TOURISM RESOURCES OF INDIA MTTM 201 INDEX Title Page No. BLOCK 1 RESOURCE POTENTIAL FOR LAND BASED ADVENTURE TOURISM ACTIVITIES Unit 1 Trekking Tourism with special Reference to the Himalayas. 2-18 Unit 2 Mountaineering and Ice Skiing 19-61 Unit 3 River running, Water skiing and other water based tourist activities 62-78 Unit 4 Wildlife Tourism, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries 79-94 Unit 5 Desert Safaris and Aero Sports 95-107 Block 2 Museums and Monuments and Historical sites Unit 6 Museums and Art Galleries 108-123 Unit 7 Forts, Palaces and Historical Buildings in North India 124-147 Unit 8 Unique Monuments of South India 148-170 Unit 9 Architectural Landmarks of Eastern India 171-192 Unit 10 Architectural Treasures in Western India 193-213 Block 3 Religious Tourism Resources Unit 11 The four Dhams and other important Hindu Religious centres 214-230 231-245 Unit 12 Key shrines Resorts of Jainisim and Buddhism 246-263 Unit 13 Leading Pilgrim Centers of Sikhism, Islam and Christanity 264-286 Unit 14 Religious fairs and festivals of Touristic importance Block 4 Other Tourism Resources Unit 15 Handicrafts and opportunities for tourist shopping 287-307 Unit 16 Yoga, Naturopathy and Medical Tourism 308-327 Unit 17 Summer and Winter Retreats 328-344 Uttarakhand Open University 1 TOURISM RESOURCES OF INDIA MTTM 201 UNIT – 1 TREKKING TOURISM WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE HIMALAYA’S 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Objectives 1.3 Section One 1.3.1 Concepts 1.4 Section Two 1.4.1 Trekking equipment 1.5 Section Three 1.5.1 Trekking Dos and Don’ts 1.6 Section Four 1.6.1 Famous treks of the world and India 1.6.2 Trekking in Uttarakhand 1.7 Summary 1.8 Glossary 1.9 Answer to check your progress/Possible Answers to SAQ 1.10 References/Bibliography 1.11 Suggested Readings 1.12 Terminal and Model Questions Uttarakhand Open University 2 TOURISM RESOURCES OF INDIA MTTM 201 1.1 INTRODUCTION Definition: Trekking is multiday walking journey in areas where motorised transport is generally not available. Trekking is not mountaineering but just days of walking but however it’s a part of mountaineering. Trekking is an adventurous journey on foot in areas where means of transport are generally not available. Etymology: The term derived from the Afrikaans word trek (noun), trekken (verb), (literally meaning to "pull, travel"), became a word in English language in mid-19th century, and means a long arduous journey, typically on foot.1 1.2 OBJECTIVES To understand what is trekking. Introduction to basic equipment, clothing logistics etc. for trekking. Knowing some of the best trekking areas of the world and India with special focus on treks of Uttarakhand. 1.3 SECTION ONE 1.3.1 Concepts The concept of trekking is as old as the human civilization. Though in those pre-historic times these on foot journey meant primarily for search of food, shelter and safety or in times in search of new lands for the above mentioned physiological needs. But in today’s world when we talk about trekking it is for fun and recreation. Why trekking? Trekking rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Above all it is an activity you do, not because you have to but because you want to. Trekking is good for physical fitness. Trekking bring you close to Mother Nature. Trekking does not require technical expertise. Trekking is an outdoor education to learn about natural environment. Trekking makes us to visit new lands, people and cultures. Trekking is a round the year activity. Trekking helps to fight stress level. It is an activity to escape from monotonous life. Uttarakhand Open University 3 TOURISM RESOURCES OF INDIA MTTM 201 1.4 SECTION TWO 1.4.1 Trekking equipment Footwear Always remember to use good trekking boots for comfort and safety in rugged terrain. Vibram or rough-treaded soles are best for trekking. Always carry extra pairs of socks. Clothing Try to carry synthetic material (nylon, polyester, and polypropylene) clothing, especially if you are moving to high altitude. Keep cotton stuff only for low altitude and basic trekking trails. The reason for using synthetic stuff is that they are warm, warm even when wet, dry fast if wet and light weight. Down jacket, wind proof suit, sun hat, warm cap (balaclava), Cotton t-shirts, down vest, pair liner gloves (thin poly) , shorts – nylon sport type ,lightweight nylon pant , pair poly longjohns, pair liner socks – thin nylon, TEVA-type sandals, fleece pants and upper etc. were some other essential clothing for trekking. Miscellaneous:- Central items: Tent (as per requirement), cooking stove and light weight utensils, food stuff (as per taste and requirement), duffle bag, and first