Many people who are going on vacation are attracted not by aimlessly lying on the beach, but by hiking or horse trips to the mountains or into the forest, which give the opportunity to be alone with nature, admire the beauty of places not spoiled by civilization, and test yourself. But, if you are going not just for a walk along well-trodden paths, but on a real multi-day hike in unknown places, you cannot do without a guide.
Why do you need a guide on a hike
Even seasoned and experienced tourists, however, especially such, going to the mountains or forest along a difficult route in those places where they have not been before, will definitely take a guide with them. A guide is a person who lives in a given area and knows it perfectly, who is involved in escorting professionally or from time to time.
Such a person not only thoroughly studied every trail here, but knows all the signs of local weather, behavior and safety rules. His presence will guarantee that the trip will take place in the most comfortable conditions and all its participants will return from it safe and sound.
A guide is especially needed when you and your group members are novice tourists. Sometimes ignorance of basic safety rules and lack of primary travel skills lead to real human tragedies. The guide is not only a guarantor of safety, but also a person who will teach you the rules of survival and show you what you yourself simply cannot see and see.
Going on a hike, carefully study all the features of the area, review the route and prepare yourself physically.
How to find a tour guide
If the area where you are heading is rather deserted, you can negotiate an escort with the locals. As a rule, for a small (for you) fee, they gladly agree to help visiting tourists in this matter. In the event that a large settlement is located nearby, you can find out and contact the local tourist clubs or the rescue service, a division of the Ministry of Emergencies.
Before setting off on the route, notify the local rescue services and agree on a deadline for your arrival, so that in case of a delay, assistance can be dispatched immediately.
If they don’t single out a guide from among their members and staff, they will probably advise which local you can contact. You can also get good advice and recommendations by contacting a retail outlet that sells mountain or hiking equipment, usually people who are familiar with tourism and mountaineering sell there.
The almighty Internet will help you find. You can look at the official websites of those cities that will be the starting point of your trip, often there is similar information there. There are specialized sites offering the services of professional guides, and they can accompany you not only in Russia, but also abroad.
