Tracking. What is this? Hiking in Russia Walking tours

Fifteen years ago, after sending a letter or parcel, you could only wait patiently for an answer. It was almost impossible to find out any information about where the correspondence was located.

Letters arrived at the wrong address, were returned to the sender, or simply disappeared. If a package was lost, you had to go to the post office, write a loss report and wait for many months to receive any information about it.

Fortunately, technology is developing, production and processes are being automated. Similar changes have affected delivery services operating around the world. Post office is no exception. Tracking is a great opportunity for anyone to control the movement of their shipment. Obviously, such control has many advantages.

and what is it for?

The word “track” (track, observe) comes from the English language, and in relation to mail it means the ability to control the location of a shipment via the Internet. This service greatly simplifies the work of the delivery service. At the same time, we can talk about improving the quality of its work, since tracking:

makes it easier to find losses, monitor delays in correspondence, thereby reducing delivery time, and minimizes the number of complaints and proceedings initiated by clients;
helps reduce the number of requests from senders and recipients to the customer service in order to obtain data about where parcels and items are located at a given time.

This is the answer to the question of what tracking is.

How it works

The postal item is assigned a tracking number, and information about it is printed on its packaging (envelope, box or box). When it passes through control points, such as sorting centers, airport terminals, points, etc., the identifier is scanned, and the information enters a common database that displays the history of all movements of this item.

The user, entering a request containing a tracking number, sees on the corresponding website information about the list of passed cutoffs and the time at which this happened.

If you know what tracking is and where you can find out the corresponding one, you will not have problems determining the location of your correspondence. Also, the assigned code is proof that the shipment was made. The obvious advantage of tracking is that mail tracking of correspondence can be carried out without leaving home.

Is all correspondence assigned a tracking number?

In the USA and many European countries, all shipments receive an appropriate identifier. In Russia, a number is assigned to registered correspondence (from or registered).

What does the tracking number look like?

Domestic shipments within Russia have an identifier consisting of 14 digits, and information about it is contained in the receipt received when sending it to the post office. The marking of foreign correspondence looks slightly different and consists of an alphanumeric code (2 letters, 9 numbers, 2 letters).

Can a shipment get lost?

The introduction of a tracking system did not eliminate such situations, but their number has noticeably decreased. There are cases when a parcel is assigned a number, but it does not move to its destination, and then ends up with the recipient. In any case, having an idea of what tracking is and how to track correspondence, the service can notice possible problems with delivery in time.

The delivery time of any shipment is strictly regulated, both in full and separately for each checkpoint. Thus, when a parcel is delayed, for example, during sorting, the tracking information serves as the reason for officially filing a statement of missing correspondence.

If you are tired of sitting within four walls and want change and unity with nature, then quickly pack your backpack and hit the road... Take up trekking!

Trekking - this sport charges athletes and lovers with optimism, opens up new horizons for them in active recreation, introduces them to nature, the splendor of sunsets and sunrises, as well as the romance of bonfires, gives them incomparable unforgettable impressions and new friends.

History of origin

The true origin of tracking is still a hot topic of debate among its fans today. But they say that the history of trekking as a sport began in the Republic of Nepal with the capital Kathmandu. This type of hiking was discovered by a British citizen of Russian origin, Boris Lisanevich. In 1949, trekking as a type of sports hiking was included in the All-Union Sports Association. And in 1970, the first competitions for the best trekking trip were held.

What is tracking?

Trekking - translated from English means hiking or pedestrian sports tourism. The main goal of this sport is to overcome a certain route in a group over any terrain.

The trekking route is divided into certain categories depending on the degree of difficulty. The complexity of the route is influenced, first of all, by the presence of local obstacles, geographical indicators of the area, and so on. Depending on these conditions, hiking trips are divided into the following types:

1. Weekend hikes

Often held for tourists and amateurs. They assume the passage of simple routes.

