We recommend that you pack your clothing to keep it dry. Water proof bags have been known to allow water in sometimes and there is invariably some leakage from zips and places. It is better to be safe than spend a cold and camp night, but this is only a recommendation based on years of expeience and what you actually do cannot be controlled by us of course.

We are not forcing you to use plastic. We are simply of the opinion that using plastic where it is required is not a sin. You are using it for packing and bringing it back home with you. It is the littering that we are against. I reuse all my plastic packing bags, and they last really long and have kept me comfortably dry many times, but it is up to your discretion.

It depends on the water in question. Your guide on the trek will know if the water is usually used for drinking by locals and travellers. If it is, you may safely drink it (unless you have an unusually delicate stomach)

Where it always has been. We already have an article about the Peth Fort. I request you to add in any specific questions not addressed there in the comments, and I can edit the article as needed or answer them in the comments, so that other readers can gain from your query as well.