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How hard can walking along a trail with a pack strapped to your back be? Most first time trekkers start out with the nation that they are in good health and something as simple shouldn’t require exceptional skill or conditioning. The truth is carrying that backpack and walking up a hill or down it does require some amount of planning, the right equipment and plan old common sense. There are no strenuous physical and mental exercises that you need to undergo to get ready for that trek. There are however, a few simple things you should know before you head out towards the hills. Read on.

If you can walk, you can hike, but start with beginner-rated trails of few kilometers of less and then work your way up to longer, more difficult hikes. In Nepal, there aren’t really signs at the trailhead, or even a marked trailhead for that matter so make sure you start out on trails that you have definite information such as the length of the route about. Once you know the length of the trail, work it out in your mind in terms of familiar distance. For the example, how much longer or shorter is the trail than the distance from your home to your workplace? Once you have a good idea, gauge your time and effort accordingly.

The difficulty of any trek or walk depends on daily mileage (how much you can or want to walk every day), hilliness of the terrain, and altitude. Most walking trips, tailored for moderately active people, cover gentle terrain at low altitudes, and many have optional shorter routes. If you need a break, you can always skip a day and lounge around at the hotel or lodge talking to the locals and engaging perhaps in some photography. But on a serious trek, you seldom have a choice other then to make it to the day’s destination. Altitudes above 14,000 feet or vertical gains of more then 2,000 feet per day demand excellent physical fitness. The good news is that you can have your fitness level assessed. If in doubt, be conservative, especially when it comes to the dizziness and shortness of breath associated with high altitudes.

Skills needed for the hiking apply to any outdoor sport. A course in basic first aid wouldn’t hurt but at least know how to bandage a wound and to detect the signs of dehydration, heatstroke, and hypothermia. Learn how to read clouds; knowing a nimbus from a cumulus can be the difference between a waterlogged hike and a merely cloudy one. Simple knowledge of such thing can be crucial.

Everyone needs a day pack; choose one with multiple pockets, padded shoulder straps, and large zipper closure. And make sure it’s the right size: when properly adjusted, the base should sit on your hips and the top should be at least one hand-width below the base of your neck. The wrong size pack can give you a backache. And even cause long term problems so give this special attention. Footwear designed specifically for hiking offers better support and traction. Choose a pair that’s a half-size larger then your street shoes to allow for some swelling as you walk and to accommodate heavier hiking socks. Wear thick wool or synthetic blend socks designed to wick moisture away from the feet, as wet feet is the primary cause of blisters. Something to keep in your day pack are: a first-aid kit, water bottle, Swiss Army knife, topographic map, compass, light, blanket and sweater.

Saddle: A trail stretched over the lowest point between tow peals, resembling a saddle.

If you keep this information with you, you should be alright on your trip. But most importantly, head out with a serious intention to have fun and learn from the trip. Everything else should follow.
Aiming Off: Internationally erring about 5 degrees off-course when using a compass bearing and heading toward your target destination. The benefit of aiming off is you’ll know exactly which way to turn to get to your destination when you reach the baseline.
Scree Slope: A challenging slope of loose rock and shale or a rock that is formed from layers of clay.
Loop Trail: A trail that starts at point A and circles back to the same point without repeating any section of the trail.
Hot Spot: That little tingle of friction you feel on your foot before you get a blister. Don’t ignore the feeling: take off your boot and warp your foot with protective medical tape before that tingling evolves into a full-fledged blister.

Happy Trekking..