In step with trekking

How do you prepare for a trek? What all do you need on the trail for a couple of days?
Gyan Marwah gives a list of do’s and don’ts

TAKE a deep breath and step out into the lap of nature before the winter ends. No, not the usual touristy spots. But a vacation with a difference. Trekking. It’s all about communicating with nature and being a part of the great outdoors.

Trekking is an adventure and a joy that can only be experienced by those with a love for natural environment. It can be as tough or as simple as you’d like it to be. It is about companionship. But it is imperative to take proper tips from trekking guides before venturing out.

Get started on your conditioning programme much before the trekking trip. You must be in good physical condition to embark on a trek. Start training months before the trek. The fitter you are, the easier your trek will be. Go for long walks and join a gym not just for its treadmill and stationary bicycle but also for weight training and building your leg muscles.

Shoes must be comfortable. Don’t buy a new pair just before trekking. The time for blisters is now, not during your holiday. Wear shoes for a few days so that you get used to walking in them. Tight shoes will cause blisters. It is best to choose a pair that’s half a size larger than your normal shoes to allow for some swelling.

For starters, you must ensure that gear like tents, backpacks and raincoats are of top quality. You will realise the importance of durable and sturdy trek gear once you are out in the lap of unpredictable nature.

A map is a good idea as mobile phones sometimes might not work in the outdoors. You must carry a Swiss knife, sunglasses, sunscreen cream and a compass. And, most important, take along a mosquito repellant.

On a trek it is best to start early in the morning and try to reach your destination by early evening so that there is ample time to put up tents, cook and sleep.

Stop the night at a clear spot where you can pitch your tent and light a fire. First-aid medicines, torches and matchboxes are a must. And remember, at least one person in the group should be familiar with the trekking terrain.

Food is a real treat when you are trekking and eating food cooked over campfires can be an exhilarating experience. But lugging a bag of flour is not a great idea hence it’s prudent to carry tinned stuff like biscuits and pre-cooked meals.

You should keep munching energy foods while trekking to avoid tiredness. Glucose biscuits, dry fruits and a bar of chocolate will keep you going.

Remember to take along some bottles of water. Water can be at a premium on a trek. Carry a few bottles and buy more en route. In case you can’t get a bottle, always boil water before drinking. And drink lots of it

The most important thing to remember is to respect nature and preserve the environment at all costs. It is almost criminal to litter the wilds with garbage, empty cartons, bottles, etc. Finally, travel light. Remember even your best friend won’t carry your weight.

After camping at any particular site, leave the place as neat and clean as you would yourself like to find it. Polythene bags are not biodegradable and should not be indiscriminately thrown around but brought back and discarded properly.

With toilet facilities being either minimal or non-existent, it is imperative to learn the basics of keeping nature free of human waste. Cover human faces with mud.

Never wash clothes directly in river or stream water.

Don’t break branches and twigs from trees. Try to collect fallen dry leaves and branches if at all you need them for fire. And take care of the fire. Jungle fires are started by careless people and the losses are staggering in terms of flora and fauna. — NF