A frown appears on your forehead as the dull greyness of city life envelopes your mind yet again. But then you see a social media post of your buddy on some trek up in the mountains and suddenly, all you want to do is trade places with him.
Here, we advise you to slow down, because how you choose that first trek will determine if you go on more, or just do the first one and hang up your boots because it turned out to be more than you could handle. Luckily for you, we have curated some of the best tips and suggestions that can make your first trip up nature’s skyscrapers as easy as a walk in the park.
Being fit is not enough
Physical fitness is undoubtedly helpful when it comes to taking on challenging outdoor treks. However, it's essential to understand that fitness alone may not equip you with the necessary skills to process, gauge, and react to unexpected situations that may arise during tough treks.
Recognising the importance of expertise in navigating such treks safely is crucial, as qualified staff can provide you with the necessary knowledge and preparation to deal with unforeseen challenges that may arise during your journey in that area.
Therefore, when it comes to outdoor adventures, physical fitness is only one aspect to consider. It's equally essential to seek guidance and support from experienced professionals who can help you handle unforeseen situations and ensure your safety throughout your trek.
Amp up your fitness levels
If you are not regular with sports or workouts, we recommend building basic fitness levels before the trek. You can start off by working those legs weeks before you embark on your trek. Walk daily, and keep extending these sessions as you progress with each passing day. Include leg-based cardio exercises in your daily routine, and try to take the stairs as much as possible, wherever possible. This helps build muscles and stamina, so that when the actual trek begins, you will not be left huffing and puffing.
Pack light, pack right
Choose functionality over fashion when you are packing for a trek. Make sure your backpack is padded and comes with comfortable straps, helping distribute the weight over your shoulders and back.
Watch your breath
The air up is thinner and you might have difficulty breathing at first. Don’t worry, all you have to do is take it one step at a time! It helps if you can pace your steps in sync with your breaths. This helps you stay oxygenated better, without burning you out at high altitudes since the air up there is thinner.
Get, meds, go
Always have a well-supplied med-pack with you. Mountain sickness is common on treks, and it can bring with it dizziness, nausea, stomach upsets, and extreme tiredness. Ensure that the med pack is at the top of your backpack, within quick and easy reach!
So get your gear sorted and take the first step towards truly feeling one with nature. Choose a trek that you will enjoy effortlessly because it is your first after all. As you get more accustomed to this way of exploring, you can push yourself for the more difficult trekking routes in the future. But for starters, choose a route that is simpler and less challenging. Let the birdsong add a spring in your step and the clear blue sky above sets your heart free. Enjoy the crisp mountain breeze as it whispers sweet nothings to you, goading you to start planning for your next trek even before your first has ended. We know how it feels, and we love how it can make you feel.
Happy trekking!