The Himalayas with all its surreal beauty can turn out to be intimidating and challenging to amateur trekkers. Tough weather conditions coupled with rugged topography and limited resources can create difficult circumstances for those hikers who are unprepared hikers.
But if you’re new to all of this, worry not- we’re here to help. Here we have the five best advices sourced from top experts for your first adventure in the Himalayan terrain:
Decision making- the correct ones!
Globally well-known mountaineer and skier Adrian Ballinger addresses the criticality of coming up with the right decision, whether to trek by oneself or along with an established group.
“Choosing whether to organize a trek through an outfitter or “do-it-yourself” should be a decision made based on your experience and comfort in the mountains. The spectrum ranges from a trip organized with a Western company (who will often provide certified guides, excellent logistics, satellite communication, extensive medical kits, and staff with the knowledge to use them) to a trip organized with a local company (standards of guides, logistics, and emergency preparedness vary) to you trekking solo with your backpack. All can be enjoyable and appropriate ways to experience the Himalayas. Just be sure your choice matches your experience and ability to make decisions when things go wrong. If you choose an outfitter, don’t choose based solely on price. Do some research, and ask for recommendations of companies with whom others have had positive experiences.”
Go for simple food choices
Food is a matter of concern when you are venturing out into the remote areas of the Himalayas. Here is what @livingnomads , popular travel website has to advice regarding food preferences for trekking.“The food at the Himalayan restaurants and hotels are transported from the departure station by porters and the fridge is not so popular that it is difficult to eat fresh meat… If you really want to eat meat, you can bring dried meat or hams because they are relatively light and will definitely become a great dish during the journey.”
https://livingnomads.com/2017/10/himalayan-treks-for-beginners/
Get acclimatized- time to adjust yourself
Getting yourself acquainted with the changing weather conditions is very critical for maintaining good health conditions. Noted Indian travel blogger Mridula Dwivedi shares some pointers to make sure you do not face any problems. “One of the most common advice (for me the soundest advice too) to deal with altitude sickness is to take it slow. One should not be in a hurry to gain height. It helps to gain height gradually, whether you are walking or moving in a vehicle. For example, when I was trekking up to the Everest Base Camp, there were two days, one at Namche and another at Dingboche, where we stayed for one extra night at the same place. They were heaven sent to me, it helped in soothing my aching limbs and giving me a better shot at acclimatizing to the height. I would not dream of chopping it off from my itinerary…”
http://traveltalesfromindia.in/2015/09/diamox-not-substitute/
Shine in your armour- wear the right clothes
Keeping yourself protected with the right kind of cloth layering is of extreme importance for trekking in the Himalayan highlands. Renowned blogger Rachel Jones brings to the fore exactly what you need to keep in mind while packing.
“ Your footwear has to be very comfortable and durable. Shoe bites and blisters can ruin the experience for you. The boots should be lightweight trekking boots. Insure that the fabric is good and waterproof.
Purchase a pair of gaiters to keep your legs warmer.
Dress in layers so that you can regulate your body temperature as and when required. You can alter the combination of the clothes according to the prevailing weather condition.
Your clothes should be lightweight and especially designed for trekking.
Carry along a waterproof shell outerwear, jacket and pants.
Keep your hands, head and body as warm as possible.”
https://hippie-inheels.com/a-complete-guide-to-everest-base-camp-trek/
Water is life- valid in the Himalayas as well!
Here we have expert trekker Cam Honan reminding us to never forget the basics. “In regards to health and safety, not drinking enough water may well be the most common mistake made by hikers. Whether you are walking in the heat or the cold, at sea level or at altitude, adequate hydration should always be a priority.”
https://www.thehikinglife.com/health-safety/hydration/
In spite of the extreme cold, the harsh climate and other challenges, the colossal Himalayas casts its own magical spell on the trekkers. It’s no surprise we never manage to get enough of it. With all the expert advice available above, it’s time for you to immerse yourself in this heaven on earth.
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