2. Hikes from 1st to 3rd degree of difficulty (among children and youth groups)

First degree of difficulty (The length of the route is at least 30 km and lasts at least 3 - 4 days)
Second degree of difficulty (The length of the route increases to 50 km with a duration of 4-6 days)
Third degree of difficulty (The length of the entire route increases to 75 km with a duration of 6-8 days)

3. Hikes from 1st to 6th category of difficulty

1st category of difficulty (The length of the route is 100 km. Number of days - 6)
2nd category of difficulty (The length of the route is 120 km. Number of days - 8)
3rd category of difficulty (The length of the route is 140 km. Number of days - 10)
4th category of difficulty (The length of the route is 170 km. Number of days - 13)
5th category of difficulty (The length of the route is 210 km. Number of days - 16)
6th category of difficulty (The length of the route is 250 km. Number of days - 20)

Equipment

For trekking you will need a backpack, sleeping bag, tent and comfortable shoes. The choice of boots should be taken seriously. It is best to seek help from a specialized sports store. There you will be selected for heavy trekking boots with special protection on the toe, which protects your toes from hitting rocks and uneven surfaces. But, if the trekking route is not difficult and takes less than 2 weeks, then you can get by with regular good sneakers.

What to take with you

You should take the following things with you while hiking:

a backpack, at the bottom of which you should place a plastic bag to prevent moisture from getting in;
a small piece of soap (it’s better to put it in a plastic bag);
several disposable shampoo sachets;
everyday items (mug, first aid kit, change of clothes, personal hygiene items);
products that are designed for a long shelf life;
warm clothes and a raincoat (in case the weather changes);
sports socks (2 pairs);
2 T-shirts;
light windbreaker jacket;
fleece hat and gloves;
towel;
light trousers or shorts
seasonal essentials

Additionally, you can take sunglasses and a flashlight.

Attention!

During tracking classes you must:

listen carefully to the initial briefing from the group leader;
become familiar with the rules of behavior on the route;
familiarize yourself with the safety rules;
familiarize yourself with the rules of first aid.

Interesting Facts

The longest trekking trail is the Appalachian Trail, which is located in the USA and is 3500 km.

There is a known hiking record, which was overcome by Alexander and Sonia Poussin. It is equal to 14,000 km in three years and three months.

Today, hiking or trekking is carried out by those who are tired of basking in the sun at seaside resorts and want to actively explore the world. The very concept of “tracking” is not very common in Russia. Meanwhile, there is nothing unusual in this word. What it means, what is the beauty of such a trip and which parts of our country are best suited for trekking, we will tell you in this material. Tourists who come to Sochi for active recreation often stay at the BREVIS apart-hotel, so we know everything about the most interesting routes.

How is trekking different from tourism?

Translated from English, trekking is movement or crossing over mountainous or rough terrain. To put it simply, a hiking trip along a pre-planned route (track), which does not require special training or equipment from the tourist. This is a vacation in motion, the purpose of which is to contemplate nature and get to know local attractions.

The main advantage of trekking is its accessibility: absolutely everyone can do it, from small children to pensioners. In order to go trekking, you don’t need expensive equipment - it’s enough to have comfortable clothes for hiking, strong boots, a backpack and a readiness for impressions. Each traveler can create a route of any complexity and move along it at the most convenient time for him.

The purpose of trekking is not to overcome obstacles (although, of course, you cannot do without them), but to enjoy the outdoor recreation. Even if you choose, for example, the snowy trails of Everest as your route, a barely noticeable path that you can walk along is enough. There would be a desire. And even children can master the simplest routes.

Let's summarize. Trekking is an absolutely democratic form of recreation, which also does not require significant material costs. Get ready, choose the route you will follow, take with you the necessary supplies of food, a tent and off you go!

Lost in translation

In English, in addition to trekking, two more concepts are used to refer to hiking: hiking and backpacking. We have already learned what tracking is. Let's get acquainted with other concepts, and at the same time find out how they differ from tracking.

Hiking is a short walk for one or two days, which you go on light. In Russia, this travel option is known as a “weekend hike.” Hiking is very popular in Europe - there are many routes along which you can walk without filling your backpack with food and hiking equipment. The difference between hiking and trekking can be illustrated with simple examples.

Example one. You decided to relax on the Oka. We reached the desired place, spent the whole day on the river, spent the night in a tent and returned home the next day. This is hiking.

Example two. You are going on a hike in the Altai Mountains. We made a route for 5 days, took our backpacks and tents and hit the road. This is tracking. As you probably already understood, trekking is a hike along more difficult routes, for example, through mountainous areas. Trekking is similar to hiking by following strictly defined routes from which you cannot evade.

Backpacking is a completely different matter. This is what we are used to calling a hike in our traditional understanding - free movement around the area without being tied to specific routes, with campfire breaks, overnight stays in the open air and other romantic attributes. Here you can’t do without heavy backpacks with provisions and equipment!

Well, to be honest, travelers often combine different elements of all three types of tourism, and these terms are used mainly by manufacturers of travel equipment. But now you also know about these terms.

