The moment you hear the word trekking, you start imagining pristine and stunning treks with virgin beauty and astonishing landscapes. A trekking expedition not only allows you to explore the angelic beauty of mountains and valleys but also permits you to discover your inner-self.
How To Prepare For A Trek (Essential Trekking Tips)
This activity promises you immense adventure, the discovery of new and hidden gems, meeting new people, indulgence with nature, some memorable heroic moments and through it all – discovering a new rejuvenated self!
But, trekking is not as easy as it seems to be, especially, if you’re new to this world. This is one of those experiences that not only open up your heart but also your lungs and mind. Trekking is totally incomplete without sore calves, aching quads, ankle sprain, and blisters. All this pain is the badge of honor.
If you’re determined to explore the road less traveled then figure out 10 quick tips for your first trek and return with some of the most untouched, stunning and jaw-dropping views of this planet in mind.
Next Read: An exclusive list of 40 best treks in India.
#Tip 1: Improve your physical strength with regular exercises
Surprised? I know you’re thinking that who does not walk, run, or exercise? Allow me to elaborate.
- Regular exercises may be the simplest activity to increase your physical endurance for your trek.
- It is recommended to walk and run for several kilometers in a certain duration of time to improve your cardiovascular functions and thus strengthen your body which will allow you to trek more efficiently.
- Working on developing leg strength by squats is essential as it helps you with overall fitness and balance for trekking on the uneven terrain.
- You can also carry out breathing exercises and yoga to prepare your body accordingly.
- So, start regular exercises now and exaggerate your normal walking motion for a stretch that simultaneously makes your legs strong.
#Tip 2: Pack the right Gear and Get your Gear Weight Down
Look, trekking is not like any other backpacking trip you’ve ever enjoyed. It’s something different!
- Pay extreme attention while packing your bags for trekking. The less weight you pack, the more miles you can cover and the less stress you’ll put on your body.
- Invest in quality and lightweight jackets and gears which will reduce the weight of your backpack significantly and at the same time not compromise on the essentials. Don’t pack unnecessary weights.
#Tip 3: Choose the right Footwear
Your feet are going to do an extremely tough job and thus taking excellent care of them is crucial.
- Treat your feet like champions by buying a pair of excellent quality shoes that fits them well and thus choosing the right pair of trekking shoes is important.
- Take precautions to minimize blisters, shoe-bites and let your feet breathe. Also, learn how to treat blisters and wounds which will give you immediate relief while trekking.
#Tip 4: Prepare for a Mental Fatigue
Let’s face it guys!
Trekking is primarily a mental challenge rather than a physical one. You’ll face numerous mental breaks throughout the journey but you’re required to keep calm and composed. I know that keeping a level head while you are hungry, sore, and tired is challenging but still, you’ll have to deal with it.
Remember, this pain will bring you the best possible outcome, for sure. So, mental endurance is of the utmost importance while trekking, be it an easy trek or a difficult one.
#Tip 5: Do your Homework
A list of trekking destinations is endless; some of them are easy and thus ideal for beginners while some are extremely strenuous meant for seasoned trekkers.
- Be smart and do extensive travel health research before visiting the trekking destination. Check weather and climate, local culture, facilities available and helpline number beforehand.
- Having knowledge of the trails, campsites, and water sources are necessary to ensure a safe and successful trek.
- Find out the most convenient way of commuting to and from the start and end point of your trek.
#Tip 6: Invest in good quality Trekking Poles
The use of trekking poles on treks is a personal choice. Some prefer to use them and some don’t. Well! It depends on how comfortable you are and how tough the terrain is.
- But, the use of trekking poles is very helpful when it comes to ascents and descents one might encounter on the trail.
- These trekking poles let you descend easily with less pressure on your knees and help you with additional support while ascending.
- Also, the important aspect is that you learn the techniques behind the use of these trekking poles beforehand.
#Tip 7: Choosing the Right Backpack
On your trek you will most definitely carry food, drinks, clothing, gears and so much more, thus the choice of backpack is important as it can either make or break your experience.
- Choose backpacks which give you the liberty to adjust chest and waist straps that help in better positioning of the backpack on your back with equal weight distribution.
- Backpacks with external compression straps prevent the load from shifting in your bag and thus keeps your backpack compact.
- Practice small walks with your loaded backpack so that you get used to the weight.
#Tip 8: Pack the Essentials – They’ll Keep You Alive
Don’t forget to pack trek essentials as they are your savior in many ways.
- A list of essential includes a water bottle, munching items, personal utilities, waterproof jackets, rain cover for your bag, poncho, comfortable shoes, a pair of shades, etc. Keep all these things handy and enjoy this journey throughout.
- Also carry a multi-tool kit and first-aid kit along with electronic gadgets like GPS, head torch, and power banks.
#Tip 9: Carry sufficient Fluids for Hydration
Irrespective of the season and the temperature, your body’s fluid consumption and requirements will increase while trekking. If you are dehydrated then your heart has to work harder to make up for the loss of fluids. So, it is very important to keep yourself hydrated during the trek.
- Drink sufficient amount of water at regular intervals.
- If you are concerned about the quality of water available during the trek then you can carry water purification tablets or better yet carry water bottles with in-built filters.
- Consume juices, soup, coffee, tea, etc. Basically, anything which will increase the availability of water to your system.
#Tip 10: Positive Attitude is the Key to Success
Knowing how to smile when chips are down can boost your confidence and allow you to complete this journey with ease. Painful blisters, swollen legs, aching toes don’t really matter if you are mental attitude is high.
I know it sounds tough but trust me, friends, nothing can beat you except your mental attitude. So, keep it positive and accomplish this journey like a pro.
These tips will help you prepare well for your first trek and shape your trekking experience.
Begin your First Trek with the Pristine Brighu Lake Trek
There are some places on this earth that can be explored only by foot and Brighu Lake Trek is one of them. The untouched beauty of this trek is something worth discovering.
- This trek takes you to the picturesque Bhrigu Lake situated at a staggering altitude of 14,000 ft in less than three days, a perfect trek for first-timers.
- Located on the eastern side of the famous Rohtang Pass, this charming trek takes you across the lush green meadows, bouldering, and thick forests.
- The clouds constantly hover around the alpine Brighu Lake. This beautiful lake is believed to change color with seasons and the scenic environment surrounding it makes this trek worth getting to.
Are you ready to enjoy this transformative experience?
Get started with these trail-tested tips for beginners and complete your first trekking expedition like a pro!
2 Comments
Thanks for curating the practical tips. Acclimatization at the starting point of a Himalayan trek is immensely helpful for beginners.
Wow! A great article. Loved the read, will definitely share with my friends.