Trekking presents countless numbers of challenges. Trekking and climbing aren’t things you can easily push your body to do. On some trips, you will be carrying heavy loads. Sleeping and eating conditions on overnight trips are not always ideal. Weather is often unpredictable and may disrupt climbing. The mountain environment can be very changeable, and you must be prepared for any weather. It requires a level of physical fitness and ability.
Situated in the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal is known for its beauty of the mountains. It is home to eight out of fourteen eight-thousanders, including Everest the most climbed and Annapurna the most dangerous. Over the years, Nepal has become the ideal destination for adventure tourism. Trekking in Nepal not just quenches your thirst for adventure but it also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the nature given gifts of Nepal. The views of the natural beauty of the spectacular mountains and hills and the deep valleys make Nepal the perfect destination for an adventurous holiday. Here you can enjoy a one day hike or a month lasting Trek through the trails situated amidst the gorgeous mountains and the hills.
In Nepal, you can choose from more than two hundred destinations for hiking and trekking. From hiking in mountains to traveling in jungle safaris, each and every route is different and consists of its own qualities. The most popular trekking destinations in the Himalayas are the Everest Base camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang valley trek etc. You will require several days to weeks to complete these treks. Each trek serves travelers the spectacular close up view of Nepal’s mountains and the cultures.
Base camp treks take you to the laps of the mountains where you see numerous numbers of mountains up close. Traveling through the culturally diverse villages, of the mountain ethnicities such as the Sherpa, Tamang, and Thakali you get immersed in their livelihood. There are various options to choose from for climbing as well. You may just go for an amateur level climb to summiting a mountain. The most popular amateur peaks to climb are Island Peak, Mera Peak, Lobuche peak etc. While the big bad boys like Everest are the choices of the more seasoned and prepared.
You are guaranteed the adventure you seek, but the most important part is you must be able to adapt to any obstacle that may come in your journey. The weather can be unpredictable in certain seasons when you are trekking, whereas while climbing the weather can change more than once during the same day. To withstand any challenge that comes forth, it is required that you must be physically fit and mentally prepared. Since traveler’s primary purpose here is to enjoy a good vacation, no one is in a hurry or a competition to win anything. Thus, physical fitness does not mean you spend hours and hours in the gym before coming to Nepal. You will find out that with a steady pace and carefulness, you will reach your destination with ease. In addition to this, physical fitness is not the only thing your body requires. To complete any trail, you must be mentally prepared too. Your body can slowly adapt to the stress that the trek gives you and an average person with good fitness for their age can complete the trek no-doubt. But you have to keep in mind if you are not confident in your abilities, you will not be able to move further. Trekking is hugely about taking your time thinking and keeping in mind your surroundings and yourself. You have to analyze your capabilities and keep a steady pace that your body can cope with. There may come obstacles in the way you must not have an emotional breakdown.
Before you come to Nepal, you can prepare yourself for the adventure you are about to get to. For starters, you can prepare your Clothing and equipment, first aid kits, and proper research. You must know what to wear and which equipments you need on your journey. You should be well informed about the locations you will reach and the climate it has. You should be aware of any health complications you have and make sure to consult with the doctor before the big climb or expedition. One of the most often talked about topic is the altitude sickness. The higher you go the hard it is for you to breathe, and the only solution for this is to descend from the altitude. It’s also good practice to carry some altitude pills, such as Diamox for quick use when immediate descend is not possible.
Physical fitness depends on the trek that the person chooses to go on. A longer and harder trek require you to be fit and the shorter requires less. You can start cardio exercises at least a month beforehand to get your body ready. Cardio improves your cardiovascular fitness resulting in improved stamina. Next, you can also do some stretching to increase your flexibility. This will help you prevent injuries like cramps and help you become agiler. In addition, you can also do some leg strengthening exercises such as squats and lunges at home to build up your legs strength as you will be walking 5–7 hours a day. Finally, some mock treks, hiking/climbing in snow, or even climbing upstairs are a good way to prepare your mind and set muscle memory for the activities you are to undertake on the mountains.