Essential Trek Info

Components of Trek Fee

Our commitment is to be upfront about the cost of the trek and keeping nothing hidden from your view to discover later.

Also, GoGhumantu Treks are designed to give you maximum Health benefit of clean pristine environment of Himalayas. That’s why our treks are called “Adventure Health Retreats”

There are 5 components of the Trek Expenditure,  first two, Trek fee and health retreat fee, are mandatory expenses, remaining three, Backpack offloading, equipment on rent and Travel from Dehradun/Rishikesh to the base camp, are optional, depending upon your fitness, preparation & choice of travel:

Trek Fee: The cost of operation of a trek. Includes Stay, Tents, Necessary trek equipment, Meals, Safety equipment, NIM certified team and team leader.

1. Accommodation – Stay in tents at various campsites as indicated in the itinerary.
2. Meals – All meals, 3 meals a day, 2 High Teas. Except meals on transit from Pick point to Base Camp & return.
3. Permits – All trekking permits and forest camping charges are included.
4. Camping Equipments – You shall be provided with high-quality tents and sleeping bags in all the camps.
5. Safety Equipment –  All safety-related equipment, we shall provide.
   1. Ghoda Ambulance– Ghoda Ambulance is our unique facility. First aid & medical kit is always available at Ghoda Ambulance. And during the trek, Ghoda Ambulance marches with the troop. In case of emergency descent, you can use the Horse facility at no extra cost.
   2. Health Card is another tool, through which we ensure well being of each participant. All kind of medicines that usually trekkers require during the trek, we carry all of them to ensure well being.
6. Services of an expert Trek Leader – All our trek leaders are well trained in trekking basics, ethics and handling medical emergencies.
7. Services of an expert Trek Team – The mountain staff on this trek consists of well-trained guides, cooks, helpers, and porters.

Health Retreat Fee:

1. Includes Pre and post trek fitness support
2. Facilities of Special Diet to Combat Cold & Maximize Trekking Benefits
3. Arrangements for Various Diets like Vegan, Keto, Jain Vegetarian & Atkin 
4. Scientific Yog to Minimize Fatigue & Maximize Happy Hormone
5. Wim Hof Breathing Techniques for Hypoxia Benefits
6. Meditation to Reduce Cortisol and Increase Somatotropin Growth Hormone
7. Tents Just for 2 and Equipped with Clean Personalized Bed Sheet and Sleeping Bag Liner
8. Horse Ambulance Ready for Contingency
9. Every Day Medical Checkup to Anticipate Precaution
10. Ayurvedic Treatment for Better Rest, The comfort of Washed Utensils & Generous Kitchen Staff, Special Toilet Arrangements.

Backpack Offloading: Offloading is, giving your backpack to be carried by mules or potters. If you wish to Offload your backpack, an extra fee of Rs 300 x Number of days of trek will be charged, this has to be informed at least a week prior to the trek.

Equipment on Rent: Cost for renting personal equipment like Waterproof shoes, Trekking pole, and Ponchos.

Travel to the Base Camp: Transport & any food expenses during transit from Dehradun/Rishikesh to Basecamp and return is not included in the Base Fee of the trek. You may choose to travel all by yourself to the base camp from Rishikesh/Dehradun or you can travel with us, on a chargeable basis.

Here is what the trek fee excludes:

1. Out of the way Support in the completion of Trek: If you are facing some minor health or stamina issue and you wish to complete the trek and your trek leader approves of your health condition to carry on, we can organize a Horse for you during the trek at an extra cost of approx Rs 2000 per day. This facility and price are subject to the availability of the Horse on the trek.
2. During Medical Emergency– If you have come well prepared for the trek, the chances of medical emergency reduces drastically. Yet if the medical emergency arises, we shall bring you back to the base camp or if required to the nearest medical facility at the earliest. Medical emergency and evacuation expenses are not included in the base trek fee.
3. Personal expenses of any kind
4. Anything apart from inclusions

Non-liability: GoGhumantu shall not be liable for any loss/damage of your gears/equipment or other belongings on the trek.

