Personally, when I think of going on a himalayan adventure to escape the hustle-bustle of the city or just get away from the maddening crowd, I choose small-group treks. There are many reasons for this choice:
Safety – the first priority
Firstly, any adventure activity, especially trekking requires safety to be the top priority. With people exposed to the natural elements, it is crucial that they are protected and in safe hands. One of the key aspects to ensure safety is the ratio of guides to participants. On small group treks, the operators can assign 1 guide for every 3-4 participants. In this situation it becomes much easier for the team to look out for potential dangers and keep a close eye on the group. If you compare this to a large group, where the ratio is much bigger, it becomes impossible to maintain so much vigilance.
Minimise Impact on the environment
It is logical to say that a small group treks will have a smaller ecological footprint on the fragile environment. The moment you take a large group to these places, the waste quickly piles up and there is little choice but to dispose it or burn it. One of the golden rules of Leave No Trace is to dispose of waste properly. This basically means what you pack and take up for the trek must be packed out and brought back down. With small groups, waste management and transportation of the waste back down becomes that much easier, leaving the mountain reasonably unharmed.
Take a look at our InfoGraphic on how you Walk Responsibility with AntHill Adventures
Read our Blog on How to Reduce Waste while Trekking
Authentic Experiences
The interaction with the locals and to get a glimpse into their way of life fascinates me each time I walk the Himalayan trails and stay in the small hamlets. With a small group it is still possible to be invited over for a cup of tea and even a meal and enjoy the experience of being hosted by a local family.
On many of our treks we have been able to sight wildlife. Recently, on a trek to Dodital lake, we encountered a group of Himalayan Ghoral or Blue Sheep. It was a serene experience as we saw them climb slowly up the slopes to our right. I am convinced that such an experience would be nearly impossible in a large group.