Trekking and a road-trip to Ladakh seem to be the new fad among the Indian youth. Though a great excursion experience, trekking can quickly become a nightmare for you if you do not plan it properly. Here are some of my experiences, which I would like to share with you. If you are first-time trekker, then you should definitely go through the list.
Footwear: You may be wondering why did I start the list with footwear? However, let me tell you having a good brand of footwear with you is one of the basic "must-haves" when you are on a trek. If the trekking route is tricky and demands more than 3 hours of walking, go for the trek shoes especially. Any normal jogging shoe would not do the trick for you. Your shoes have to reliable and make sure that their soles are sturdy and not slippery.
Training: Now we come to the training part. You should start training your body at least 3 months prior to your trek. Make your body accustomed to heavy backpacks by walking up and down with a backpack on your shoulders. Train your hamstrings and do stretching exercises. Try to maintain a healthy weight and make sure you try to make your backpack as light as possible. A heavy backpack can take a huge toll on your body, especially if the trek route is a long one.
Supplies: Plan in advance the supplies you would be taking with you during the trek. Keep snacks with you and avoid heavy food. A first-aid box is also necessary, in case you or one of your trek members sustain an injury. Try to have few tools with you as well, especially a cord and a rope. Pick a backpack which can easily accommodate all the items without putting much pressure on your shoulders. Go for the backpacks with ample shoulder padding.
Emergency preparation: It is very easy to lose the track of your route while trekking, especially if the weather is unfavorable. Make sure you have basic knowledge of the first-aid treatment. Brushing up your navigation skills would also come in handy. If your trek route does not have any means of communication, make sure you inform the base camp about your route and the expected duration of your trek.
Mental preparation: Last but not the least, be mentally prepared. More than physical exertion, it is the mental stress that bog amateurs trekkers down during the journey. Learn meditation and try to improve your will-power. Be mentally focused all through the trekking route and keep calm in case of an adverse situation. If you have a mountaineering institute nearby, then try practicing your skills there before diving into the actual trek experience.
Though the list above is not exhaustive, it would certainly guide you to plan you trek better. Remember, trekking is not about your physical prowess, it is how you adapt yourself to the constant challenges that your trek route has to offer. Happy trekking!