Cancellation Policy

If a trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc). We shall refund the money deducting the bank charges. In case, you wish to cancel your trek, please send in a mail to cancel. Cancellation requests will not be taken over phone or email. The cancellation charges are as under:

1. Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek — 90% refund.
2. Cancellation between 30 days and 20 days to the start of the trek — 50% refund
3. Cancellation less than 20 days to the start of the trek — no refund

Please note: In case of refund, there will be a deduction of 4% of the total fee you have paid as bank charges

No Compromise Policy

Our trek leaders will conduct vital checkups at camps to measure oxygen saturation, pulse and blood pressure. We value your safety as our first priority, hence GoGhumantu reserves the right to make the final decision for the candidates whom we think are not suitably prepared for the mountain conditions.

No refund is liable on GoGhumantu, in-case of return from the mid-trek.

Drinking Liquor, smoking or any kind of addition drug during the trek is strictly prohibited. If found violating the rules, your participation on the trek will be cancelled with immediate effect, Goghumantu shall not be liable for any refund.

Safety Foundation:

Safeguarding Our People is Our First Priority.

In GoGhumantu’s philosophy of safety, our fellow trekkers and support team are our most valuable asset—and no phase of the business is more important than your safety.

We believe that all accidents can be prevented and that safety is an integral part of everyone’s job, not just one person’s. At Goghumantu Safety is everyone’s responsibility, from cab driver to cook to GoGhumantu trekker.

Core safety values:

1. All accidents are preventable
2. All injuries are preventable
3. Working safely is a condition of trekking
4. All risks can be calculated and prevention measures can be put in place.
5. Training each one to work and trek safely is essential
6. Injury/Illness prevention has a direct impact on our morale & confidence
7. Recognizing safe behaviours cultivates the better understanding of our policies, philosophy and practices
8. All trekkers are empowered to stop any unsafe task
9. Bravery and stupidity have a hairline difference, We promote Bravery & Courage, not stupidity.

To foster this philosophy GoGhumantu has a full-time safety manager to develop and administer safety training for faculty and staff.  The Safety and Compliance Manager’s chief focus is not only to ensure this philosophy is followed but to motivate employees and trekkers to act safely in all aspects of their life (work and home).

Safety Preparation:

1. Safe trek is directly proportional to the preparation trekkers have put in. There are two possible cases:
   1. You are already into strict health and fitness regime and you can climb 6-8 floors comfortably in one go, you are at a good point. One month prior to the trek, you must be in an exercise routine of at least 45 minutes daily at 55-70 % of your maximum heart rate. If you need any specific support than you can get in touch with us.
   2. If you are someone who has registered for the trek and not fit yet and want to use the opportunity of trekking as an occasion to do lifestyle shift, 3 to 6 months depending upon your fitness level is a good preparation time.

   GoGhumantu shall support you in your fitness goals. Post registration, just drop an email at query@goghumantu.com and ask for fitness support.

2. GoGhumantu shall also send you adequate information about essential information on trekking, Altitude Mountain Sickness and on Safety training. Make sure that you read all the essential information and come prepared.
3. Should you have any query, ask. Don’t hesitate. Being in communication and removing doubts is well within preparation for the trek.
4. Please come adequately prepared in terms of clothing and equipment as well. What to carry Page has sufficient information on this too.
5. As Team GoGhumantu we prepare well in advance in terms of weather check, equipment, team training, team communication and documentation.
6. We keep a strict eye on who is registering for the trek and readiness of the participant for the trek. For GoGhumantu nothing absolutely nothing comes before safety.
7. GoGhumantu treks are operated with well layout instructions and procedures. Plan A is always supported by well thought of Plan B. Trek leader, are trained to take an informed decision for the safe trek.
8. No Compromise Policy, Our trek leaders will conduct vital checkups at camps to measure oxygen saturation, pulse and blood pressure. We value your safety as our first priority, hence GoGhumantu reserves the right to make the final decision for the candidates whom we think are not suitably prepared for the mountain conditions. Drinking Liquor, smoking or any kind of addition drug during the trek is strictly prohibited. If found violating the rules, your participation on the trek will be cancelled with immediate effect

