Things To Keep In Mind Before Going On Your First Trek

Trekking, as the dictionary defines it, is to go on a long strenuous journey, typically on foot. It might sound a bit intimidating but we are still obsessed with it! We hike, tramp, march, slog, trudge or plain old walk. 

To get initiated into trekking begin with day hikes, returning to your starting point in the evening. Move on to a multi-day trek which is relatively easy, in order to get to know your ability and aptitude. You can venture into the mountains with an experienced trekker, join an adventure club, or go with a reputed adventure travel company. We have curated a list of do's and don'ts during your first trek! 

Grading of treks

The grading system is subject to change based on varying conditions and may even change year to year. But it still gives a good picture of what you are likely to experience up there.

Easy: These treks have 3 to 4 hours walking per day and can involve some ascent and descent. These trips are open for the first-timers and families. These are a few easy treks in India - the Hampta Circuit trek in Kullu, Nag Tibba trek in Garwhal, Dodhital trek in Uttarkashi and many more. 

Moderate: These treks generally have 4 to 6 hours of walking per day and can involve a reasonable amount of ascent and descent. This grade is suitable for someone in good health and who is a regular walker. Suitable for anyone who is used to walking on weekends or so, no previous trekking experience required. These are a few moderate treks in India - Roopkund Trek, The Phuktal Monastery Trek,  Japfu Peak Trek and much more.

Demanding: Anything from 10 to 15 days of trekking with crossing mountain passes at over 5000m. Tough mountain terrain will be encountered including scree slopes, glacial moraines, or areas with no proper paths. No technical climbing/ mountaineering skills required but considerable stamina will be needed. These are a few difficult treks in India - Himalayan trek, Kanchenjunga trek and much more.

Things to know before going on your first trek

1. Always remember never hike alone. This is not an adventure sport where you will have someone to guide you. So, don't feel too brave as you might need someone to help you in the time of crisis.

2. Know how to get to your destination, which may mean buying a map and carrying a compass.

3. Along the way, you may need to refill your water supply. Know where to find water, and have that marked on your map.

4. Make sure you know about the weather conditions and layer yourself that you can remove as you’re hiking.

5. Your safety on the trail is your own responsibility. Stay on the trail and don’t take shortcuts on switchbacks.

6. Know your capabilities. It’s best to be conservative on your first hike. Altitude, climbing, and heat can make hikes that much more difficult.

7. Keep your medical conditions in mind when you’re planning a hike. Knee and back problems, heart conditions, diabetes, asthma, and other medical conditions can be amplified with exertion and severe weather.

8. Consider hiking poles to take the stress off your knees and thighs.

9. Keep your backpack as light as possible. Water and food should be the heaviest items you pack.

Are You Fit Enough For Your First Trek?

Before going on any trek, you need to make sure you are fit enough to for the trek to avoid any health issues during the trek. Leading a busy life and lacking a specific fitness regime leaves many trekkers less prepared than they should be. Training smart help and training effectively helps to gain energy which in turn will help you truly enjoy your trek. 

You might see yourself getting a bit of stress during treks so, for trekking, you need to adapt your body to stress and build on it slowly and steadily to be able to handle more stress in the future. The idea is to toughen your body to withstand extreme conditions of the trek. Believe walking for 5-6 hours in high altitude or at an altitude of even 3000 feet is taxing if you are not used to it or if you are not fit.

This training has to start at least three to six months in advance for your body to get attuned to the stress levels that it will go through. 

The other ideal way is to simulate your hill training by climbing up and down flights of stairs. Repeating the process a number of times help. Initially, start with 20 flights of stairs. Then gradually build up to 100 flights of stairs. This number is highly subjective as flights vary in size and the amount of elevation you may climb in a day varies greatly. However, 100 flights is a reasonable goal that if reached accomplishes a good base to prepare for your trek.

If you work out in the gym then walking on the treadmill with a backpack at a 2-5% incline will enhance your endurance and also strengthen you.

Things To Avoid Before The First Trek

Carrying too many clothes

Extra t-shirts, pants, warm layers, towels, socks, undergarments… Sounds familiar? We tend to overpack during our treks because of the what-if scenarios. 

What to do instead

Carry fewer clothes than you need as the extra clothes never come in handy and are always a burden.

