10 Must Things to Do Before or during Trekking in Himalayas
Planning to go for a trek in Himalayas here is the list of 10 must things to do before the trek. No matter whether you are going in an organized trekking in Himalayas or self organized these are the must things to do before the trek.
1) Thorough Research on your Trek
It’s mandatory that you do your thorough research about the trek. You need to know about the place you will be trekking, weather conditions, the terrain, average trekking distance between camps, Difficulty level, Time etc and plan your trek accordingly.
2) Carry the Right Trekking Equipment
No once can predict the weather on mountains especially when trekking in himalayas. So hope for the best and be prepared for the worst. Hence carry proper gear and trekking equipment’s.
Rainwear, torches, trekking poles, caps, mitten, gloves, sleeping bags or tents being some of the essentials. When trekking in snow do carry proper snow boots & Gaiters.
3) Pack Proper Clothing
It’s rightly said that “THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER, ONLY BAD CLOTHING”. By wrong clothing, footwear and trekking equipment you are inviting trouble during the trek. These things can lead to injuries so pack as advised. Check our list of Trek Essentials.
4) Carry a first aid kit
A first aid kit must be the first thing you should pack for your trek. Needless to say, you should always carry basic medicines and ointments while trekking. This will avoid you from stopping in the middle of the trek due to some injuries!
A winner is a dreamer who never gives up!
5) Pack your backpack correctly
Got all your stuff ready for the trek? Packing your backpack properly can make your trek comfortable, efficient and can even save your life! Read our guide ‘Backpack Infographic’ to know how to pack your trekking backpack in the right manner.
6) Avoid Alcohol & Smoke
Avoid alcohol and smoke before your trek in himalayas. At 6000 feet above sea level, you exhale and perspire twice as much moisture as you do at sea level and alcohol further dehydrate the body.
7) Never plan your trek without a guide when it’s your first time
It’s always better to go with an experienced trek leader. As Himalayan Trekking trails are tricky, it is advisable that you don’t go solo for your first attempt. Choose the right company/ group of people or take a local guide along.
8) Keep yourself Hydrated
Your fluid requirements will increase significantly when trekking in the Himalayas because the climate in the Himalayas is Cold and Dry. Drink a good amount of water before you feel thirsty. During your trek, you should have Water stops every 1 hour and try and drink a little and always remember “When in mountains, never share your water with anyone”. This is the habit to be developed to be self sufficient.
9) Keep it light on the stomach
When you are on a trek in the Himalayas, take extra care because even a good doctor is helpless without his equipment. So avoid eating heavy meals while on the trek. Carry simple and easily digestible foods so that you get instant energy.
10) Know Your Limits
If you don’t have the habit of walking long distances, you can try to cover short distances and take breaks. Fatigue is a common problem that most people usually face while on an excursion. You are the only one who is aware of your physical strength and endurance, so always keep your limitations in consideration.
No matter How hard it was during your trek in the himalayas but once you return you will come to know how enriching experience it was.