Trekking in Nepal is quickly becoming one of the most adventurous trips among adventure enthusiasts all over the world. With the great efforts of the government and private sector alike, a number of advancements have been made in the field, allowing for easier, quicker and more convenient ways for the tourists to enjoy the exhilarating experience of trekking trips in Nepal. Trekking in Nepal offers a variety of options ranging from easy family treks of a few days to month-long, trying and exciting treks to the highest points through the toughest trails. So, once you have a pick of the trek, Nepal will make sure you have the best trekking memories one can have. Here is a step by step guide for you to plan trekking in Nepal.
1. The first step!
Once you pick Nepal as your trekking destination, it is important to research about the various trail options, the duration, ease and requirements of different treks. Once you have decided on which region to trek in and which trail, you need to learn about the physical and fitness requirements. Once you do, you have to start immediately on the exercise. A lot of walking, combination of aerobics and leg strength exercise also help to build stamina and to prepare you for the long walking days of the treks through the diverse terrain. As exercise soon becomes a habit so nothing is going to stop you if you start right away rather than procrastinating.
2. Check-ups
While trekking is a combination of all aspects – physical, mental and emotional, health is always the top priority, especially when you are travelling to a completely different country with varying climate, altitude and weather during the trip. While preparing oneself mentally for any contingencies that may arise, it is a must to know about the current status of your body. Get yourself checked for any kind of abnormalities or problems that are likely to arise. Get vaccinated for all the diseases like flu, cholera, typhoid, meningitis, hepatitis etc that could cause serious problems during the trip. If you already have certain diseases like Blood pressure, asthma, heart problems, consult with your doctor for changes in medication and what to do in case of emergencies. Such checkups ensure that you can continue with the trek without any hassle, with a body that supports you mentally to make the trip a success.
3. Put on your hiking boots
Now that you are physically and mentally prepared, you need to start focusing on other priorities. While the clothing and accessories are somewhat adjustable, it is important to carry the most comfortable and useful gears. As trekking in Nepal mostly includes hiking in tough trails and steep climbs, shoes are the most important assets you will be depending on. It is important that you get used to and fit in to your shoes early on so that there are no bruises and cramps during the trek. If possible, it is advised to wear the shoes at all times, while you are treading on different surfaces or performing different activities, it doesn’t matter how antic you look, once you and the shoes get well acquainted, there is nothing that could stop you from walking to the highest summits of your trekking trip.
4. Stairway to heaven
Nepal, known as the heaven for the gods, mostly includes uphill climbs to reach the higher points in the trail. Most treks start from plains and gradually ascend to low hills and then to steep climbs of the mountains. It either includes rocky climbs or a number of steps leading to the most heavenly places on earth. So, your preparatory exercise should include not just flat grounds but rocky roads, bushes and climbs. It is now that you turn your lazy habits from elevators and escalators to the welcoming stairways wherever you go. And if you are not that lucky to climb so many staircases, you can use stair-masters at the gym that could help you make the hardest yet most fulfilling and worthwhile climbs that allow you the most breath-taking views and heavenly experiences.
5. Packing right!
Another important aspect that the success and ease of the trip hangs on is the load you carry. While having all the essentials is very important, it is wiser to only take what you need. The ideal weight to carry in any trek is 20 kg or even less if possible. So, proper research on the items that you absolutely need to survive and succeed in the trip is very important. Proper packing would include warm clothing, sandals, torch lights and sanitary products that always make the priority list. Apart from that climbing gears, cameras, valuables, laptops, sunscreens, raincoats, etc are also required so avoid anything that you might not use often. Lightweight material clothes are a real blessing in such trips as they help you adapt to any kind of climate while lessening the weight on your backpack. Getting used to carrying heavy loads or backpacks before the trip will guarantee that your body is ready to bear the burden no matter how heavy it is!
6. Keep moving
Do not leave anything for the last minute- from the exercise, packing to walking. The treks will include 6-7 hours of walking everyday so prepare your body well for the challenge that trekking in Nepal is. Muscle strength, stamina and fitness are a must to complete the easiest of the treks, so it is essential to get the body accustomed to moving for longer periods of time. Once you reach the tougher parts of the trek, the future trekking you will thank your present efforts for all the preparations.
All these tips guarantee a fun, exciting adventure to the culturally, historically and naturally adorned heaven that Nepal is and memories to cherish all your life!