Why is it best to start trekking in Sochi?

In Russia there are many places where you can enjoy the amazing beauty of the surrounding world and get a lot of positive emotions. And yet, the ideal place to start trekking is Sochi. This corner of the Caucasus is unique in its natural features: lush subtropical vegetation neighbors here with the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, numerous waterfalls and lakes attract connoisseurs of true beauty like a magnet. There is a lot to see and admire in Sochi, and this, as we remember, is the main goal of trekking.

Krasnaya Polyana is ideal for trekking, where there are numerous hiking trails located above sea level at an altitude of 960 meters to 2,200 meters. They are accessible to tourists thanks to specially equipped trails. You can also do exciting trekking in such areas of Sochi as Lazarevskoye, Khosta, and there is something to see in the city center. We will tell you about the best one- and multi-day trekking routes in Sochi in the following articles.

This is a type of hiking and is the name given to trekking to different places, most often mountains or forests. Trekking lovers greatly value it not only for the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature, but also to face obstacles and overcome them on their own.

Trekking is not only a systematic movement along a given route, but also an educational journey. Hiking is an opportunity to see the country from the inside, with its traditions and culture.

Tracking will be useful for all people without exception; there are almost no age restrictions. Therefore, the whole family can take part in small 1-2 day hikes. Large trips that last for several weeks allow you to go around other countries and see them much more beautiful and real than in advertising brochures. Many Europeans of retirement age take part in such hikes.

Transitions per day usually last five to seven hours. Every day on the hike is rich in events and new sensations. More and more people around the world are choosing this type of holiday.

What you need for tracking

To go trekking, you don't need expensive equipment or hotel reservations. All you need is comfortable clothing for hiking, strong boots, a spacious backpack and a readiness for new experiences. All hikes are accompanied by an experienced instructor who will help with all the difficulties that may arise during the hike.

In addition to regular trekking, the programs include climbing. For climbing, of course, you need mountains. It would be better if these were not too steep cliffs, because trekking is not mountaineering. A regular tour involves routes with beautiful views. The main purpose of such hikes is not just walking along mountain trails, but getting to know other cultures, traditions and customs.

Trekking places

Trekking takes place in many regions of the country: in the foothills of the Caucasus and Altai Territory, in the Sayan Mountains, in the famous Kamchatka and in the Urals. The most attractive region is the Caucasus. There the program is held in the Elbrus region, which is a high-mountainous part of Kabardino-Balkaria, which is famous for its wild rivers, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, glaciers and narzan springs.

In the Altai Territory, programs are offered that include visiting mountain lakes and climbing high mountain peaks.

You can, of course, walk in the suburbs along well-trodden paths in a beautiful forest, but a trip to the Urals, the Altai Territory or the Khibiny Mountains will bring much more pleasure. Ascents and passes, mountain slopes, lakes and mountain rivers - all this is worth trekking.

Trekking trips have different difficulty categories. It is recommended to start with the simplest ones so as not to get too tired and to understand how wonderful it is. Once the understanding of this exciting feeling comes, it will be possible to visit various exotic places and countries. But do this not as a simple tourist with a camera, but practically become a part of this country or place.

Trekking- This is the same hiking tourism, but carried out in rough or mountainous terrain. Pursues recreational purposes. Trekking can be sport tourism if included in a mountaineering event.

The history of trekking begins with Nepal and with Boris Lisanevich, a Russian by origin, but a British citizen. It was he who organized everything to open this country for mass visits by foreign tourists and attracted trekking to this, implying mountain recreation, characterized by activity and comfort.

Tracking is, first of all, a movement towards something unknown. But a movement that is not necessarily tiring and brings pleasure. Such a trip gives tourists the opportunity to admire nature and people who are in their natural environment.

Trekking is a democratic activity. The routes that are proposed to be covered are always within the capabilities of ordinary healthy people and do not limit the latter’s age. In general, anyone can pass them. Another thing is that someone will do it in one day, and someone in several.

They usually go trekking in groups. Those who have sufficient experience go together and even alone.

Trekking mode

The hike involves moving for 4…6 hours. This time includes rest and stops to review something noteworthy along the route. Be sure to start every day with an early rise and end with an early bedtime.

This regime necessarily leads to a healing effect for tourists. It does not appear immediately, but within 2…3 days. Trekking participants become much calmer, stop fussing, and you can see blissful smiles on their faces in the morning.