Safety Execution:

Health Card & Regular Checkups: We maintain a health card of each trekking participant, we check the trekker’s Oxygen saturation level and pulse rate twice a day. And in case of any red sign, we also keep an eye on Blood pressure and other parameters.

Horse Ambulance: Horse Ambulance is our unique facility. First aid & medical kit is always available at Ghoda Ambulance. And during the trek, Ghoda Ambulance marches with the troop. In case of emergency descent, you can use the Horse facility at no extra cost.

Basic Medical & First Aid Kit: Always available with the trek leader and GoGhumantu team is well trained on basic first aid.

In Communication: Trek leader shall get in touch with each team member individually twice a day, we encourage transparency in communication. Belief is, if any discomfort is being communicated at the right time, it is much easier to deal with the problem before it becomes an emergency.

Radio: Front and back of the team is in touch through a walkie-talkie

Whistles: Each team member has a whistle, is trained on distance communication through whistle blow.

Result

We aim to achieve 100% trekkers coming back safely in all treks. So far we had been successful in accomplishing this.

1. Where do we stay on this trek on different days?
On Har Ki Dun and Kedarkantha trek, Stay on first and last will be in a guest house, where you will share a room with fellow trekkers. The stay on all other days will be in tents. Each tent will accommodate three trekkers. On Chopta and Chandrashila different options are available, homestays, Swiss Tents, Dome Tents, Wooden houses, the kind of accommodation depends upon your package. Please talk to your trek Coordinator.

2. Will GoGhumantu provide us with tents and sleeping bags?
Yes, we shall provide with tents and high altitude sleeping bags that can withstand temperatures as low as -10 ºC.

3. What will the temperature variation during this trek?
In summers, daytime temperature will range from 13 to 18°C and night time from 0 to -2°C. In Winters daytime temperature will range from 8 to 15°C, it can drop to -7°C at night.

4. Will there be snow on this trek?
In Kedarkantha and CCD Trek, you will find snow in the months of Nov-Mar. On Har Ki Dun snow is likely to be present in the month of November.

5. Are treks possible when it rains?
In case of rains, trek goes on as scheduled. Poncho and backpack cover are two important things to save you and your belongings from the rain. We usually carry a poncho in our day packs. Once we reach the campsite, sleeping tents, kitchen tents, and dining tents are waterproof, so you will stay dry inside. Make sure you keep your shoes inside the tent.

6. How do we reach Base Camp?
GoGhumantu can organize pick up by shared vehicle or cab from Dehradun/Rishikesh. Please read here for more.

7. How do we get back after the trek?
Goghumantu shall organize for shared cabs from Sankri to Dehradun. This cost is to be borne by the trekkers and is not included in the trek fee. Or you can take public transport or hire a cab.

8. Can we take items on rent from GoGhumantu?
Yes, Goghumantu offers shoes and jackets on rent. We also have some equipment for sale. You can order both rentals and purchase online. Check out our ‘All about Fee’ document for details. Trek Pole, Poncho, Gaiters, and Microspikes are inclusive in your trek cost.

9. What are some suggested treks for a first timer?
Har Ki Dun, Nagtibba, Deoriatal Chandrashila, Kedarkantha, and Brahmatal are moderate treks and are do-able for the beginners with adequate preparation. You will trek for long hours every day so it is important that you are fit and you prepare well.

10. Is there an option to offload my backpack on this trek?
Yes, there is an option to offload your backpack. Read ‘All about Fee’ document to know more.

