Trekking Tips

Choosing good trekking boots is one of the most important trekking preparation tips. Different shoes are suitable for different kinds of treks thus it is advised to choose the ones which suit your needs best. Ensure that the shoes have deep grooves for a better grip while walking as well as a soft and flexible sole which is ideal for different kinds of terrains. Furthermore, water resistance is crucial when it comes to choosing good trekking boots. It's likely that you will get shoe bites or some other type of callus from having wet feet if your shoe is not water-resistant.

One of the most often ignored trekking tips is to always carry trekking poles along with you. Instead of one, carry two poles on a trek which will help you in maintaining a better stability as well as efficiency. Furthermore, your speed increases and your balance is much better. Additionally, using trek poles makes your knees, toes, and ankles less sore after a strenuous day of hiking. One of the benefits of high-quality trekking poles is its ability to be collapsible for simple storage and adjusted in length or width to fit any vehicle. 

 Apart from waterproof shoes, it is essential to pack waterproof gear like an umbrella, rain jacket and backpack cover as well when you go trekking. Monsoons in the mountains are often unpredictable and it is always better to go prepared for rainy weather. A windbreaker that also serves as a rain jacket might be quite useful. A waterproof backpack is also a good option to choose if you want to avoid covering your backpack.

One of the best trekking tips for beginners is to always take micro steps instead of large ones when climbing uphill. A micro step is a deliberate step that you take keeping only a little distance of about 2 inches between the heel of your front step and the toe of the back one. This will ensure that you do not get tired easily and help you cover longer distances without stopping on the way. It is a very quick and easy way to surpass others because your fellow trekkers will usually pause to catch their breath whereas you will not. 

Protecting your eyes and skin from UV rays is one of the most important trekking tips that needs to be followed by every trekker. Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection which will not only protect you from the harmful glare of the sun but also from the glare of the water. Cover up, wear a wide hat or cap, and apply sunscreen with a high SPF rating to protect your skin, especially at higher altitudes where sun ray intensity increases. The easiest sunscreen to reapply is frequently a spray version because it doesn't require washing your hands first.

One of the many crucial trekking preparation tips to keep in mind is to layer your clothes so that you can stay warm and comfortable as well as remove or add garments gradually. It is better to ideally have three layers- the inner layer, middle layer and outer one. Your long sleeved thermals can be your inner layer, the middle one shall be shorts or trousers while the jacket and pullover makes the outer layer. As well as, do not forget to pack a waterproof layer such as a rain jacket. 

The most crucial trekking tips yet the one that needs to be reminded often is to stay well hydrated during trekking. Have at least 2 to 3 liters of water per person if you are going trekking for a day. If you know that you will be able to find a water source along your way, then just carry a water bottle and refill at the source. A water bladder or pouch is also a good option to carry on a trek. This is also amongst the most important tips for trekking in the Himalayas as staying hydrated on higher elevations is vital.

As one of the key trekking preparation tips, eating nutritious food on time ensures that you have a rejuvenating and healthy experience. Try to have a proper balanced diet which includes carbs, fruits and vegetables to stay healthy and develop your stamina before the actual day of trekking. Pack wisely by bringing a lot of food and snacks to avoid being hungry for long. Bring hiking-friendly snacks like protein muesli bars, chocolate, mixed trail, and dried fruits. Your body will appreciate the cashews and toffees you ate while on your trek because you'll be using up a lot of energy. 

One of the most overlooked trekking tips for beginners is knowing how to wear your backpack in the right manner. Even if you are going for a short trek or hike, do not risk the chance of an injury by wearing your backpack incorrectly. If your pack has waist straps, as it should, make sure they are properly positioned on your hips so that some of the weight is taken off your shoulders. In order to avoid becoming lopsided, you should also make sure that the contents of your bag or rucksack are split evenly. Additionally, you don't want the load to pull you backward. 

Moving along the trail that you initially decided to follow is among the numerous vital tips for trekking in the Himalayas. This is important not only from the safety point of view but from an ecological perspective as well. Wandering off to an unknown path can be dangerous as it increases your risk of falling or twisting your ankle because you might not be able to see where your foot will land. Additionally, you might struggle to find your way back in case of fog or mist. Also, it might damage delicate vegetation and possibly disrupt the ecology of the region. 

For increased energy, sip some water or eat a snack. Keep your body energized at all times. However, avoid taking too many breaks as when we do so, your muscles tend to calm down. They may become injured if you stop too frequently after only warming them up. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, it is always better to keep these expert trekking tips in mind when planning your next vacation on the hills.

Carrying a head torch with you is quite essential on a trek, especially in winters when the nights are longer and the days are shorter. You can even carry a flashlight but a head torch is better when you want to keep both your hands free to do other tasks such as holding the trekking poles or maintaining a balance. Carrying a lightweight head torch is among the many useful trekking preparation tips to keep in mind when trekking in the evenings.

Choosing a campsite is just like choosing a vacation home to stay on your next trip, so it is better to choose a place that guarantees your comfort and is safe to stay at. Make sure to camp only at a certified campsite or consult a travel company before you plan to embark on your trek. This is also amongst the key tips for trekking in Himalayas as at higher altitudes it is crucial to choose a place which will keep you warm, safe and will have all necessities in close proximity.

Amongst the most eco friendly trekking tips to keep in mind is to always carry waste bins on a trek. Not littering the environment and protecting the ecology of the area is the first and foremost thing to remember while trekking. Do whatever it takes to avoid producing too much trash, never litter, and keep your waste with you until you can properly dispose of it in a dustbin. You can even carry small and lightweight waste bags along with you while trekking to store plastic waste and other items. 

One of the essential trekking tips for beginners to remember is to always proceed in a single file on a trek. Obviously, if you feel like that the path is wide enough for two people then you may stroll side by side. On the other hand, it's polite to walk in a single file on small footpaths. This will not only ensure your safety but will also be more comfortable for you and other trekkers to walk.