aid kit. Personal items: Sleeping bag (as per weather condition), mattress, inner liner for sleeping bag, Good rucksack (after all you only have to carry all your stuff during trekking), dark sun glasses, headlamp with extra batteries and spare bulb, rain coat or umbrella, water bottle or hydration bag and toiletries. A list of items not necessarily essential but very useful: Map and compass/GPS is always handy in new area, trekking guide book of the area visiting, Still/video camera highly recommended, A walking stick is always handy, Small lock, Duct tape, Pen knife, Scissors, Repair kit, Garbage bags, Sunscreen, Uttarakhand Open University 4 TOURISM RESOURCES OF INDIA MTTM 201 Binoculars, Whistle, Pens, paper, books etc. 1.5 SECTION THREE 1.5.1 Trekking Dos and Don’ts i. Start early: Early bird catches the worm….When in trekking try to start early morning so that you can reach the desired camp point on time. ii. Sustain efficient posture, while trekking: With a proper packing of ruck sack (light weight at the bottom and heavy weight up), you need to walk slightly leaning forward, head up, shoulder back swinging arm and relaxed. iii. Maintain your trekking speed: At first hand discover your trekking pace and learn to maintain it when you trek. Don’t push your body against your pace; it may harm your muscle and bones. Don’t try to unnecessary speed up because your fellow trekkers are moving faster than you. You are trekking to enjoy, so enjoy while trekking. iv. Find a trekking buddy: Always move in pair. It is always good to have a partner with whom you trek. It is also useful in case of uncertainties or mishap. v. Be watchful: It is essential to be cautious of the area, where you are going. At first hand acquire knowledge of the place and terrain you are destined beforehand. Local knowledge is always handy. Be attentive while trekking, keep note of weather and hazards. vi. Stay healthy: Drink lot of water, eat much, and maintain a stable body heat. Don’t skip meals. vii. Rest occasionally: Don’t try to push yourself, it create more chances for injuries. It is natural to get weary after long days of walk. It is good to rest before you start getting weary. In this way your body respond good and you rejuvenate yourself fast. viii. Protect yourself from sunburn: Always carry good quality sun block lotion, cream, gel etc. ix. Prevent & treat blisters: Always use trekking boot which fits your feet. If your boots fit correctly, you'll be less likely to encounter blisters. Don’t ever ignore blisters; treat them fast before it turns to big wound. x. Carry & know how to use map & compass: GPS are handy but you should know basic map reading skills for better orientation during trekking. Uttarakhand Open University 5 TOURISM RESOURCES OF INDIA MTTM 201 xi. Always be acquainted with the terrain: Get familiar with the terrain by continuous studying your map or if using GPS, put it in navigation mode. xii. Keep track of Each Other: When trekking in a group, the rule of thumb is, don’t lose sight of the person in front of and/or behind you. xiii. If lost, be calm: In time if you find yourself lost, stay calm and try to analyse the situation. Use distress signals (Audio& visual signals), e.g., whistling, smoke etc. Try to find your location on map. * ( It is always advised to the trekkers to make cairns (route indicator) while moving in new area) 1.6 SECTION FOUR 1.6.1 FAMOUS TREKS OF THE WORLD AND INDIA When we talk about famous treks of the world, the first thing comes in our mind is Himalayas. It’s not that there are no treks in other parts of the world but when we view the trekking routes of the Himalayas, we find these treks not just full of mesmerizing natural beauty but also the people and culture of these Himalayan villages which make them best treks for the adventure enthusiasts around the world. Nepal Himalayan treks A.Everest Base Camp Trek: Who does not want to reach the footsteps of world’s tallest peak? It is one of the reason for what it is most famous treks in the world. Trekkers cherish to reach home of the world’s highest peaks. The glance of Mount Everest from the base camp is overwhelming. Reaching Solu Khumbu region, vanishes the weariness of trekkers. The Everest base camp region is one of the most admired destinations for tourists. Altitude: 5380m Duration: 18 to 22 days. Difficulty Level: Extremely Strenuous Best Season: February to June and September to mid November. B.Annapurna Circuit trek It is a major trek route in the west of Nepal. The circuit traverses is famous for its vivid mountain terrain of lofty mountains, glaciers, wildlife, the world’s deepest gorge, and above all trekkers get the opportunity to look into the restricted Mustang Region.