Adventures in India

This may seem pointless to many, but the need to stay adequately clothed is something many ignore, when wandering in the Himalaya. It can make all the difference between life and death!

If you look at the gaddis (shepherds) when o­n a trek, or in a Himalayan town, you will see that they wear pretty much the same clothes. Thick woollen trousers, a shirt (I assume), a sweater and a thick woolen jacket o­n top. Come wind, snow or sunny weather, this "uniform" never changes. The o­nly difference I have ever seen is in the jacket buttons left open, or closed to protect from the cold.

The gaddis aren't stupid. They've been living here, in the outdoors, in the cold weather, under the sky for years, with their flock, o­n duty and alert 24 hours a day, no matter what the weather is. Yet, I have yet to see o­ne of them suffer from either heat or cold.

In direct contrast, is a client I o­nce had. She was a young, beautiful lady. The o­nly problem was her interest in tanning. To put it mildly, the high altitude Himalaya are not the best place to try and acquire a tan over a major portion of your body.

On the very first day of the trek, I warned the lady to wear a few more clothes. She was wearing shorts and a tank top. This is definitely not appropriate clothing for a Himalayan trek.

She tried to make sense in her own way. "I am considerate about the villager's sentiments as the Lonely Planet recommends. We are here out o­n the mountain where no o­ne can see us. Where is the problem?"

I tried in vain to convince her that I didn't care about what the locals thought, but as a client, her health was my responsibility. She simply kept concluding that I was too orthodox or scared of what the villagers would think, and therefore trying to get her to cover her body. Nothing I said would make her budge, and soon it was time to begin our trek.

The day went well, and periodically, she'd assure me with, "See, I told you. We hardly met anyone. It doesn't matter. We never get this kind of a sunny day at home. I don't want to waste this weather."

With her clothes packed and loaded o­n the horses, it was pointless to argue in any case.

The evening was a slightly different story, with discomfort from the sunburn, beginning to cause uneasiness. She slept, and woke up fine the next day, except for the very red skin all over the exposed parts of her body. I scolded her, telling her to cover up after the previous day's experience, and all she would say is that her skin felt so raw, that she couldn't bear the feel of clothes against it, when she tried to wear more clothes. Needless to say, I declared a "rest day" until her skin healed enough to tolerate full clothing. Her skin peeled badly in a couple of days.

So why am I telling you this? It is because I'd like you to learn from her experience, rather than collecting such personal experiences. Dress like the mountain people.

Thick clothing protects you as much from the heat, as the cold. It is insulation after all. Wearing thick clothes keeps your body temperature much more stable enabling you to enjoy your holiday far more efficiently and making the lives of poor guides like us easier.

Wear full-sleeved clothing to protect fromt he sun, and layers to protect form both heat and cold in all places where the day time temperatures in the shade are cold enough to need a jacket. Wind chill exists, also a body warm from trekking loses heat even faster.

Clothing I'd recommend is:

• woolen cap o­n head (day and night)
• inners and thick trousers (day and night)
• inners, sweater and jacket (day and night)

If you see, I mention the same clothing for day and night. Yes. o­nly add a layer or so for after sunset, if it gets cold.

This is for your well being and a professional's peace of mind.