Trekking is an activity that places you close to nature in the absolute wilderness, where you enjoy the thrill and adrenaline rush of exploring beautiful sceneries and climbing your way through to some of the most beautiful destinations on earth. The best thing about trekking is that it can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. One just needs to have the correct mindset and the excitement to learn and interact with nature and new people.
Before going on any trek you need to plan it properly and conduct proper research. This is to ensure that you are prepared for all the adversities one might encounter during a trek. Prior knowledge about the trip will also help you to have a more fulfilling experience.
This article provides a complete guide as to why one should consider trekking and its benefits. There are also some popular treks that you can opt for in the later sections and ultimately a list of essential items for any trek has been provided.
Benefits of Trekking
The benefits why one should consider trekking are listed below:
Improves physical fitness
Trekking can be an extremely effective way to improve one’s physical fitness. Being a soft-adventure sport it can be enjoyed by anyone with a decent level of fitness. Being able to climb and walk such distances every day during a trek improves the physical condition of your entire body including your heart. You are also able to enjoy your workout with beautiful and picturesque sceneries that are sure to blow your breath away.
Work-Life Balance Skills Development
Trekking is about planning and managing your time and resources well and adapting to the situations. These are essential skills that can help you to improve your work-life balance and excel at your job. One naturally develops these skills while going on multiple treks.
Reduces Stress
Everyone is leading an exceptionally competitive and fast life. This leads to an extreme amount of stress and anxiety. Over a longer period, these can harm you mentally and physically. Thus it is extremely important to take breaks from your busy schedule and there is no better way than to go on a trek into the misty mountains. The Himalayas provide the perfect locations for trekking and these can be enjoyed within the short span of one to two weeks.
Strengthens Relationships and Create New Friends
Not only will you enjoy the treks with your family and friends, but there will also be opportunities to interact with new people and form friendships throughout the trek. Sharing experiences and forming bonds while working towards the common goal of reaching the destination is an integral part of any trek. Since you will not have access to smartphones due to lack of coverage, it opens the ideal opportunity to improve your communication skills.
Explore the Culture and Local Cuisine
Trekking provides you with the unique opportunity to interact and explore some of the local villages and their culture. Since these villages do not have many interactions with the outside world, it can be fascinating to understand how they live and grow. Also, you will be able to try the local cuisine which is authentic to any trek.
Be at One with Nature
Last but not least you will be witnessing nature at its finest. The flora and fauna here are nearly untouched by humans and thus it is pure. Clear blue skies, sparkling clean waters, pearl green meadows, and lofty mountains are some of the wonders which are ready to greet you should you decide to go on a trek.
The Best Places to Visit
Motor Biking Trips in Ladakh
If you are a motorbike enthusiast then this trip should already be on your bucket list. Riding bullets across the almost empty roads of the Leh Ladakh highway through the barren lands with lofty mountains as your backdrop is certainly a shot out of a movie. You will ride your bike to the peak of Khardungla and then journey to the Pangong Tso Lake, which is the most relaxing lake. These fulfilling experiences will provide you with immense satisfaction and a lifetime of memories to cherish.
The total journey will comprise around 10-12 days and you will travel around 1100-1300 kilometers. There are various flexible packages and prices and locations may vary depending on your choice. The average cost of a person comes around USD 350-450 (INR 27000-36000). You should keep some buffer days along with the specified days mentioned. Leh Ladakh Bike Trips attract worldwide attention and hence prior planning and bookings are required.
Chadar Trek
A special feature of the Chadar trek is that it is a winter trek and hence if you are unable to bear subzero temperatures then this trek is not for you. This also comes out as a unique experience for the trek as people can enjoy the harsh mountain climates and witness how difficult and beautiful life can be in the mountains.
The 9-day trek reaches the highest point (3500 meters) and is best explored during January and February. The average cost of a person undertaking this trek comes around USD 310-330(INR 24150-26000).
You will be trekking to Nerak and on the way, you will walk on ice and uneven grounds looking for nooks and corners to support you on your journey. The camping sites are also on the extreme side of things, you will be setting up tents and camping beside frozen streams and encounter frozen waterfalls which is a sight to behold.
Kedarkantha Trek
An easy-moderate trek for beginners, the Kedarkantha trekking is an extraordinary journey in the Govind pashu Vihar National Park. It is one of the few summit climbs that is friendly to beginners. The summit climb will leave you with a sign of fulfillment and present you with jaw-dropping views.
The trek comprises a six-day schedule which is quite short in comparison to other treks and it requires around USD 125-145 (INR 9750-11500). One can expect to reach a maximum height of (3810 M) during this trek.
Essential Checklist for Your Backpack
Now that you are all ready to go on your first trek you will need a list of all the essential items to carry in your backpack. Here is a list of things that are necessary during a trek:
Equipment:
A Backpack and waterproof backpack cover
Polarizing sunglasses
2 water bottles
Electrolytes
Torch/Headlamp and batteries
Map of the area
Sleeping bag
Clothing and Footwear
Comfortable jackets and tracksuits
Thermal Underwears
Comfortable pair of hiking shoes
2 comfortable pairs of warm socks
Hat, pair of gloves, and a scarf
T-shirts
Jacket
Hygiene essentials
Toiletries
Small, quick-dry towel
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Hand sanitizer and biodegradable soap
Tissue paper
Toilet paper
Basic cutlery like a bowl, spoon, and glass
Menstrual hygiene essentials like tampon or menstrual cup
Ziplock pouch to carry wastes from top of the hills to the plains.
One can also carry items such as an extra set of newspapers, a camera, compass and binoculars, pocket knife, etc. You should also look at the various amenities that are provided by the touring crew and make your plans accordingly. One should carry only as much as they are comfortable with since you will be required to carry everything on your back for the entire duration of the trek.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that trekking can be an extremely fun activity if enjoyed properly. Conducting proper research and preparing yourself for the hike is an essential part of enjoying your trek. Never overestimate your capabilities and only visit beginner-friendly treks if you are just starting.
This article provides a comprehensive view of the importance of trekking and how it can help to improve your physical, mental, and social health. Other than that it acts as a medicine to relieve you of stress and anxiety while giving you tons of memories to cherish for a lifetime. A few of the popular treks have also been explained in detail to excite your interest and a list of the most essential components has been mentioned for you to check before starting on your first trip.
