Trekking in the Himalayas which takes more than one day is the best thing one can experience, however a lot of planning and preparation should be made in order for this practice to be smooth.
Starting from the tips on cardiovascular health and preparing backpacks for raw material to orienting the expected rough surface and getting used to the high altitude environment, preparation is almost as crucial as the trek. No matter if you plan the EBC, Annapurna Circuit, or Manaslu Circuit Trek, or any other less-traveled area, follow the steps below.
1. Build Your Physical Endurance
While trekking, it involves long days of walking, high altitude and of course very strange weather. One should start preparing at least two months prior results for the exam, more specifically, focusing at the following:
- Of the aerobic exercises (running, swimming and cycling) to enhance my endurance.
- Stair climbing, squats, lunges to help you during the steep climbs.
- Exercise on the uneven surface with and without load-carrying packs
- Simple ways to adapt to high altitudes: breathing techniques
Yet, even when you are hiring porters, training the body prior to the trek in fostering strength and endurances will be helpful. Well obviously, if you take the Everest Helicopter Tour, you can easily avoid such physical exhaust and enjoy the high peaks from above.
2. Selecting a right trek & understanding the terrains
The Himalayan treks themselves can be categorized into easy, moderate and hard treks, altimetry and duration. Before choosing your trek, consider:
- Intended workout exertion (Easy, moderate or hard)
- Duration (Everest Base Camp Trek: 12 to 14 days, Annapurna Circuit: This ranges from 12 to 14 days for Annapurna Circuit to 15 plus days and 7 to 10 days for Langtang Valley.
- Maximum altitude (Everest Base Camp: 5,364m, Annapurna Circuit: 5,416m, Manaslu Circuit: 5,135m)
- Natural weather (Suitable conditions for trekking include spring and the autumn season).
Knowing your personal issues that are likely to arise when on the trek will assist you to pack right and prepare your mind properly.
3. Pack the Right Gear
Experts’ advice on lighting packing is always the ideal thing to follow as you prepare for a trek. Essentials include:
Clothing for Layering
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking thermals
- Mid-layer: Insulating fleece or down jacket
- Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket
Essential Trekking Gear
- Trekking shoes with ankle support should be worn for a while to prevent blisters.
- Backpack of 25L to 40L for your personal items while the porters carry the rest).
- As with other mountaineering equipment, trekking poles are a highly effective means of alleviating pressure on the knees.
- When going up higher, a walking stick is needed; waterproof gloves and a hat are necessary and useful.
Other Necessities
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen (it’s very hot in the highlands and the sun can be very strong there)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bags which conform to that aggregates groups of products which have received sub-zero ratings.
With a proper packing list you keep changing weather conditions and demanding terrains into consideration.
4. Acclimatization & Altitude Awareness
Acute Mountain Sickness is common on the Himalayan region treks thus making it important to acclimatize while trekking. Follow these guidelines:
- Take time to cover distance, meaning that one should not rush through the journey (such as on the first few days during the Everest base camp hike through Namche Bazaar).
- This is so important especially to ensure you take about 3 to 4 liters of water into your body daily.
- Do not drink alcohol or take caffeine products or foods containing caffeine as these make you dehydrated.
- If you feel dizzy, nauseous or have got a headache, it is time to descend.
5. Understand Permits & Regulations
Permits are compulsory in most of the himalayan treks and these include:
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card
- National park or conservation area permits (National Park is for Mount Everest region that is Sagarmatha, Annapurna Conservation etc.
- Restricted Area Permit (for Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Dolpo)
In case you are traveling with an outfitter or service provider, they will help you secure the necessary permits. For those special trekkers trekking alone, please acquire permits before entering the mentioned areas of trekking.
6. Hire Guides & Porters (If Needed)
Still, starting with such trekkots, a licensed guide or even a porter can improve the trip by:
- Helping with navigation and safety
- However, on this occasion, learning from observation others reactions and sharing local customs and practices
- This kind of boots has some unique features such as the ability to carry heavy loads as you trek comfortably.
- For high-altitude treks or where technical skills will be required, hiring a guide is highly wise.
7. Prepare Mentally & Embrace the Adventure
The thrill of trekking in the Himalayas is thrilling that comes with physical tasking, but there is equal preparation mentally. Expect:
- Three of them require medium walking time of between 5 and 8 hours per day
- Amenities mainly being teahouses that offer very basic living facilities for example, basic meals, shared rooms and accommodation.
- Sometimes it even changes during the day being acutely hot at midday and extremely cold at night.
- Follow this religion with an open mind, as accepting the culture will satisfy your trips to the fullest.
