How do I choose the right trek?

Choosing the right trek is as  important as preparing for that trek.  Beginners and older trekkers are often confused about their first trekking destination and most importantly, if they will be able to do it. Here a a few  tips on how to choose the right trek

Do your research on treks

An impulsive decision regarding a trek often leads to a bad experience and can completely put you off trekking. There are several trekking websites that will provide a list of treks and rank them according to difficulty, altitude, duration etc.  Trekking companies will use keywords such as easy, moderate, challenging, demanding, strenuous, expedition style etc to define their treks. However please note that these are subjective and what can be easy for one, could be moderately difficult for  another trekker. Prepare a preliminary list and cross check information about these  treks on various sites.

Read trekking blogs to obtain information on specific treks 

Trekking blogs are a great way to read about individual experiences of trekkers. They are rich and evocative and give you an idea about the key highlights of the trek, a day by day description, the and challenges faced. Visuals also allows you to connect with the journey even before you experience it. 

Zero in on duration and altitude of treks

Do remember to choose a trek that is not more that three to four days long, if it is your first one. This  will not only allow you to enjoy the experience but also help you determine if your fitness levels are ‘up to the mark’. As a beginner, please pick a trek that does not go beyond a maximum altitude of 12,000 feet . While this rule is not etched in stone, it is important to remember that altitude can affect even the most fittest of people and it is best to understand its impact on your body before you attempt a high altitude trek. If you experience dizziness, disorientation and extreme fatigue, please move down to a lower altitude and seek medical help.

Discuss trekking options and destinations with your trekking company/ guide 

A reliable trekking company will be able to offer you options based on your fitness levels and previous trekking experience. Be sure to be honest with them about your physical limitations, endurance levels and stamina. Also do inform them about any pre- existing health conditions that may limit your ability to do a strenuous trek. A good guide will then be able to provide you a list of treks that are ideal for you and should be willing to customise it based on your requirements. 

Pick a trek that you can go on with your friend/ partner or family

I can’t stress  this point enough. Travel with a group that takes a joint decision on what trek to go on. Fellow trekkers look out for each other on a trek and can be a great source of strength and inspiration . 

And finally

Remember that it is the journey that is important on a trek and not the destination

Choose a trek for the diverse experiences and unique perspectives that it provides every day and not just for the goal of reaching the final destination. You see diverse people and communities and breathtaking mountain scenarios that  you would otherwise never see. You feel a tremendous sense of achievement when you achieve your goal, but if you didn’t for some reason, the journey along the way was worth it. 

Read, like and comment and do check out my next post on three moderate treks you can do in the Indian Himalayas