What is trekking? Have you ever trekked in the Himalayas? Why people are so fond of it? There are many other similar questions that any beginner are keen to know

Trekking in the Himalayas is quite an interesting activity. However, it’s a sophisticated activity and requires sound knowledge and expertise, perhaps the assistance of an expert. Its pertinent that one should keep safety intact while trekking in the Himalayas. A trek becomes an exceptional life-changing experience only when its done safely and involves no mishaps. Otherwise, it becomes a bad memory which we do not want to remember.

Any trek venture has to be safe, and below are the pro-tips on planning a safe trek to the Himalayas.

1. Selection of the Trekking Company: Today every other day, a new trekking company is coming up in our Country without any recognition or registration as there are no laws in our Country which prevent them from conducting the trek. These companies organise treks with large groups and low grade equipment and unqualified professionals to reduce the cost. This is harming the Himalayan ecology and industry a lot. There are laws for registration and recognition from the Government of India – Ministry Of Tourism. They recognise and affiliate if a tour company is an Adventure Tour Operator or not. Only adventure tour operator are allowed to conduct adventure activities in India. These agencies are approved by the ministry based upon the quality of resources whether they have trained resources or not, whether they have quality equipment or not, and whether they follow all safety protocols or not. So go with only registered Adventure Tour Operator with the Government of India, Ministry Of Tourism.

2. Proper Training: Trekking requires stamina and fitness. Individuals should go for proper training before opting for a trek. Your trek is successful if prior training is done for the trek. With proper practice and endurance training, fatigue and anxiety will not trouble you. Also, it is important to note that trekking is 70% mental game and only 30% of it is stamina and fitness. Your character matters as well and there is no alternative to fitness and stamina on a High Altitude Himalayan Trek.

3. Proper planning of logistics Is Very Important: Safe trekking is not safe until you have a proper plan of all the logistics required for such a trek. Camping equipment, trekking gear, food, fuel, safety gear, emergency medicines, etc. On the other hand, you should keep the total weight of logistics in check as that will increase the cost. Loads of experience is required to plan mistake-free logistics for a Himalayan trek. if you book a package tour, your agency does it for you. If you do a DIY trek, you need to do it for yourself. At Himalayan High, we support both. You may book a package trekking tour with us to not get involved with logistics.

4. Small-Group Private Trekking is Favorable: Trekking is a very personal activity and is perhaps one of the very few activities that give you enough time to indulge with yourself or your beloved people, group of special friends, or close family members. It helps you transform personal bonds to the next level as it brings out everyone’s best and truest self. Trekking is most enjoyed when it is done in a small private group, personalized to serve your specific needs. The Himalayas are best experienced when there is silence and solitude around and when you are surrounded only by your best people. Your trek is most enjoyable when all the pain of arranging a smooth trek is taken care of by us, and you focus just on your trek and yourself. Most importantly, a small private trekking group is very flexible, personalized and more enjoyable, is the safest and follows the principles of Sustainable and Responsible Tourism.

5. Always Hire A Local Expert Guide: Trekking in the Himalayas goes through dense jungles with wild animals and life-threatening terrain. It’s very important never to venture deep into the Himalayas without a proper guide who is not just very experienced of the route but is also an expert of the sport, its various tips and tricks, safety practices, etc. There have been many incidents in the Himalayan trek where one has lost his path and never to be found again, falling off from a cliff, falling into crevasses, broken bones, etc. So always hire a good guide to accompany you. Also, it is a mandate by many National Parks in India that you must be accompanied by a local licensed guide. Only then do they give the permit to trek in the sanctuary.

6. Always Carry Emergency Medical Kit: High altitude trekking has many risks related to Altitude Mounitain Sickness and can be fatal. You should always carry emergency medicine like Dexamethasone and Nifidipine to be used only on emergency in case of HACE or HAPE. Before using it, proper monitoring is necessary which can be done by measuring the oxygen saturation, pulser rate and blood pressure everyday on a trek. This can be done using lightweight digital equipments.

Looking for a good scare? We picked 13 of the creepiest places we can think of.

St. Louis Cemetery.
From ghost tours to vampire balls, New Orleans goes all-out in October. However, if you’re into designing your own scarefest, visit the grave of Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. Legend has it that if you knock three times and write three Xs with chalk on her burial stone, she’ll grant you a wish. But be warned, you’ll also need to book a tour to get up close and personal with this grave.

Area 51.
Cue your favorite Sci-Fi show’s theme music. Area 51 is notorious for its high frequency of UFO sightings. While hotel options in the area are paltry , there’s always the option to camp under the stars. Be sure to bring your best tinfoil hat and watch out for those men in black vans.

A vacation rental… with no wifi.
It’s a classic horror story. Boy meets girl. They book a vacation rental in the woods for a week so they can forest bathe, fall in love and work remotely. Everything seems perfect until… they log onto the wifi and can hardly buffer one 30-second video. The horror, the horror. Don’t let this be you. Search for the phrase “wifi” when scanning reviews of hotels and rentals on KAYAK, and see how many couples a shaky connection has destroyed before you book.

