Do’s and Don’ts for Early Trekkers

Trekking is a long, tiring and adventurous journey, basically on foot. It depends on the trekkers’ stamina and their will to go on to the long and arduous journey. Many trekking routes are tagged from Easy to Challenging, meaning there even are routes that are strictly prohibited for novices. Luckily Nepal has packed a bunch of trekking routes that we recommend for amateurs. Even for the easiest routes there are these “Things to Remember”, that a trekker should keep in mind. But being a novice doesn’t mean that you cannot make a memory of an adventure.

Here are the Do’s and Don’ts for early trekkers:

Before trekking

There are a couple things that one must keep in mind before trekking:

1. Exercise

The very first thing to look out for before going to trekking is your body. Trekking is strenuous. Long walks, Uphill’s and Downhill’s, these may give trekkers a hard time. Exercising helps the body to get used to extreme situations that we do not face normally like climbing an uphill or sliding down a narrow path. Non exercising trekkers should start at least 2-3 weeks before going off on the long way. It is not necessary that you go for hardcore exercises, still some Stretching or Yoga will help you a lot in the journey.

2. Proper Diet

Food is the gas that keeps our body going, just like any cars or any other vehicles. Until the quality fuel is filled in the tank, the vehicle runs just fine. But, what happens if the gas is tampered somehow? Yes, the mechanism starts to siege. Same goes for the body as well, the healthier you eat, and the better your body performs. Staying away from smoking and drinking would be helpful.

3. Complete Sleep

Exhaustion is like dust, if it builds up the mind starts rushing and the body depletes energy much faster. Sleeping for at least 6 hours is a must. But for trekkers it is necessary that you start your first walk on a full recharge. So, sleep at most before setting off.

4. Gears

In trekking there are no complex gears that one needs to have a vague knowledge about. Trekking gears are the outdoor clothing that the trekker needs to know about. The first and the most important are the shoes. If not trekking shoes, the trekker must wear the shoes with excellent grip. A full cotton track pant and tops would help a lot and sweat absorbent inners. A hat would be a good choice to protect you from headaches and nosebleeds. And finally, if it’s an overnight trek bug repellent cream might come handy.

While trekking

There are a lot of things to watch out for while you are on a trekking. Here are some of the major factors to be careful about.

1. Always follow the footsteps of the guide

Going on a trekking is like playing the game called “Simon Says”. You do whatever the guide tells you to do. There are a lot of incidents on the routes like getting lost, falling off the cliff, and many more. The guides are there to make sure that you complete your journey safe and sound. So, going on about yourself might not be a good idea!

2. Drink water

Trekking is dehydrating (i.e. depletion of water in the body) you wouldn’t want to run around with a dry throat. So, carry at least two bottles of water with you while on a trek. You could replace water with some juice but water is best suited while you are walking a long road. Drinking water every now and then helps rehydrate your body. But bigger gulps might result in uneasiness in the stomach.

3. Carry Some Electrolyte or Glucose supplements

Exerting the body for a long period of time may cause dizziness, gas buildup, iodine depletion and other health problems. The supplement helps the body to instantly recharge your system to get going again.

4. Do not compete with fellow trekkers

Trekking is not a race, so do not try to walk faster or run to catch-up with fellow trekkers. This might lead to exhaustion and sprains. Just take your time and keep a constant pace and enjoy the nature.

Keeping these things in mind will help you a lot while trekking or hiking and even challenging routes can be conquered.

Here are some links to get you started on your first trip (located in Nepal): by www.langtang.com

https://www.langtang.com/en/nepal/trekking/chitlang-kulekhni-trek

https://www.langtang.com/en/nepal/trekking/annapurna-base-camp-trek-7-days

https://www.langtang.com/en/nepal/trekking/chisapani-to-nagarkot-trek

https://www.langtang.com/en/nepal/trekking/kathmandu-mini-circuit-trek

Bonus Tips:

1. If you are a beginner choose an easy trek.
2. Medical Checkups will help you figure out if you need to take prior medicines because some people might suffer from upset stomach, headaches, etc.
3. Pack those things that you really need.
4.  A little research won’t hurt.
5. Calculate the budget carefully.
6. Do not over exert yourself; you can always catch a breath.

Trekking Essentials:

1.      Waterproofed trekking boots

2.      Running shoes

3.      Down jacket or something like this that has a hood

4.      A sweater as the weather may get chilly

5.      Two cotton shirts

6.      A pair of woolen trousers (Depending on the region you are trekking)

7.      Three pairs of underwear as you may wash them on the tour

8.      Wind-gear and rain-gear having a hood

9.      Sun hat

10. Woolen hat (Depending on the region you are trekking)

11. Woolen gloves (Depending on the region you are trekking)

12. Cotton socks (Depending on the region you are trekking)

13. Woolen socks (Depending on the region you are trekking)

14. Personal first-aid kit including medication for common ailments such as headaches, dysentery etc., moleskin, antiseptic cream, surgical tape, band aids, sun cream and medicines

15. Tablets to purify the water

16. Toilet kit that includes extra towel, toilet paper and soap

17. Torches with extra cells

18. Sunglasses (It is wise to bring an extra pair)

19. Water bottle that can hold sufficient water

20. Pocketknife

21. Swimsuit

22. Plastic bags

23. Weight daypack

24. Waterproof Duffel bag

For more informative contents and news visit: 

https://www.langtang.com/en/blog