Features of movement along the route

The group is always led by porters - people who carry the trekking participants’ belongings. They are followed by a guide-leader who leads and is in charge of the group. Next are the tourists participating in the hike.

Each of the latter follows the route at a speed that is comfortable for him. This leads to the fact that the whole group can stretch along the trail, and, even with strong differences in physical fitness, and greatly. At the end of the chain of tourists following the route, another guide moves.

Every morning, before starting the trek, all trekking participants agree on common collection points. These are usually places where they have a joint snack and relaxation.

Porter

This is a profession practiced by the people of Nepal, mainly the Sherpas living in the northwestern Himalayas. The reward they receive for carrying the load includes free overnight accommodation and food. They spend the night in special rooms, separate from their owners. They also have lunch separately.

Relationships with porters have been developed over the years and include the following:

they are not invited to the common table;
they are not given cigarettes or alcohol;
they are not helped to pack their cargo;
they are not pitied, they are not expressed sympathy;
they are given a reward every day in the evening or at the end of the entire trip;
they can be given tips, but not more than a daily wage; this is considered the best gratitude from the owner;
You can leave them some of the old and unnecessary property, including that which was used on the campaign;
Porters always wait for their owners at obvious forks in the route, in all populated areas.

Pros and cons of tracking

Traveling, especially outdoors, is always useful. Moreover, in trekking this is done slowly, without extra effort, without much tension. The hiking routes have been chosen to be convenient and safe. In addition, you can always choose a path that is guaranteed to be within your power.

Like any other journey, trekking allows you to see a lot of beautiful and previously unknown things. In addition, there is no time limit on how long you will inspect all this. In addition, colleagues and porters will always be waiting for you along the way, in designated places.

There are practically no downsides to tracking. They can be considered an increased danger of the routes - after all, the hike is carried out in mountainous terrain. People who are not accustomed to such terrain may be injured and may not be able to withstand the thin air. But all this can be decided when choosing a route, if, of course, you really evaluate yourself.

Contraindications for trekking

Trekking, although a comfortable journey, is associated with an increased load on the body and the absence of the benefits of civilization nearby. If this is unacceptable and important to you, the hike can turn into a real challenge.

There are also medical indications that impose restrictions on participation in mountain hiking. You cannot participate in tracking:

if you suffer:

some kind of disease that is in acute form;
cardiovascular diseases, in particular, stage 3 hypertension, circulatory failure above stage IIA, angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, aneurysm of the aorta, heart, blood vessels, cardiac arrhythmia;
thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, tendency to hypercoagulation;
dysfunction of the endocrine glands;
kidney diseases, for example, kidney stones, renal failure, glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis;

if you have:

malignant neoplasms accompanied by severe pain that cannot be dealt with;
mental disorders with which it will be difficult for you to get along with the team;
problems with the respiratory system; these include diseases of the active form of tuberculosis, respiratory failure, bronchial asthma, allergies caused by plants, pollen;
liver related diseases.

Clothes, shoes

Equipment must be approached responsibly and thoroughly. You need to take everything you may need during trekking and ensure the comfort of your trip. Shoes and clothing must fit the body and not interfere with movement.

Cloth

As a minimum, trekking clothing should include:

a fleece suit, which you will need for sleeping and spending time comfortably in the evening;
two pairs of T-shirts, sports socks;
light trousers; they are usually made of microfiber and have detachable trouser legs; the latter is important for movement during the day, in the heat;
light windbreaker jacket; it is needed in the morning, when it is usually fresh in the mountains;
a raincoat, but only one that has a “hump” under which the backpack will be placed on a hike;
sleeping bag;
a down jacket - you will need it in the evening, when it gets cold;
fleece hat and gloves.

Shoes

Shoes are very important in trekking - after all, you have to move through mountains, fragments of stones, and rocks. Usually tourists use mountain boots that have hard soles. They should already be worn, fit your feet and not fidget when moving.

In addition to boots, you also take sneakers with you for moving along the route. For relaxation, light sandals are used - in them the feet rest at rest.

Trekking routes

Trekking in Nepal

This is the country where trekking began. It contains the Himalayas and many other mountain peaks, among which are many wonderful valleys, rivers, and lakes. Here you can find a variety of trekking routes that will suit you and will bring you unprecedented experiences. One of them is the view of Annapurna.

Only trained tourists can go on this route - it has a high level of difficulty. Open to those interested all year round, with the exception of three months: April, March, December. The route itself runs from the city of Pokhara, where all participants gather, and to the Annapurna base camp. It also includes the return trip. The duration of the route is 8 days, length 80 km.