11. Can I take my child along on the trek? What is the age limit?
If your child is eight years plus, fit, eager & confident to trek throughout, we would be happy to have him on the trek.

12. Who will be with us on the trek if we trek with GoGhumantu?
Well trained GoGhumantu team consisting of a qualified trek leader, trek guides, porters and cooks will be with you throughout the trek.

13. What are washroom/toilet facilities like on the trek?
The guest house at base camp has concrete toilets. On the other days, toilet tents will be set up along each campsite. There will be 2 to 3 of these toilet tents depending on the size of the group. Mountain toilet tents have a deep pit for excretion. There will be soil and a shovel to cover it up. These are dry toilets, where you’ll have to use toilet paper. This is the most hygienic and convenient way to answer nature’s call in the wild. Please use plain toilet paper and refrain from using wet wipes since they are not biodegradable.

14. What kind of food is served on the trek? Should we carry any food?
GoGhumantu plans to delight you with the food menu. Food is suitable for taste buds and also for high altitude treks. Breakfast layout is usually very wide ranging from light to heavy. Lunch or packed mainly comprises of roti or puri with sabzi. Dinner is complete with Dal, rice, roti, and dessert. You may carry nuts, dry fruits, biscuits, and chikki. Please refer to the what to carry checklist to see the food items that you must bring.

15. Will there be water sources on the way? Will two liters of water be enough?
Our campsites are pitched near water sources. For your day’s trek, two liters of water should be enough.

16. Is there a mobile network on trek? Are there any electricity charging points on trek?
Goghumantu traveler shall stop at last signal point so that you can inform your people about your well being. Signals in mountains are unpredictable, so is the electricity availability. Do carry a good power bank to charge your phones and make sure you keep your power bank and camera battery warm during the night. Battery depletes quickly in cold temperatures.
Last signal point for Har Ki Dun is Sankri/Mori
Last signal point for Kedarkantha trek is Purola.

17. Do I need special snowshoes on the trek?
No, you don’t need special snowshoes. A good trekking shoe preferably waterproof shoes are sufficient for the trek. Shoes with good grip and trekking poles are a good combination to trek in the snow. 

18. Is the trekking pole necessary?
A trekking pole saves 40% efforts while trekking also provides stability and balance. The trekking pole isn’t a sign of weakness, it only means that you are well equipped and serious trekker, who values safety before anything.

19. When it gets really cold, can I consume alcohol?
Alcohol is dangerous at high altitudes. Alcohol dehydrates. Hence consumption of alcohol is absolutely prohibited on GoGhumantu treks. Anyone found with alcohol is quickly removed from the trek. Smoking, similarly, is not allowed. You must read our No Compromise Policy.

20. How do I manage the negative temperatures on the trek? Do I need special jackets?
At high altitudes, temperature dip into negative at nights. For these extremely cold temperatures, you need to dress up sufficiently on treks. On trek dressing up requires multilayers so that while trekking in the daytime you can remove a few layers, and as the sun starts settling down, you can add a few.

The bottommost layer should always be dry fit so that it can absorb your sweat. Above it you can wear a cotton layer, a fleece, a sweater, light jacket and a padded jacket. These 6 layers should be good enough to handle -10-degree centigrade. If you are prone to colder, just add a layer.
The temperatures dip only in absence of sun. If the sun is out, then you may even be trekking in your T-shirts. Make sure you use your thermal wear only at night and not while trekking.
A woollen cap/balaclava and dry gloves are a must.

21. Is it safe to trek with GoGhumantu?
All high altitude treks involve risks. At GoGhumantu, the safety of trekkers is the most important protocol that we follow. We have developed Poka Yoke of trekking to ensure things don’t go wrong because of human error.
For natural calamity, we hear the red signs of nature very carefully and we don’t ignore either one of them. We know there is a hairline difference between bravery and stupidity. We train ourselves, our trek leaders, all staff members and each trekker on safety protocols & procedures. Each one of us knows the steps to take if things go wrong. With the blessing of all natural & supernatural powers, It is absolutely safe to trek with GoGhumantu.

