If you are doing trekking for the first time, it is necessary to know which trek matches most with your physical capabilities in order to enjoy it completely. Treks are classified based on the highest altitude, Season, and the Length of the terrain.
Easy: Anyone who is in good health and fit enough to enjoy a hill walk can opt for these. You would normally walk for 4 to 5 hours a day. Nag Tibba, Triund, and Kuari Pass treks are good to start your trekking relationship.
Moderate: You not just need to be in good health but certainly be taking regular exercises. A walking day would normally be between 5 to 8 hours long. Dayara Bugyal, Valley of flowers, Har ki Doon treks are a great call for someone interested in a little more challenging and energetic experience.
Difficult: Fitness is most important and you may have to work on it before departure. Walking days are usually between 6 to 8 hours although there may be some long days for pass-crossing. Roopkund, Hampta Paas, Stok Kangri can be on your list if you are an experienced trekker.
Challenging: A very high-level preparation is needed before departure. Altitudes will often exceed beyond 5000 meters. Pin Parvati, Kashmir Great Lakes, and Everest Base Camp are few of the challenging Himalayan treks.
WHAT TO CARRY?
Every trek demands some basic preparation. So, before heading on your first trek, here is the list of essentials you would be needing.
- Rucksack: For a short trek(3-4 days), you can buy 30 liters rucksack and if you are anticipating 5 or more days, go for at least 60 liters rucksack
You can buy it here- Rucksack
- Shoes– Always go for a shoe which is sturdy and has a better hold on the ground and for monsoon and snow treks, buy waterproof ankle-high shoes
Few options are – Arpenaz 50/100/200, Forclaz 100, Wildcraft Trail, Quechua NH 300
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- Rain gears– There’s nothing worse than spending a weekend hiking in picturesque mountain ranges only to have rains roll in, leaving you soaked to the bone on the first day. Hence, a rain jacket or a poncho is an essential piece of a backpacking
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- Buy it here- Poncho
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- Flashlights- As it is going to be pitch dark during the night. So, flashlights and head torch can prove very useful for late night nature calls and other needs
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- Sunscreen and lip-balm– For every 1000 m increase in altitude, the UV radiation level will increase about 12% which in can can cause sunburns. So, it is always advisable to carry a sunscreen of at least 50 SPF or more and a UV protected sunglasses
- First Aid kit– Carry all necessary medicine that you need, band-aids, Crepe bandages, antiseptic cream
- Toiletries-Face wash, paper soap, small towel, Shampoo, tooth brush and tooth paste, sanitizer, wet wipes and tissues.
- Clothing– Carry 2-3 of trekking pants, 2-3 T shirts, 4-5 pairs of socks, fleece for moderate weather and heavy woolen jacket for very cold regions. Don’t forget to pack hats or caps.
OPTIONAL
- Camera
- Dry fruits, Nuts, energy bar
- Books and dairies
Smart backpacking is an imperative perquisite for all the trekkers. Keep all the above-mentioned items and important gears in your mind while backpacking and enjoy the trip in a comfortable and hassle-free manner!
Start your expedition with a gentle smile
While embarking on a long trekking expedition, you must bring a positive attitude to the trip which can make things even more beautiful. After all, adventurous trip are not regular events, so whenever you get a chance, make sure to make the most of it.
Those undulating hills, the cascading rivers, the alpine forests, the ever-so-cheerful birds, and many other dimensions will surely pull your heartstrings in a unique way. Be ready to get rubbed off by the synergy of those serene, unspoiled and pristine regions. Now SMILE… A little more 🙂
Happy Trekking!
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