Pokhara is the city of Nepal from which it is best to get to Annapurna. Here, participants find a guide who will accompany the group, a porter for their belongings (if necessary), obtain a travel permit, and purchase missing equipment.

People usually leave Pokhara early in the morning. An hour later we arrive at the village of Naya Pul, from which it is closest to the Annapurna Sanctuary. To better navigate the route, it is better to immediately purchase a map.

The route to Annapurna Base Camp is well marked, and maps have been issued and sold. It is furnished with white marker stones. Everything is arranged in such a way that you can completely do without a guide. Getting lost on the route is problematic.

Guesthouses or guest houses are built along the route. The distances between them can be covered in an hour, so staying overnight in the open air is simply impossible. The trail runs along the “Gurung steps”, which were built by local residents for some of their own purposes long before organized tourism. In general, these are steps that are made of stones and have different heights and widths. This, in general, is not very convenient and creates certain inconvenience for tourists climbing the mountain. In addition, the steps are unreliable, so walking on them requires constant attention and caution.

Tourists climb along the “Gurung steps” to 3500m. Then you will have to follow the ordinary path, rising all the time upward to the “Annapurna Sanctuary”. This area is surrounded on all sides by eight-thousand-meter mountain peaks, which create simply dramatic landscapes.

It is not worth spending the night in Machapucharra, which is located halfway to the Annapurna Sanctuary - everything here is often filled with fog. It’s better to push yourself and climb straight to the final point, which will still take about a couple of hours. Upon arrival at the camp, you should eat garlic soup, which will help you overcome altitude sickness more easily.

Having seen enough of Annapurna, they begin their descent, which follows the route of the ascent, but only in reverse. It is worth staying overnight at the springs located near Jinu Danda. Having plunged into them before going to bed, you will feel the fatigue from the tense muscles of the previous days go away.

The end of the route will take you back to the city of Pokhara. Your memories will remain of the magnificence of the ring of eight eight-thousanders, and a reminder of it is the Machapucharre glacier, the shiny tail of which is visible from the city.

Trekking in Turkey

This country is full of mountains, magnificent holiday destinations. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are many trekking routes in it, which are passed annually by thousands of local residents and vacationers coming from all over the world.

One of the most popular trekking routes is the route along the Lycian Way with a visit to Cappadocia. It is organized 1…2 r. per month, groups with more than 7 tourists participate in the hike.

The route is for those who prefer not to freeze while hiking. In spring and autumn, the temperature during the day is no more than +30°C, at night – above +10°C. The sea is also not far behind, maintaining a temperature of approximately +16°C. The latter allows seasoned tourists to even swim while trekking. In addition, people participating in the hike can eat plenty of fresh fruits, which are picked from trees and bought at local markets.

The Lycian Way is a very long route – 509 km. It can be completed in about 30 days. Ordinary travelers choose a section of it, pass it, and then return in subsequent periods and continue to explore the trail further.

The route is interesting, firstly, because of its mild and pleasant Mediterranean climate. Here travelers can get acquainted with the history of the Lycian civilization, which is distinguished by its original culture, language, architecture, and writing. By the way, the route in some sections completely coincides with those ancient routes along which Alexander the Great walked at the head of the army.

The Lycian Way allows tourists to see the real Turkish hinterland. There is no hotel and tourism business here; the leisurely real life of people is visible here. Here the residents talk to you sincerely, without trying to get anything from you. In some villages you can see how olives are pickled in the old fashioned way, and try salted cheese made in the traditional way from goat milk.

Trekking in the Caucasus

For those who want to relax peacefully and enjoy beautiful views while hiking, there is a direct route to the Caucasus. There are mountains all around here, crossed by numerous gorges. There are beautiful waterfalls and many amazing settlements.

One of the trekking routes in these parts runs through the territory of Mountainous Ingushetia and you can take part in it on weekends. Duration of the trip: 3 days; it is simple and does not require special physical training and is carried out in groups of 2 people. Children over 10 years old can also take part in it.

Mountainous Ingushetia is a part of the republic in which Ingush history has been preserved to this day. This is a region full of legends, with many ancient towers, beautiful landscapes, mineral springs, and clean mountain rivers.

According to the trekking program, which lasts 3 days, tourists will visit the iconic sights of the republic. Among them are Egikal, the Erzi castle complex, Vovnushki, and the Dzheirakh Gorge.