Thampsar Pass Trek 2020

Maximum Altitude: 15748 feet
Best time: April to June and September to October

• Wear shoes and clothes you are comfortable in and do not forget waterproof jackets and warm clothing.
• Soak up the atmosphere – close your eyes and take in the sights and sounds as you explore and observe.
• Do not litter the environment. Polythene and plastics are non-biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be littered or burned and should be carried back.

Things to Get

Backpack:
Backpack 40 - 50 Lt.  With rain cover.
Day Pack 15 - 20 Lt. - To carry your personal gear, camera, water bottle, trail clothing, packed food etc. (you will need this, when you offload your larger pack onto a horse/porter)
 

Footwear:
Trekking Shoes: Please do not wear sports shoes as on most treks as we go higher it gets harder to use the sports shoes. We recommend shoes with a good hard sole and also ankle support preferable water proof. While we do not subscribe to any particular brand you can try the Quechua Forclaz 600 or like.
Socks:
- 2-3 pairs of cotton socks
- 1-2 pair of woolen socks (best to use when in camp. Not recommended while trekking).

Clothing:
- Pants: 2-3 pairs - Ideal are the quick dry light weight synthetic pants. Alternatively track pants are also comfortable to trek in. Avoid jeans/denims.
- T-shirts 2-3 pairs – Preferably full sleeves..
- Synthetic Fleece Jacket - 1 pair.
- Wind proof/ Water proof Jacket - 1 pair.
- Down filled / Hollow fiber fill insulated Jacket - 1 -pair (optional - get this if you want to stay extra warm at camps.)
- Thermal liners - 1 pair upper and lower (optional)

Documents:

i) Identity Cards with Xerox and Passport Size Photographs (at least 4)

ii) Medical Certificate: You can download the format from below document and the same needs to be given to Base Camp to Trek Leader while Registration.

iii) Disclaimers: You can download the format from below document and the same needs to be given to Base Camp to Trek Leader while Registration.

iv) Leave No Trace Policy Document : You can download the format from below document and the same needs to be given to Base Camp to Trek Leader while Registration.)

Accessories:
- Raincoat/ Poncho - make sure it is something that will cover your daypack and camera too.
- Warm Beanie - make sure it is something that covers your ears. You can also use buffs, scarves etc in addition to your beanie.
- Gloves - Lightweight synthetic gloves made of Fleece or you can also use woolen gloves.
-Sun Cap- 1 no
-Sun Glasses with good UV protection.

Other necessary things that we recommend you get:
- Toiletries - Sunscreen SPF 40+, Moisturizer, Lip balm, Soap, Toilet paper.
- Repair Kit (needle and thread).
- Headlamp/ Torch.
- Camera.
- Water Bottle- Ideally keep two bottle 1 liter each.
- Trekking Pole - Optional.
- Plastic Packing covers. (Please pack all your gear in waterproof plastic bags so that your clothes etc do not get wet while on horses or porters. Also carry extra plastic bags in case you need to pack wet clothes.)

Personal first aid kit:

- Diamox - 10 tablets (to prevent AMS)
- Crocin – 6 tablets (fever)
- Avomine – 4 tablets (motion sickness)
- Avil 25mg – 4 tablets (allergies)
- Combiflam – 4 tablets (Pain killer)
- Disprin – 6 tablets (headache)

Important Info

• Failing to report at the reporting time till 3 hours will be considered as a "No-show" case.
• The trek can be customized and facilitated for 1 participant also and for fixed departures we take max. 6 participants in one group -  In case of less than 2 members commute will be made through public transport.
• In case you are travelling by your own car, we suggest you arrive directly at our basecamp located in Haripur (address will be shared after booking), 14-16 km from Manali on the Naggar road, the day before the start of the trek.
• Participants are expected to have a reasonably good fitness level.
• In the trek, if the group size is not met, the trek will not be cancelled; however we will travel in public transport.
• Trekking programs in the Himalaya not necessarily would always run exactly as scheduled. Allow for unplanned long days or early camps due to weather disruptions or similar causes.
• All participants are recommended to have a travel insurance that covers trekking and wilderness travel.
• Wear shoes and clothes you are comfortable in and do not forget waterproof jackets and warm clothing.
• Do not litter the environment. Polythene and plastics are non-biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be littered or burned and should be carried back
• Soak up the atmosphere – close your eyes and take in the sights and sounds as you explore and observe. 

