Know-how
Adventurepedia
Everything to know before you go, and on the way. Practical, tested guides for Himalayan treks, rides and rivers.
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The three guides every first-time Himalayan trekker should read.
- Altitude sicknessWhy the air gets thin, how to acclimatise, the warning signs of AMS, HAPE and HACE, and the one treatment that always works.5 minRead
- What to packThe layering system that keeps you warm at -10°C, the right shoes, season-by-season extras, and what your operator usually provides.3 minRead
- Offline mapsLoad a trek's GPX trail and an offline map onto your phone or GPS watch, and follow it with no signal. Android, iPhone, computer and watches.12 minRead
Plan & prepare
Seasons, operators, permits, fitness and gear
- What to packThe layering system that keeps you warm at -10°C, the right shoes, season-by-season extras, and what your operator usually provides.3 min · 5 sections
- Getting fitHow fit you need to be, the training that actually transfers to mountain days, and a week-by-week plan you can start today.3 min · 4 sections
- When to goSpring flowers, monsoon rain-shadow valleys, autumn's clear skies and winter snow treks: which season suits which adventure.2 min · 4 sections
- Choosing an operatorThe questions that separate a safe operator from a cheap one: guides, ratios, oxygen, acclimatisation, turnaround rules and refunds.2 min · 3 sections
- Permits & documentsThe ID to carry, how forest and area permits work in the Indian Himalaya, inner-line rules near the borders, and trekking in Nepal.2 min · 4 sections
Health & safety
Altitude, first aid, water and emergencies
- Altitude sicknessWhy the air gets thin, how to acclimatise, the warning signs of AMS, HAPE and HACE, and the one treatment that always works.5 min · 6 sections
- Water, food & first aidHow much to drink and how to make it safe, keeping your stomach on side, and the small kit that handles most trail problems.3 min · 4 sections
- Insurance & emergenciesWhat your insurance has to cover at altitude, how rescue actually works in the Indian Himalaya, and the rules on satellite devices.2 min · 4 sections
On the trail
Navigation, trail craft and leaving no trace
- Trail craftPacing, river crossings, snow, sun and weather: the habits that keep a trek safe and enjoyable from the first day to the last.3 min · 5 sections
- Offline mapsLoad a trek's GPX trail and an offline map onto your phone or GPS watch, and follow it with no signal. Android, iPhone, computer and watches.12 min · 10 sections
- Leave no traceCarrying waste out, going to the toilet where there isn't one, water, wildlife and villages: how to leave the Himalaya as you found it.2 min · 4 sections
Rides & rivers
High-pass motorcycling and white-water rafting
- Riding the high passesAcclimatising on two wheels, fuel gaps, water crossings, bike prep and permits for the Manali to Leh highway, Ladakh and Spiti.3 min · 6 sections
- River raftingWhat rapid grades mean, the safety briefing that matters, how to swim a rapid if you fall in, and what to wear.2 min · 4 sections
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