22. What is Altitude Mountain Sickness and How do I deal with it?
AMS is common for high altitude treks. Committing to being prepared and fit is extremely necessary before committing to attempting a trek. Don’t go by hearsay, be completely aware and equipped with information yourself. Read more in the ‘All about AMS’ document.

23. What is the Cancellation Policy?
If a trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc). We shall refund the money deducting the bank charges. In case, you wish to cancel your trek, please send in a mail to cancel. Cancellation requests will not be taken over phone or email. The cancellation charges are as under:

1. Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek — 90% refund.
2. Cancellation between 30 days and 20 days to the start of the trek — 50% refund
3. Cancellation less than 20 days to the start of the trek — no refund

Please note: In case of refund, there will be a deduction of 4% of the total fee you have paid as bank charges

24. What are the policies I should know about?
We have two basic policies. Cancellation Policy and No Compromise Policy. Having read about the Cancellation policy above, here’s what you should know about the No Compromise Policy.
Our trek leaders will conduct vital checkups at camps to measure oxygen saturation, pulse and blood pressure. We value your safety as our first priority, hence GoGhumantu reserves the right to make the final decision for the candidates whom we think are not suitably prepared for the mountain conditions.
Drinking Liquor, smoking or any kind of addiction drug during the trek is strictly prohibited. If found violating the rules, your participation on the trek will be cancelled with immediate effect

25. What all should I carry in my backpack?
Being fully equipped with trekking gear and essentials is crucial to attempt a trek without any hassles. Head over to the ‘What To Carry’ document to know and prepare accordingly for your needs. It is highly recommended and should be considered with utmost importance to check off each item on the list for a happy, comfortable and safe trek.

26. How do I know, whether I am fit to trek? Also, what should I do to get fit? How can Goghumantu Support me?
There are two possible cases:

1. You are already into strict health and fitness regime and you can walk 6 km in 60 mins comfortably, you are at a good point. One month prior to the trek, you must continue with 5 km run and other fitness regimes that you have designed for yourself. If you need any specific support than you can get in touch with us.
2. If you are someone who has registered for the trek and not fit yet and want to use the opportunity of trekking as an occasion to do lifestyle shift, 3 to 6 months depending upon your fitness level is a good preparation time.

GoGhumantu shall support you in your fitness goals. Post registration, just drop an email at query@goghumantu.com and ask for fitness support.