Taking inappropriate wear

People often trek in jeans as they believe that it is thick so it will keep them warm. The reality is that Jeans are perhaps the most uncomfortable clothes on a trek. They are tight, heavy and terribly difficult to get in and out of. Not just this, it is extremely difficult to dry them if they get wet during the trek.

What to do instead

Carry layers. Always. No matter what anyone else tells you. Carry 3 or 5 layers depending on the month you’re trekking in. Keep every layer light.

Avoiding a trekking pole

Many trekkers avoid using a trekking pole for some reason but it is not a wise decision as you will be needing it in during a rough patch in the trek.

What to do instead

Well, use a trekking pole. And use it correctly. It maintains your stability and balance. So, don't shy away from using a trekking pole!

Packing too much of toiletries

Trekkers often carry shampoo, conditioner, face wash, sunscreen, moisturizer, face cream, deodorant, perfume, toothbrush, toothpaste which are absolutely unnecessary.

What to do instead

Get the tiniest medicine bottle. Squeeze some liquid soap in it from home. This is enough soap to last you the entire trek.

Buying the wrong backpack

When first-time trekkers buy backpacks, they go too much by what the sales guy tells them. They don’t do enough research themselves before heading over to the store. 

What to do instead

When you are buying the trekking backpack for the first time then you do proper research as which is the bag that is much needed for your kind of trek. 

How To Pack For Your First Trek

Trekking gear: How can you imagine trekking without a sporty and comfortable trekking gear? Go for good quality, but resist the shiny bleeding-edge trekking toys. Good trekking gear is the first thing that should come to your mind while packing for a trek. 

Water Bottle: Carrying a water bottle is a must. When you are trekking, your body dehydrates but most times due to the cold or cool temperature, you do not realize you are sweating. So, do keep on sipping on water to keep your body hydrated. 

Munching from time to time: You can munch on dry fruits, chocolates, energy bars come handy and are easy to consume. 

Torchlight or Flashlight: First-time trekkers often forget to carry a torch as they do not realize the importance of having a torch or flashlight. It is a lifesaver when you are trekking at night. So, don't forget to carry a torch!

Sunscreen, Sunblocks, and Lipbalms: This can be forgotten easily as there are so many other things to worry while going on a trek. Do pack the sunscreen to protect yourself from the UV rays and while trekking and traveling. 

Medical Kit or First-aid Kit: You must be aware of the fact that there'll be no medical help in the mountains while trekking. So, you need to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. 

Miscellaneous: Soaps and hand sanitizer, Hiking shoes, Walking stick, Flip flops to offer rest to your feet.

Do's and Don'ts During A Trek

Keep yourself dehydrated

Always remember to carry a sufficient amount of water with you to keep yourself fully hydrated during any trek. Drink water from time to time as your body needs to stay hydrated as you are climbing up. 

Don't trek at night or after dark

Trekking in itself is a challenging activity and being a first timer makes it all the more challenging and dangerous. Research well into the duration of the trek on an average and time yourself accordingly. 

Take breaks during treks

It often happens that trekkers get overwhelmed during a trek and keep walking without taking the appropriate amount of breaks which leads to the exertion of your body. So, always remember to take breaks during any trek. 

Try to avoid the less traveled route

If you are trekking for the first time, try to stick to the route which is taken by other trekkers as right now you lack the experience of being exploring a new path. And if still, you get confused then retrace your steps, and wait for someone to show up.

Suggested Read:

17 Key Factors To Keep In Mind For A Thrilling Bike Trip To Leh Ladakh

Your Ultimate Guide To The Must Have Travel Essentials For Your Great Solo Trip

10 Breath-Taking Places In Leh Ladakh Which Will Leave You Awestruck

Your Backpack Is Incomplete Without These 12 Trekking Essentials

FAQs

Q. Which are the most difficult treks in India?
A. Ten of the hardest treks in India are:
    1. Chadar Trek
    2. Pin Parvati Pass Trek
    3. Kinnaur Kailash Circuit Trek
    4. Goecha La Trek
    5. Stok Kangri Trek
    6. Markha Valley Trek
    7. Hampta Pass Trek
    8. Kuari Pass Trek
    9. Roopkund Lake Trek
   10. Panchachuli Trek

Q. How to start trekking?
A. Start brisk morning walks followed by jogging at-least a month before the start of your trek. Choose the correct footwear and walking socks most importantly. Build leg strength and increase your walking training. Train on similar walking terrain using backpacks and walking poles. Kee yourself hydrated.