Wahiawa Botanical Garden.
Even paradise has its haunts. The Wahiawa Botanical Garden on O’ahu is said to be haunted by the “Green Lady.” Those who’ve spotted her say she has jagged teeth and is covered in green mold and seaweed. Legend has it that if you cross one of the bridges within the garden… you’ll never return. Take a day trip up from Honolulu to see if you can spot her, then tell tales of your spooky close encounter over a Wholly Spirit cocktail at Downtown’s The Pig & The Lady. Be sure to check Hawaii’s quarantine policy before you go. The only thing scarier than the supernatural is being turned away at the airport because you didn’t do your paperwork.

The Stanley Hotel.
Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining after spending just one night here in the early seventies. Although it was the eerie solitude that unsettled him, the hotel is infamous for its many ghosts, including past owners and staff who have been known to help guests unpack their bags from beyond the grave. The hotel even offers nightly ghost tours detailing the history of some of their most famed spirits.

Arizona desert without sunscreen.
Just… ouch. Regrets, we’ve had a few.

Hotel Monte Vista.
We’re happy to find a hotel that embraces its spookiness. The Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff doesn’t shy away from the ghostly occurrences that roam its halls. Over the years, many ghoulish stories (and sightings) have emerged. There’s the Meat Man’s television in Room 220, the dancing couple in the Cocktail Lounge and the woman in the rocking chair in Room 305. But, some of these ghosts are willing to lend a helping hand — like the Phantom Bellboy. Guests report hearing a knock on their door with a muffled “room service,” only to open their door to an empty hall.

Sleepy Hollow.
We would be remiss not to include this famed town of spooky lore. Home of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman, Sleepy Hollow likes to go full-creep in October. You can take a cemetery tour at night, attend storytelling events at the Old Dutch Church and so much more. Walk across the bridge that Washington Irving made famous on your way to the haunted house at Philipsburg Manor. Best of all, Sleepy Hollow is only a 40-minute train ride to NYC.

A time machine set to March 2020.
Literally the one place we would refuse to travel.

Mutter Museum.
There are two types of people: those who get creeped out by tumors in jars and those that don’t. If you fall into the latter category, then a visit to the Mutter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia should be on your October travel list. The museum showcases a collection of medical oddities and boasts exhibitions like the tallest skeleton in North America, castings of siamese twins and the jaw tumor of President Grover Cleveland.

A local brewery that runs out of beer.
Sober up, you really came for the pretzels anyway.

Edgar Allan Poe House.
The writer’s last days in Baltimore were nearly as dark as his tales. Nearly 170 years later, the cause of Poe’s death remains undetermined. Literary lovers and ghost chasers alike can visit his final resting place — and home — in Charm City. Some report seeing Poe’s ghost wandering the Westminster Hall Burying Ground. Either way, we say it’s worth breaking out your copy of “The Telltale Heart” and attending the annual Halloween tour of Poe’s grave.

Bell Witch Cave.
Not far over the Kentucky/Tennessee border is the Bell Witch Cave. Once just the stuff of local legend, this spot was made famous by the indie horror film The Blair Witch Project. It’s said that the cave and cabin on the Bell property are haunted by a witch who murdered the property’s owner, John Bell. Think you can’t be spooked? Take a haunted candlelight tour, if you dare.

A scarf maybe a simple piece of fabric worn around the neck but besides keeping the head warm, protecting one from the sun and other uses, it has now become a style accessory you can’t ignore.

They can be made in a variety of different materials such as wool, linen, silk or cotton, the best part about them is that they can be worn in variety of ways. Scarves and dupattas are probably the easiest way to amp up any look. From wearing them as a bandana to a neck wrap to even turning them into a jacket, there are multiple ways you can style your scarf, making them look new every single time. We share how you can style your scarves in a fun way.

Wear it like a neck wrap

One of the easiest ways to jazz up any outfit, be it traditional or western, is to wear a scarf. Take a square scarf and fold it diagonally. Holding it below your neck, take both the ends back and wrap them around your neck. Tuck the loose ends under the scarf and you’re ready!

Wrap it like a headband

Another easy way to style a scarf is to tie it like a headband. Fold the scarf multiple times sideways to make it into a narrow strip. From underneath your hair, bring the scarf up and tie the two ends together in a bow.

A scarf can replace your chunky necklace

Well, if you like to wear something around your neck when moving out, it’s time to experiment with the scarf as a neck accessory. Just wrap the scarf around your neck and tie a half knot in the middle. Now, take one end, loop it around the corresponding side. Finish it with a knot. Repeat the same on the other side.

Make a jacket out of it

If you have a colourful mirrorwork dupatta, you can turn it into a fun jacket for all your festive nights! Fold the dupatta lengthwise. Then, bring the two ends together and knot them together, to create loops for the arms. Put your arms through them and you’re ready to go!

A bandeau top

Lovely tiny tops, well make your own bandeau top with a silk scarf. Just wrap the scarf around your chest. Tie the two corners into a half knot and pull them against your chest in a firm manner. Now let the ends drape down.

The Malmaison in Birmingham, UK will make you feel like the ultimate rock star!

