trek as compared to others, so was thinking of it.
Thanks again.
 
btw, even I think 2-4 km training is very less. I mean in ladakh, where the altitude is at around 11k feet. walking 100 feet is like walking 500m. I was panting when I just walked from hotel to a nearby bakery. its lot more difficult physically at high altitudes. I think you should be able to run 5km non stop if you want to trek at 10k feet altitude.
 
booo said:
btw, even I think 2-4 km training is very less. I mean in ladakh, where the altitude is at around 11k feet. walking 100 feet is like walking 500m. I was panting when I just walked from hotel to a nearby bakery. its lot more difficult physically at high altitudes. I think you should be able to run 5km non stop if you want to trek at 10k feet altitude.
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Hmmm. Anyway, already started upping it since yday. Did 4.5kms. Will slowly increase to 7kms.
 
alekhkhanna said:
Thanks for the feedback.
Yeah, 1st trek. Coming to around 10k.
Hmmmm. I'm already upping my distance slowly. Will start the stairs from today itself ! :)
Valley of the Flowers isn't open in the coming months (cannot see on TTH/Indiahikes). Roopkund seemed like a fun, challenging and low cost trek as compared to others, so was thinking of it.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...

I paid 10k per person couple of years back for the trek to my guide. We were 3 people for the trek. We didnt carry our rucksacks. there was a porter and 2 ponies for carrying bags and supplies.
 
booo said:
Also, you should find small oxygen cylinders in ebay. try to buy one. when you start getting headaches initially due to altitude sickness, you can use it as emergency backup.
Click to expand...
Cool. Thanks ! But TTH said they will be providing O2 cylinders if needed. Though it never hurts to carry a couple on your own. :)

puns said:
I paid 10k per person couple of years back for the trek to my guide. We were 3 people for the trek. We didnt carry our rucksacks. there was a porter and 2 ponies for carrying bags and supplies.
Click to expand...
Ahh. Now it's 10k + 250 bucks per day for porter/ponies (so 2k extra for 8 days).
 
alekhkhanna said:
Cool. Thanks ! But TTH said they will be providing O2 cylinders if needed. Though it never hurts to carry a couple on your own. :)


Ahh. Now it's 10k + 250 bucks per day for porter/ponies (so 2k extra for 8 days).
Click to expand...

Dont carry O2 cylinders on your own. At such heights, packets & bottled materials expand so its not safe. let the organizer take care of it. they usually carry O2 cylinders.
My suggestion is to pay the extra 2k and enjoy your trek. but if you want the full tough experience, carry your rucksack.

Read up on AMS ( Acute mountain sickness ) and precautions & symptoms.
 
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