How to prepare for your trek

As ludicrous as it may sound but planning a trek is “THE” most difficult part of the actual adventure lovers. Even though spontaneity may seem cool but it can create a lot of hassle and the joy of trekking evaporates into mist. Now, when someone books a trek the thought that strikes first, is " what next " ?

And, if you are a first timer, it is epochal to research about the place you are going to even before booking your trek. Mind you, if you have not researched about it, it will be like an exam you are giving without studying.

The anxiousness of planning a trek is challenging to handle in itself. Not just one but thousands of tiny details go into preparing for a trek. Now, to entangle this preparation and make things easier, let’s walk step by step to an approach towards preparing for a trek:

START TRAINING

This is the most important factor for any trek is to build your stamina before heading out to the mountains. If you are an inactive person, even starting to jog before your trek will help in many ways. Like they say take the stairs, and it is quite helpful. Start jogging with a backpack, which will make you comfortable in carrying one and while on trek you will already be used to one. Make cardio exercises a routine and basically leg based cardio is important. This will help you train for the trek. Cycling, squash, football and swimming are the best outdoor exercises that will help in cardio building. If you wish you can also join gym and focus on your stamina and cardio.

EAT RIGHT

Every trekker before heading for a trip needs to eat right, to keep themselves going on the trek. Intake good amount of proteins and fibre while preparing for your trek. Below are some examples which will help you in preparing your trek.

Pulses, Lentils, Wheat, Oats, Barley, Green Vegetables, Egg, Chicken/ Meat etc, Soy Products, Cottage Cheese, Tofu

Plan your day with nutritious food intake in all your meals and collaborate it with fruits and yogurt.

Keep in mind to be hydrated. Drink juice, milk, coconut water, etc.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHOES

While preparing for a trek many of us overlook the kind of shoes we pick. Invest on a good pair of shoes. A good pair of shoes should have ankle support, enough ventilation, and also be water resistant. After you get the right shoes, wear them on a regular basis. Get used to it and train wearing them. This will help avoid shoe bite and also blisters while you are on a trek.

THOROUGH RESEARCH

Now, when you go to any new place it is important to conduct a thorough research on the place. Check the weather, what to pack, market area, highest altitude, etc. Keep in mind to speak with the company you are booking from and clear all the facilities they would be providing and facilities they wouldn’t as well. All the hidden expenses should also be cleared. A lot of people overlook this factor but you must be aware of the nearest hospital as well. This helps you avoid any surprises and be prepared for the worst. Try speaking to an expert and clear your doubts about the place beforehand.

HOW TO PACK

Now when you sit to pack your bag main factor you need to keep in your mind is ‘ pack light’. You will be carrying this bag all through your trek and it needs to be as easily accessible as possible.

Elevate air spaces and pack everything tightly. This means your small and large clothes alike.

Always keep in mind to put the items which are not going to be required till you reach a base at the bottom. According to me, things that are not required would be sleeping bag, sleeping, mat and other items which are capacious need to be set at the bottom. The middle layer can be filled with jackets, sweaters and other heavy items. On the top section keep your essentials which you would require at most of the time. To be having an easy access and not going through the trauma of rummaging your bag to look for things, keep your stuff you would require on an off at the top. This may be your cap, sunglasses, poncho, medicines, and other essentials.

All in all, we can say preparation for a trek really helps. This lets you escape the surprises and give an peace of mind while on trek. Rather than being all bombarded with confusion, you can enjoy your trek.