Usually, we tend to think of all of the amenities that a hotel has to offer, and that includes the overall look of a room. But rarely do we pay that much attention to hotel bathrooms. Don’t get us wrong. A nice bathtub, luxurious sinks, and a toilet that’s got plenty of leg space is something we look at too. But it’s certainly not the first thing we think about. However, these bathrooms from around the world are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. In fact, they are visually so spectacular you’ll probably want to book a room with a bathroom that will guarantee a lot more than simply getting you washed up.Whether you loved the disco theme of the 70s or you have a thing rock star-themed rooms, you’ll definitely want to stay in the Nirvana Suite. Not only do you get a mirror-tiled jacuzzi in the bedroom itself, but a disco ball and psychedelic lighting that will put you in the disco mood!

If you feel like going back in time to the stone age, then stay at the Beck Creek Cave in Arkansas, U.S.

It’s unlike any other place on the planet with its cave-style rooms in a 260-acre resort. You’ll feel like screaming “yabba dabba doo!” It’s the perfect marriage of stone versus contemporary amenities, and it overlooks the valley, so you can enjoy the beautiful view once you’re done sitting on the pot.

Aboard the Celebrity Reflection cruise ship, you can take a nice shower in the Reflection suite.

The corner shower has glass panels from the floor all the way to the ceiling and is quite an interesting take when bathing, especially since it overlooks the big blue sea. This means you can bathe and sightsee at the same time.The ship’s uniquely designed shower, which hangs over the ship’s side isn’t the only treat. The two-bedroom suite also offers a corner a bathroom with a view through the glass panels, and you get to enjoy other amenities aboard like a walk-in robe, a plush robe, and a whirlpool that you can use on the balcony too.

The Atlantis, The Palm resort in Dubai is five stars and it’s a rating that’s definitely well-earned.

It contains two suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and are located underwater. The glass panels in the bedroom and bathroom give you the illusion that you’re under the sea, but you’re actually enjoying the 65,000 marine animals inside the Ambassador Lagoon aquarium.

You’ll feel like you’re in the Renaissance when you visit the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze in Florence, Italy.

The bathroom area is decorated with paneled ceilings and genuine frescoes as well as a walk-in shower, and a marble-encrusted tub. You’ll also get a view of the park and gardens outside. You’ll certainly feel like a Florentine noble, which this private residence once belonged to.

The Zetter Townhouse’s bath in Marylebone, London will make you feel like you’re right at home.

The bath tubs are made using a combination of antique furniture pieces and marble, which will make you feel like freaking royalty. Of course, there are different styles of rooms and interior in this 24-bedroom Georgian townhouse, but all the rooms are quite comfy and eccentric.

Influenced by traditional Japanese homes, The Aman in Tokyo, Japan takes luxury to the next level.

Not only do you get 1,516 square feet of comfort which include a living room, and kitchen pantry. But you also get to soak in a humongous square tub that allows you look out towards the city from the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower by the Imperial Gardens.

The W Singapore in Sentosa Cove, Singapore was designed to knock your socks off!

The bathroom is spacious and offers a lovely view of the city, not to mention a chandelier, and mirrored ceilings as you chillax in a metal whirlpool! You can also recline on a large couch after you soak in the tub, or after you finish taking a nice bath in the monsoon rain shower.

Burj Al Arab, in Dubai, UAE offers a royal suite that’s 8,395 square feet of impeccable comfort.

You’ll swear that you stepped into a palace when you look at the lavishly appointed master bathrooms with rain showers, Jacuzzis, and marble pillars. You also get Hermes shampoo, shower gels, and when you get out, you can enjoy a view of the Arabian Gulf from the comfort of your bedroom.

Elsa’s Kopje in Meru, Kenya gives you the ultimate outdoor experience while you relax in the tub.

The cottages are literally sculpted into a hill! And while orphaned lions were once raised and released on the grounds nearby, you get to enjoy a rocky cottage with an open sitting room, and a tub that lets you sit, bask in the open air while you watch the sunset.

Umaid Bhawan Palace in Rajasthan, India is 26 acres full of beautiful gardens and fit for royalty.

It’s designed with interesting murals, chrome torches, fake leopard-skin sofas and other items that make this suite stunning. The Maharani Suite is the epitome of luxury, but the royal suite also has a 447-square-foot bathroom with a jacuzzi, steam room, and a bath carved out of pink Italian marble.

The Kandolhu in the Maldives offer ocean pool villas with open air designed bathrooms.

Aside from a spacious bedroom, which includes a walk-in closet, and a bathroom that opens to the outer deck, so you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean that will take your breath away. The outdoor deck also includes a plunge pool, sun umbrella, and loungers.

The Hotel Le Royal Monceau Raffles in Paris, France is so prestigious, you may never leave it.

The hotel’s Royal Monceau Suite contains artwork, impressive furniture, and a 320-square-foot restroom with a walk-in shower. You also get a Japanese “Toto” heated toilet seat, lots of mirrors so you can see every angle of yourself, and a claw-footed bath, which has impressed celebrity guests like Madonna.