I just booked a trek to Goechala with Jyotisko Biswas's Trekking Buddha group. I made a payment of Rs 5000 (by Gpay from HDFC Bank account on 18th January) to book my place. This trek starts on 18th April 2025 from Siliguri. Total cost is Rs 18000. Plus train and jeep fare.
We have to reach Siliguri on 18th from where we will take a jeep to Jorthang and then in another jeep onward to Yuksom. The actual walk will start from Yuksom the next day. The total trek involves eight days of walking. Although I am using the word "we", I am going alone from my side. The total team size will be around 15 people, I guess.
One of the problems of such commercial treks is that the fellow trekkers are usually youngsters. Although they are not as fit as me when it comes to hiking in the mountain and I am never in competition with anyone while walking, their outlook and priorities in life are often very different from mine. I don't mind the difference. Problem is when they are in conflict with mine.
I have spoken to Jyotisko about one thing. I want an exclusive room/tent for me. I am ready to pay for it. I just cannot sleep with anyone snoring next to me. Of course I have German earplugs now but they cannot make it noiseless. On this trek I plan to do another thing a little differently. I want to carry the porter's things in a duffel bag. I normally carry them in my large North Face sack. I have noticed that the porters don't take it on their shoulder and pack it on a mule. The duffel will be easier to pack and also easier for me to carry from home.
I will take my camera and other things in my own backpack. I am still not sure if I want to carry the LowePro camera bag or my Deuter backpack. I will take only the 70/200 lens and a bit of dry food and a jacket for the road. The camera bag, due to its thick protective walls is a little heavy. And it has less space too. Let me see what I do ultimately.
