The Himalayan mountain ranges are the tallest and most magnificent mountain ranges in the world. The best way to explore the Himalayan mountain ranges is hiking and trekking on foot in the mountain ranges. There are many trails and hiking expeditions regularly conducted in this vast mountainous region that extends in countries like Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. The following is a guide showcasing details about a trekking or hiking trip of Himalayas:
Trekking Trips to the Himalayas
Getting Ready For a Trekking Trip:
1. Choosing The Trail
- Many people think of going for a Himalaya trekking expedition but did not know where to start. There is a lot of material available online and people have written books about the Himalayan hiking expeditions and it is always a good idea to talk to someone who has experience going on such treks in the Himalayas.
- Choosing the right trail is the first step for a successful trip. The Himalayas are such a vast mountain range that people can take treks in different countries and there are various variables in choosing the right trail.
- While choosing the trek for hiking across the Himalayas, it is essential to choose a trail based on the physical and mental fitness of people in the hiking group and a detailed plan of the trip should be made beforehand.
- Usually, every Himalayan trek comes with a guide of difficulty level and while planning a hike or a trek in the Himalayas it is important to choose the right trail that suits the trekkers.
2. Choosing a Guide and Travel Companions
Hiking the Himalayas is not possible without a proper guide. Experienced guides who know the route and can take care of emergency situations are essential to survive in the Himalayas. Injuries, breathing problems, a sudden change in weather or even avalanches can happen in the Himalayas. It is a good idea to keep some buffer days in the trek plan as the weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable. Hiking trips to the Himalayas should be taken with travel companions with the same level of mental and physical fitness. Trekking in the Himalayas can be harsh so travel companions should be compatible and actually like each other to survive in a harsh atmosphere.
3. Physical and Mental Preparation
Hiking trails in the Himalayas are extremely difficult and not ideal for just anybody looking for a fun trip. These trips last for days, there is a lot of physical exertion and stamina required and people have to live on a mountain in tents for most of the journey. Climbing up the mountain is as difficult as climbing back down and it is important never to lag behind on the hike with the travel companions on the trail. People with health issues, breathing problems and low stamina should avoid such trips. These trips are physically taxing as well as very difficult mentally and such trips require both physical and mental preparations.
4. Clothes, Shoes, and Things to Carry on the Trip
- While preparing for a trip it is essential to take all the important things in the rucksack without making it too heavy. Wearing light, flexible yet warm trekking clothes and carrying some extra clothes is a good idea. Layers of clothing are needed to keep trekkers warm in such a climate and packing accordingly makes sense.
- Wearing the right trekking shoes that the hiking guide recommends is a smart choice also carrying an extra pair of shoes never hurts. A smart tip is to not wear new trekking shoes on the first day and actually getting used to the shoes a few days before the trek. Extra socks, hiking boots, and safety gear equipment are a good idea to carry.
- Hiking Himalaya’s treks & expeditions require some things which are essential to carry. Trekking poles are needed for many expedition and they act as a support which makes it easier to climb.
- Usually, there is a detailed medical exam that hikers take before going on such trips. The trip operator recommended basic medicines; first aid and medicines recommended by the doctor should be carried on the trip. Sunscreen, water bottle, basic toiletries, and cutlery should be carried on the trail.
Tips to Follow During the Trek
- While on the trail it is important to stay on the trail with the group and listen to the guide and follow the instructions carefully.
- Hiking trails in the Himalayas needs people on the trail to acclimatize to the weather. The body slowly adjusts to any type of climate even in the Himalayas and the trick is not overexerting on the first day and gradually getting used to the physical demands of the trek.
- Treks are a group project and it is a good idea to help each other out in the trek. Talk and make friends with the group and tell each other the difficulties of the trek and help each other. Carrying a garbage bag so that the beautiful natural environment is not trashed on the trail is a good idea.
- If there are any health problems during the trek it is always a smart choice to tell the guide or people on the trek that there is a problem.
What to Do Immediately After the Trek
After the trip, there is a plan that needs to be followed to get back to normal life because hiking trips in the Himalayas can be exhausting and taxing on the human body. Resting after the trip is important and taking small naps and reacclimatizing to normal weather slowly is a good idea. Keep in touch with hiking and trekking friends made on the tour and a great way to keep the memories of a great trip is to look at photos taken on the trip. A successful trip gives hikers the confidence to plan more hiking the Himalayas in India trips in the future.
Hiking in the Himalayas is a lot of fun and many people from all over the world go on such trips every year. Going to such trips in a harsh winter is more difficult than the summer months and usually, there is a hiking season suitable for different types of treks in the Himalayas.