Note: -

All programs are subject to change due to political reason, natural calamities, serious sickness, and special reasons. 

Please note that cancellation charges also apply to reductions in group size, not only for cancellations of entire bookings.

The tour will not be cancelled unless we are forced to do so because of unusual or unforeseen circumstances, such as a major natural disaster, major political unrest or war. If we cancel the tour we will promptly refund all payments made to us including the deposit (less the unrecoverable costs such as air tickets cancellations). We shall not be liable to refund any additional expenses that you may have incurred (such as insurance, visas, vaccinations and other incidental costs).

If you do not show up at the meeting point specified on the agreed date, we will assume you have been delayed and will wait for you to contact us with your new expected arrival date. If you do not contact us within 48 hours we will assume you have cancelled the tour. There is no refund of any money paid.

Conduct of the Trek

Camps on Trek: Spacious tents (dome tents/alpine tents) to be shared by 2/3 persons respectively. The tents will be pitched on a meadow or flat ground with insulated rubber/foam/rubber mattresses. Sleeping bags will be provided with a fleece sleeping liner for each to be used personally and returned at the end of the trek. There will be a separate kitchen and dining tents. For a small group (for a strength of 2-6 people) we carry kitchen cum dining tents. The camp area will have a sack to throw trash, a water point to fetch drinking water and a washing point. Our staff will help with any task related to maintenance of the campsite and keeping things available.

Toilets on Trek: There will be separate toilet tents for men and women. The toilets will be dry toilets where a pit will be dug and will contain a hump of mud inside the tent with a trowel in each toilet tent. After you finish your business, you need to cover the pit with some layer of mud over it keeping in mind that is useable for other trekker next time.  While shifting the camps, we will ensure that the pit is well covered and the area is clean.

Utensils on Trek: Provision of utensils would be there for every trekker but we strongly recommend carrying lunch boxes for days when packed food needs to be given. Please don’t carry plates, carry boxes which can be covered with a lid. We do not use Aluminium foil papers to pack the food and to be given to each trekker, as we make an effort to take minimum plastic/ foils in mountains making close to no environmental impact.

Trip Leader: He will conduct the entire program and take decisions in consultations with the team and depending on the weather, snow and other situations on ground.

Local Staff:  We hire local staff as our support crew like a cook, trip guide, kitchen helpers, porters, mule persons. These are expert of their fields and the region.

Meals: On treks, typically you will not be required to carry anything to eat apart from your personal trail food. Our meal program starts with morning tea(not to be confused with bed tea  ), breakfast, tea/coffee , fruits and juice for the trail, hot lunch, evening tea with snacks, soup, dinner and last hot drinks like Bournvita or Ginger Lemon Tea.

Leave no Trace:  We strictly follow leave no trace policies on any trek i.e. making zero impact on the environment like avoiding packed plastic foods, making the camp drenches filled up with mud again to make it viable for other trekkers in future, camping on durable surfaces, minimize campfire impacts , dispose of waste properly.

FAQS

1. 1.    What is the Mountaineerz Safety Protocol?

Our thoroughly researched itineraries are designed to offer you access to some of the world's best-kept secrets. We have personally explored the destinations we offer with in-depth knowledge that goes towards making your experience more than worth your while. However, at times due factors beyond any one’s control, situations may arise which can pose a challenge to the safety and security of the group members.

To minimize any negative impact, we subscribe strictly to “Mountaineerz Safety Protocol” which is an intensive and comprehensive compilation of safety and security measures undertaken to ensure a seamless and safe experience for its guests. There are factors which are controllable and attention to them ensures lower risks and toned down consequences.

The protocol is devised keeping in mind the interest of the clients and following are its highlights:

• A group size on any of our trips is always kept to a small number of 1 – 8. This ensures that individual and personal attention can be given to all the guests and service levels can be kept on a high.
• It requires the guests to share their medical history with us and to call out any special medical condition.
• A SPOC (Special Point of Contact) is appointed for each venture and expedition and the contact details are shared with all the team members to ensure access.
• Each guest is handed out a pamphlet enlisting the entire Do’s and Don’ts on an expedition for easy understanding along with the contact details of nearest medical aid centers and medical professionals.
• Guests are given a list of transporters and cab drivers in and around the area they are in.
• Guests have 24*7 access to the in-house medical professional and aid.
• The guests are requested to fill out a medical form and undergo a physical check up before the commencement of any trek or high altitude activity.
• It is mandatory for the guests to undergo 1 -2 days of acclimatization in the mountains.
• Guests are requested to carry their individual and personal medical kit with themselves.
• The trek medical professional is equipped with a first-aid kit and a general medicine kit.
• The guests are given a drill down about High Altitude Mountaineerz Etiquette (HAME). This chiefly talk about the Do’s and Don’ts of trekking and surviving at high altitudes.
•  Addresses and ways of accessing nearest medical centers around chief road heads and on trekking routes.
• Equipment includes thermal sheets and oxygen cylinders. 

