This 4,000km crescent, stretching from Kyrgyzstan to Burma, is a geography of superlatives – the highest mountains, the deepest gorges, tracts of wild forest, the rolling high plateau of Tibet plus, in Bhutan and the Indian state of Assam in the eastern Himalayas, some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet.
Just because you are a beginner does not at all mean that you cannot carry out an exciting and memorable trekking tour. All that you need to do is follow some basic tips and guidelines.
Choose an easy trek to start
As you are a beginner, you should not go for the tough treks as they are generally meant for the experts and veterans. Choosing an easy trek first will be a wise move as you will get experience, enjoy the thrill and can relish a wonderful tour on such trek as a beginner. A tough trek may prove hazardous for you.
You may choose Triund trekking, Kheerganga trek near Kasol, Beas Kund trek and Indrahar Pass Trek
Related link – Guide to most popular treks near Delhi
Make certain that you are Physically Fit
Image – forbes.com
Medical checkup should be the first and foremost priority before planning a trekking trip. While trekking, many trekkers suffer from cold, cough, stomach upset, etc. It is your responsibility to inform the trek manager if you have any medical problems. Moreover, while on the trail, you must tell him if you are suffering from dysentery, bad blisters, headaches or dizziness.
Deep research is a must
The planning and research for the trek should be done very carefully. A proper research is extremely essential and its importance grows even bigger if you are a beginner. Only after you have done proper research on the location and climate that you may encounter during the trek, you can do further planning of your excursion.
Your travel planning needs to go beyond government travel advisories. Trekking is a specialist activity so read up on acclimatisation (it could save your life) and don’t assume you can rely heavily on your GPS when you’re out there.
Following the schedule will help a lot
Make a comprehensive schedule when you are planning for your adventure; the schedule should be designed as per the climate and situation of the destination. You should make sure that you have informed a relative or a friend about your schedule, as they can come to your aid if you get into any problem.
Stick to your budget
Important factors of the tour such as expenses of food, accommodation, etc. should be given enough consideration while planning a budget. If you’re trekking independently, work out the cost of hiring a guide, porters, food, accommodation and transportation – and then double it. That should take care of all other unforeseen costs that always seem to creep into a tight budget.
How to pack for the trek?
As you are a beginner, you must know that the foodstuffs and clothes are something that may not be available during the trek. Hence, you must carry food and clothes in sufficient amount. The quality of the clothes should be good as during the trail, there is a possibility of clothes being torn. Moreover, it is not easy to wash clothes while on a tour.
While packing your rucksack, you must divide the equipments according to following sub-divisions:
- What you are going to wear on the trail
- What you have to carry in the daypack
- What you are going to pack in the duffel bag
What are the Trekking Essentials?
There’s no one to impress in a remote mountain pass, so forget fashion and make sure your gear is sturdy enough to withstand the changeable mountain weather. There is no reason to invest in all the latest outdoor gear, provided your trekking gear is in good shape.
Being well equipped with essentials is mandatory for a pleasant and enthralling trekking tour. Here is the list of items you must bring along with you on your trekking tour:
- Waterproofed trekking boots
- Running shoes
- Down jacket or something like this that has a hood
- A sweater, for the chilly and windy weather
- Cotton Shirts, it would add the extra layer
- A pair of Woolen trousers
- 3 pairs of underwear, you may wash them on the trek.
- Wind-gear and rain-gear with a hood.
- Sun hat, just to avoid the tanning
- Woolen cap, to cover your head and ears.
- Woolen gloves
- One pair of each Cotton and Woolen socks
- Personal first-aid kit – including medication for common ailments such as headaches, dysentery etc., moleskin, antiseptic cream, electrolyte, surgical tape, band aids, sun cream and medicines.
- Tablets to purify water
- Toilet kit that includes extra towel, toilet paper and antiseptic soap.
- Torches with extra batteries
- Water bottle with minimum capacity of 1 litre
- Pocket Knife
- Plastic Bags
- Waterproof Duffel Bag
Optional Accessories that you may carry
Camera and extra memory card
A couple of additional charged batteries would be really helpful.
Binoculars
Umbrella
One small sized water bottle.
Related Link – Pack things and save money
Protect your gear
Use a sturdy kitbag for your trekking gear: these can easily be replaced after constant contact with thorn bushes, jagged rocks and being offloaded into dusty campsites, but don’t risk damaging your expensive rucksack (by having it strapped directly to a mule).
And while it’s tempting to walk with your camera at the ready, your chances of spotting a snow leopard on a distant ridge are on par with winning the lottery. Dusty trails and expensive cameras don’t mix, and a slip on the trail could result in untold damage to your photography gear.
Know your limitations and strength
If you have no habit of walking very long distances, you should try covering short distances in a go. Fatigue is a general problem that the beginners usually face while on an excursion. You are one who is aware of your physical strength and endurance, so instead of letting others to decide for you make your own decisions. Keep your limitations in consideration.
You should keep up your confidence while trekking. As a beginner, you will feel the ultimate thrill on the trekking tour. If you follow all the tips and guidelines properly, you will complete a memorable tour that you will never forget in your entire life!