1. Mandatory Documents: Please carry the below documents. Document two and three need to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp.
   • Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (driving license, voters ID, etc.)
   • Medical Certificate Download from the email.
   • Disclaimer form (to be filled by the trekker) – Download PDF from the mail.
2. Backpack (40-60 litres): A backpack with strong straps and a sturdy frame. Rain cover for the backpack is important.
3. Daypack (20 litres): If you think you can trek that is one level, To trek carrying your own backpack is the next level to play for. In case you want mules to carry your backpack, you will need a smaller backpack to carry water, a medical kit and some light snacks. Also, please inform in advance for required arrangements. (This is liable for additional charges)
4. Three t-shirts: It is advisable to wear light, full sleeved, collared t-shirts to prevent sunburns on the neck and arms. We shall wear one and carry two. If possible one of these shirts should be a dry-fit t-shirt. If we are trekking on a rainy day, it will dry quickly. A common mistake that trekkers make is they do not change their t-shirts often. Even in cold, the body tends to sweat. Trekkers should change to fresh clothes after reaching the campsite, this shall prevent us from falling sick.  
5. Three Warm Layers: Apart from three Cotton T-shirts, since we shall be trekking and staying at high altitudes let’s make sure we have at least three layers of warm clothes like a base layer, sweater, fleece to protect ourselves.
6. Jacket: A Warm padded jacket is a must.
7. Three trek pants: Carry three pairs of trek pants. Columbia, Woodland, Quechua, the Northface, Salomon are famous brands for trekking accessories. Denim/jeans and shorts are not the right clothes for trekking
8. Thermals (Optional): Those who are more prone to cold should carry thermals to wear at night
9. Trekking shoes (can be rented from GoGhumantu): We shall be trekking for 48 km, right shoes can make the trek comfortable. Buy good outdoor shoes with good grip and ankle support. If you have a doubt, just click a picture of your shoes and send it your GoGhumantu trek leader.
10. Ponchos (can be rented from GoGhumantu): Ponchos are a lifeline during rain at high altitudes.
11. Trekking pole (can be rented from GoGhumantu): Trekking pole is highly recommended though not mandatory.
12. Sunglasses: Sunglasses prevent snow blindness.
13. Suncap: The sun is harsh at high altitudes, suncap help us protect our face and neck.
14. Hand gloves: One pair of warm hand gloves and one pair of waterproof synthetic gloves.
15. Woollen cap: Balaclava or woollen scarf. Carry two.
16. Socks (5 pairs): Apart from five sports socks, you must take a pair of woollen socks for the night
17. LED Torch: small and lightweight, preferably something that you can hang in tent loop.
18. Bathroom Sleepers: preferably that you can wear with socks on
19. Toiletries: Sunscreen, moisturiser, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser. Wet wipes and sanitary napkins are not biodegradable, avoid wet wipes if you can. Carry a ziplock bag to put used wet tissues and napkins. Bring this ziplock bag back with you for safe disposal.
20. Cutlery: You must carry 2 spoons, a coffee mug and a divided lunch box.
21. Two water bottles: 1 litre each. If you want warm water keep one thermal bottle and one normal water.
22. Plastic covers: Use plastic bags to pack your stuff and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.
23. Mandatory Personal Medical Kit
    1. Diamox – 5 tablets (to prevent Altitude Mountain Sickness
    2. Dexamethasone – one strip
    3. Nifedipine – 5 tablets
    4. Crocin – 6 tablets (fever)
    5. Avomine/Rabium DSR – 4 tablets (motion sickness)
    6. Avil 25mg – 4 tablets (allergies)
    7. Combiflam – 4 tablets (Painkiller)
    8. Norflox TZ & Lomofen– 6 tablets each (diarrhoea)
    9. Digene – 4 tablets (acidity)
    10. Omez/ Rantadine – 4 tablets (antacids)
    11. Crepe bandage – 3 to 5 meters
    12. Gauze – 1 small roll
    13. Band-aid – 5 strips
    14. Cotton – 1 small roll
    15. ORS – 4 packets
    16. Betadine or any antiseptic cream
    17. Moov spray (aches, & sprains)
    18. Kneecap, if you are prone to knee injury
    19. Antifungal powder
    20. Cough/cold medicine
    21. Pain Killer that suits you
24. Energy Eateries: Chocolates with dry fruits like snickers, Dates, Nutella, Dry Fruits, Peanut chikkis, Toffees, Peanut Butter, Glucobar etc. Also, you may want to carry some light Namkeen snacks of your choice for taste building.

There are two possible cases:

1. You are already into strict health and fitness regime and you can run 6 km in 60 mins comfortably, you are at a good point. One month prior to the trek, you must continue with 5 km run and other fitness regimes that you have designed for yourself. If you need any specific support than you can get in touch with us.
2. If you are someone who has registered for the trek and not fit yet and want to use the opportunity of trekking as an occasion to do lifestyle shift, 3 to 6 months depending upon your fitness level is a good preparation time.

GoGhumantu shall support you in your fitness goals. Post registration, just drop an email at query@goghumantu.com and ask for fitness support.

This unique service is being offered by GoGhumantu to first time trekking enthusiasts.