1. 2.    What is the Kkoott? Can I stay there as well?

If you are the one to seek solitude at the pace of a sunrise, the Kkoott is the place for you. Nestled deep in the jungles of Pir Panjal and at the far end of the ancient village of Soil, by the banks of the feisty Haripur glacial stream, it is a heritage wood, stone and mud Himachali village home - the Kkoott. The wooden and mud home offers a cozy and comfortable village experience with the basic comfort amenities. The village of Soil enjoys a rich heritage and history and is an experience in itself.

The Kkoott faces the majestic Dhauladhar range and offers a complete Himalayan experience with its lush green forests and lost and hidden trails which meander through the thick jungles of pine and deodar. It is an amazing spot for birding and angling. You will find some rarest varieties of Himalayan birds and some fresh trout in the Haripur stream. Indulge in angling here as this is a renowned angling site. BBQ the catch of the day or just enjoy the sport.

 The Kkoott is also home to our canine army and the place is abuzz with energy and positivity. You can either stay in the village home or choose to pitch a tent in the apple orchard for a camping experience. If you wish, you can cook your meals in the old Himachali style kitchen, else the service will be provided to you. Catch up on some reading while chilling in a hammock or get lost in some hidden trails and find the mysterious waterfall hidden deep in the forest.

 The Kkoott is not just a place to stay but an experience and a feeling that can only be felt.

1. 3.    Where does the trek start and how do I get there?

Our trek will begin from Soil, a short drive from our base camp in Haripur.

1. 4.    Can someone carry my bags?

We provide our clients with porters/ponies for their convenience on demand and at a fixed price (Rs.500 per day for the duration of the trek and a maximum of 10 kg per person)

1. 5.    Is there a locker room to leave behind my extra stuff while on the trek?

Yes, there is a locker room facility available at the rate of Rs. 300 per bag for the duration of the trek.

1. 6.    What is an ‘Alpine Style’ trek?

In alpine style treks, our clients carry and are responsible for their own rucksacks, sleeping bags, packed lunches. Those who do not wish to do so are welcome to avail the porter/pony facility at the given rate.

1. 7.    What is ‘Explore at Leisure’ style?

In this style of trekking, we provide all facilities during the trip including pickup and drop from Manali bus stand, porter/pony facilities for luggage and gear, luxury camping amenities(camping tables, chairs, dining tents, air pillows and mattresses), along with a choice of vegetarian/non-vegetarian wherever possible.

1. 8.    If I come one day prior to the trek, can I stay at the base camp?

Yes we have three comfortable rooms in the base camp located in an orchard in Haripur, 16 km from Manali (on first come first served basis). In fact, we encourage this so as to meet the team and understand the Dos and Don’ts of the trek

1. 9.    How to reach “dA Base – Mountaineerz’, Haripur from Delhi

Board a Volvo in New Delhi, which departs 5:30p.m in the evening from Delhi and arrives at Patlikuhal Bus stand (20 km before the main Manali bus stand) at 7:00 am in the morning. We can arrange for your travel if you tell us in advance. The guests are suggested to de-board at 15 Mile bridge, near Patlikuhal, 14 km before Manali on the Delhi-Manali highway, from where the “Mountaineerz” staff and vehicle will receive them and ensure their arrival at the basecamp. Guests can board a flight from New Delhi airport to Kullu – Manali airport (arrival: 6:00a.m). Mountaineerz can arrange for a vehicle for the guests to be received at the airport and driven the basecamp. Drive down from Delhi – Chandigarh – Mandi – Bhuntar – Haripur (Mountaineerz Basecamp). (12 – 14 Hrs drive). You can also follow Google maps to ‘dA Base – Mountaineerz’

10. What would be the accommodation type?

The accommodation during the trek is generally on twin or quad sharing basis in Alpine Trekking (Carrying your own rucksack and sleeping bag) or Leisure Luxury style Trekking (Bag would be carried by pony).

