Youth Hostels

By Sowmya

As Aditi mentioned, treks organized by Youth Hostels are affordable and safe. In fact they are an easy way of beginning trekking…

Youth Hostelling
The Youth Hostel movement was begun in 1909 by Richard Schirrmann, a German schoolteacher, and Wilhelm Münker, a conservationist, who saw the need for overnight accommodation for school groups so that they could experience the countryside. This started with schools being used during the holidays. Therefore, Youth Hostelling provides overnight stay facility in hostels to youth all over the world to promote travel, tourism and sense of adventure.
Youth Hostel Associate of India (YHAI) is an associate member of Hostelling International and is a Non Government, Not for Profit organization. Apart from adventure sports YHAI also organises national level Seminars and Integration Camps, Cycle Rallies and Camp Leaders Training Courses, Tribal Youth Folk Festivals and Republic Day Camps for the border area youth, Yuva Milap Camps and Workshops for Wardens and Assistant Wardens of Youth Hostels.

Trekking
The YHAI treks are organized throughout the year. They typically last for 10 days excluding the reporting and debriefing days. Trekkers have to report at the base camp and undergo acclimatization. Trekkers are given then given back packs to pack for the trek (please cross check this).

The trekkers are not required to carry tenting and cooking items on the trek. YHAI sets up camps along the trek path for the night halts and the trekkers are given packed lunch. However you will be required to carry water and fill them along the trek path.
The trekkers will have to follow marked path. Typically you will be required to trek anywhere from 10 to 20 km a day.

What to pack?
On the trek please remember to wear comfortable fitting cotton pants and shirt (tees are fine). In case you are trekking in cold weather wear inners and pack monkey cap, woolen gloves. Light raincoats - compulsory. You don’t want to get drenched….

Remember to pack minimal clothes. Every ounce will weigh you down. Remember you want to enjoy the trek. Enough socks in case your feet get wet, a first aid kit and medicine which you normally use at home. Other things you will have to pack include Sleeping Bag, Inner Garments, Trekking shoe and chappal, Sun cap, Towel, Sun Glass, Torch, Water Bottle and water purifier, Plate, Mug and Spoon, Packed Lunch Box, Needle and thread with spare Buttons, Toilet papers, Vaseline (especially for cold weather), Soap, Pen and Note Book to make notes for your travelogue JDo take a camera to capture the scenery and musical instruments for the camp fire. This is optional, though.

How to book?
To go on a YHAI treak you have to be a member. In case you are not, don’t worry you can take a membership when you sign up for a trek. Please look out and book your trek on their website http://www.yhaindia.org/

So, if you have always wanted to trek and have never had an opportunity, YHAI is definitely a good option. Believe me, I am a convert!

Sources: Wikipedia, yhaindia.org