" TICKLING TREKS " : Travel India

TREK 1

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are out trekking in the higher reaches of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. After a hard day's climb they decided to set up camp at a comfortable plateau. In the middle of the night, Holmes suddenly breaks the mysterious silence. Waking up Watson, he points at the stars, and says "Do you know what this means"?

Dr Watson thinks a while and answers pointedly, "Hmmm... Well if you are talking about Orion's belt, then it's position means that we shall have a solar eclipse...three months from now. Then again, if it's the brightness of Venus you ponder on, it suggests that the days will be getting shorter soon. If it's that Indian mythological configuration of stars you see towards south, it means that there will be overall prosperity in India. What do you make of the issue, Holmes?

Holmes answers,"Elementary, my dear Watson, someone has stolen our tent."

TREK 2

Tony and Jimmy from Bombay go trekking in Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh, India. They pack chicken tikka, sandwiches and beer. After 2 days of walking, they arrive at a great spot but realize they've forgotten a bottle opener. Tony turns to Jimmy and says,"You've gotta go back and get the opener or else we have no beer."

"No way," says Jimmy. "By the time I get back, you will have eaten all the food."

"I promise I won't," says Tony. "Just hurry!"

Four full days pass and there is still no sign of Jimmy. Exasperated and starving Tony digs into the sandwiches.

Suddenly, Jimmy pops out from behind a rock and yells, "I knew it! I'm not going!"

FEED BACK/ SUGGESTIONS ON TREKKING

The Mountaineering Institute Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India asked a feed back from Trainees who undertook a recent trekking course and trekked to Rohtang Pass and Suraj Taal. The following answers were given:

1.'A mountain goat came into my camp and stole my bottle of mango pickle. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? My address..'

2. 'Escalators would help on steep uphill sections'

3. 'You have a permit system for tourists to trek great places bordering China. Instead, you need to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness and sensitive places'

4. 'Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands.'

5. 'Trails needs to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.'

6. 'Too many bugs, spiders and funny looking(dangerous?) insects. Please spray insecticides in trekking area to get rid of pests.'

7. 'Motor trolleys/ lifts need to be installed in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike them.'

8. 'A "McDonald's" would be nice at the trail head.'

9. 'Too many rocks in the mountains.'

HAPPY TREKKING!!!!!!!

( based on in flight magazine-"Air Deccan")