Mountaineerz basecamp is in Haripur on the left bank of river Beas dA Base – Mountaineerz is a jungle village retreat located in the village of Soil, near Manali, H.P. We have two traditional Himachali Cottages and ‘Glamping’ units with all basic modern amenities.  

11. As a precaution, do the authorities have prior information of the trek?

An email containing the list of participants and the trek itinerary goes out to the SDM and the local police, just before the commencement of the trek.

12. Where will you receive us? Where do I need to report?

    If driving, just follow Google maps to ‘dA Base – Mountaineerz’, near. Govt. College, Haripur 14 kms from Manali on the left bank, Naggar-Manali road. If you choose to travel in a Volvo, kindly de-board at Patlikuhal Bus stand, 16 kms before Manali and Mountaineerz support team will receive you there.

13. What about the food?

At ‘dA Base’, you can choose from a variety of dishes (veg & non-veg) and enjoy it around a bon fire. However, during the treks, the meals will be high-nutrition and vegetarian.

14. What about communication?

The staff will be equipped to keep their phones and other communication devices charged 24*7.The guests can communicate via the staff during any emergency and also charge their phones. However, we humbly and strongly recommend that guests carry their personal Power Banks / charging devices in order to keep their phones and cameras charged.

Mountaineerz team and base camp are in regular contact throughout the expedition / trek at all times.

15. How cold does it get?

The temperature at the base camp is about 20-30 degrees, however, it might drop down to sub-zero during the trek. And under the sun it can get pretty warm. So, instead of carrying woolens during the trek, layer up as much as you can and keep your feet warm. J You will love it.

16. What do i need to bring?

A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure packet. Every year, after assessing feedback from our clients and guides, we review and update our lists so they are as complete and up-to-date as possible. Every list has a description of each item, however feel free to call us if you have questions or need help locating any of the items on the list. It is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.

17. Who will join the trek and who will lead the trek?
All our treks are led by certified & experienced trek Guides. We believe in sustainable adventure eco-tourism which in effect means that our teams are locally sourced. Other than a Trek lead we in our team will have local Guides, Cook, Helpers and Porters.

18. What is the maximum group size?
The group may have up to 12 people so as to minimize the impact on biosphere.

19. What is the minimum number of Trekkers required for Fixed Departures?
We believe that the customer is the high priority. Therefore, we will continue with the trek even if we have a single participant. If the group is less than 5, the transport cost, if any, would be divided amongst the participants.

20. How safe is it for girls?
Some of our own trek leaders are qualified, experienced girls. Mountains on the whole are much safer than the plains. Lots of solo female trekkers join us and we make it a point that only female trekkers share the tent with other female trekkers.

21. How many trekkers will be in one tent?
We use 2-Man and 4-Man tents during the trek.

22. What level of fitness is expected from the trekkers?
You have to be reasonably fit. You should be able to run up to 3-5 kms or at least walk 5-7 kms at a stretch

23. Is the water on the trek safe?
The water during the trek is collected from fresh mountain streams and so is clean and refreshing to drink.

24. What types of vehicles are used for transportation?
We use Sumo/Bolero for transportation.

25. What do you do if we encounter a medical emergency during the trek?
Our team is experienced and well trained to handle medical emergencies at high altitudes along with basic first aid. In case of extreme cases, we accompany the sick till the main road. Any additional cost incurred is borne by the trekker. We also recommend that you get a medical fitness checkup done from your local doctor before coming here.

26. Can we change the itinerary?
‘Mountaineerz’ Pvt Ltd reserves the right to amend the given itinerary in case of unforeseen weather conditions and other factors. In such cases, we may offer you a different trek or some similar activity. Extra costs, if any, incurred due to rescheduling, will be borne by the client. In case of non-completion of the tour due to any reason whatsoever there will not be any refund for any unutilized services

27. What is your Rescheduling Policy?
We will reschedule your trek without any extra coast if we are informed a month prior to your original booking.

28. What documents do I need to carry with me?
You need to carry an original ID card and a photograph.

29. Will there be a doctor with us on the trek?
There are no doctors on the trek; however our trek leaders are experienced in first aid and basic medical protocols...

30. Do you provide toilet tents? Is it necessary to dig cat holes?
There is no civilization or buildings on the treks. No concrete toilets are available. Women will have toilet tents. Being environment friendly and hygienic, going outside for nature calls and making cat holes is encouraged.

31. Are there any bathing facilities on the trek?
We have bathing facilities at both our base camps in Haripur and Sethan. But, there will be no such concrete facilities during the trek.

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THE MOUNTAINEERZ GUARANTEE  

With our every escapade we bring you closer to the best of adventure travel. Mountaineerz brings you an experience that encompasses the quiet and the wild, the divine, the exotic and the spiritual side of   “The Valley of The Gods.”

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WHY US:

Here are just a few benefits of adventure travel with Mountaineerz:

1. MOUNTAINEERZ SAFETY PROTOCOL: SAFETY IS OUR FIRST PRIORITY.

We perform rigorous safety checks on every location, sport, instructor, tour leader, hotel/ campsite and Transportation Company we use, provide immediate on-tour support and have an emergency contact line available 24/7.     

2. EXCEPTIONAL CERTIFIED & EXPERIENCED GUIDES: THE FORMIDABLE MOUNTAINEERZ ARMY J

AND I SAY THIS WITH ABSOLUTE CONVICTION AND PRIDE

Mountaineerz is essentially a team of passionate, committed and competent mountain guides. We believe that the quality of your guide is the single most important factor that creates a truly fantastic experience on any outdoor adventure tour. Mountaineerz’ guides are truly extraordinary men and women have the ability to turn a great get-away into an unforgettable, inspiring – and sometimes truly life changing – adventure.

That being said, our absolute commitment is to hire and train the best guides in the industry. Our philosophy is that our guides, gear, food and logistics comprise our product, and the guides are the most important ingredient!

3. FANTASTIC MEALS AND TOP OF THE LINE GEAR

To provide exceptional meals we customize our menus depending on the preferences of the group, and we never use freeze-dried backpacking meals – you will be well nourished and your tummies filled with high nutrition and high energy vegetarian meals during your treks.

Our tours are supported by kitchen facilities, chefs and helping staff to provide hygienic and freshly prepared meals at all times. All our cooking infrastructure is specially customized for outdoors and staff is experienced in preparing nutritious and tasty meals even with limited resources and at times in adverse conditions.

You can be assured of top-of-the-line, high quality and comfortable trekking and camping equipment.

4. HIMALAYA IS OUR HOME

Our knowledge of the Indian Himalayas comes from living, working and experiencing the mountains first-hand, not from once-a-year trips. Capability to run trips in remote and difficult regions, Ensuring safety and comfort of guests in adverse conditions

5. WE DO IT ALL, OURSELVES.

We do not farm our programs to sub-contractors. We do the planning; we do the execution – the logistics, the outfitting and the instruction ourselves which is also the secret why we are able to offer high quality journeys and people keep coming back to us. Our self-sufficiency and in-depth knowledge makes us unique allows us to maintain a very high quality of service

6. 24/7 SUPPORT

Your dedicated personal Program Consultant will guide you through the entire tour planning process, and for clients, our customer care staff and doctor is available 24 hours a day.

We enjoy designing that perfect trip for you with the seasoned eye of a craftsman. And what is more… we have been doing this for quite some time now!

7. CHAT WITH ANY OF OUR PAST GUESTS

People who have travelled with us once have always come back to us again and again and have also sent their friends to do many more trips with us. In short, we have built a very strong business based on word of mouth and have always allowed our work talk for us. (Let us know if you want to chat with any of our past guests and we will put you in touch with them)

8. SPECTACULAR DESTINATIONS

When it comes to destinations, our goal is to provide amazing hiking experiences in the Himalayas’ most spectacular destinations. And we’re well on our way to meeting that goal! Our current destinations include Zanskar, Ladakh, Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, Dharamshala and Manali

9. THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED ITINERARIES

Our thoroughly researched itineraries are designed to offer you access to some of the world's best-kept secrets. We have personally explored the destinations we offer with in-depth knowledge that goes towards making your experience more than worth your while.

10. FLEXIBLE TRANSFER AND REFUND POLICY

When Murphy’s Law is at play in anybody’s life, things which have to go wrong will go wrong. L We absolutely understand that.

Hence, we believe in a relaxed and flexible transfer and refund policy.

11. 10% DISCOUNT OFF ANY TRIP AFTER YOUR FIRST

When you hike with us you’ll receive a Lifetime Family Membership entitling you and your family to a 10% discount off any future trekking trip.