Famous treks in Uttarakhand

Trekking Guide : Top 10 Hiking Tips for Beginners

Hiking is the best way to discover your strength and capabilities. It offers a new way to explore yourself. As a beginner, you don't need any special qualities or skills to hike. You just need to have good endurance capabilities. It may be terrifying if you're a beginner. It is the best form of exercise, anyone in the world can do. It connects you with the mother nature. Hiking let you feel a real sense of freedom, free from any type of pressure . It helps in improving your mental & physical health too. 

Hiking is the best way to discover yourself

If you're feeling low, hiking is the best option. If you're feeling any type of mental pressure, again, hiking is the best option. As a beginner you may be afraid of hiking, but it isn't really that hard! 

You just need some preparation, some planning and some strength and you are all good to go. Before geeting into the topic, let me tell you that, hiking is all about the game of physical & mental strength. It's better to start with small steps rather than just thinking & wondering about it. 

Top - 10 hiking tips for beginners 

1. Inform someone, about your hike 

Before starting , inform someone about your hike. It may be your parents, friends, colleagues or anyone. Tell them about all the information, like whom are you going with, which trekking trail your are going through, about your destinations. So it's better start with a small hike, it will give you an idea of hiking.

2. Check weather forecast 

Gather information about the weather forecast. If you are planning for 5 days hike, track the 5 days weather forcast . Ensuring a good weather day will give you the best experience of hiking. If there are chances of rain or of bad weather, avoid the hike. If you trek in such conditions, it may result in landslides, slippery ways and unkown accidents. You need to stay dry to avoid fever and headaches. 

Hike in good weather gives you excellent sight

3. Always bring the essentials 

Firstly, be sure of the days you plan to spend on your hike. Packup, the essentials according to the needs and the no of days. Do not overload your trekking bag . Adjuts the essentials properly. Here is the list of some important essentials you need to carry for a simple hike :- 

• Route Map 

• Headlights

• Water bottle & snacks

• Moisturiser cream

• First aid box 

• Sunglasses & extra batteries

• Matchsticks

Manage your bagpack

4. Good hiking shoes 

Good hiking shoes is the most important thing in trekking. Your body weight, you bag load everything is carry out by your legs. So it is much important to wear good and high ankle trekking shoes. Always wear the shoes that has good sole. Your shoes should match your unique fit. Your shocks must meet the length of your boots. Always wear shoes that are waterproof. Good grip on shoes will give you a perfect hike. 

Perfect hiking shoes

5. Comfortable trek pants /clothes 

Always wear comfortable clothes during hike because dressing right is the key to comfort. Do not wear jeans while trekking, avoid wearing cotton clothes as it gets damped easily. Use sports wear e.g trousers, t-shirts & trek pants. Add few layers according the temperature of the place. 

Good waterproof trekking pants

6. Train your body 

Train your body at least a week before your hike. Acclimatization is necessary for hike. Train your body according to elevation of the trek. Do yoga on regular basis as it will improve you mentally as well as physically. Running is highly recommended for trekkers. It helps in strechning of your muscles making it good to go for a trek. 

@orlaruns

7. Water bottles & lights 

Always make a plan to reach your destination before dark. Sometimes hike may take long time , therefore it is necessary to carry proper light equipments.  The trail is not visible in dark and there is always a fear of falling down . Always carry a head lamp or torch light rather than using mobile flashlight. Carrying a mobile flashlight is also an option but it may drain your battery at a faster rate in cold temperatures. 

Always carry a water bottle and keep your body hydrated. Do not overdrink water , use it frequently but in small amount. Always refill your water bottles whenever there is availability of water. 

@cyandayofficial

8. Carry first-aid box 

Nature is unpredictable, anything can happen during the trek. You may get leg cramps, headaches , minor injuries and other body issues. Therefore it is necessary to carry first aid box. You should have a good knowledge of using the first aid box if there is any emergency or chances of serious injury. 

@mikelikesantiques

9. Maintain energy level of your body

Always energize your body before and during the trek. Use the food items that has good energy level. Breakfast is important for a hiker to keep you going. Always carry dry fruits, eat bars and sport drinks having high calories . Eat fruits whenever there is small halt during the trek. 

@fusionfoodveg

10. Stay with your group/friends

As a beginner you should always stay within the reach of your group. Always follow the trail, followed by your group leaders. Do not take shortcuts or over-excite during the trek. Always stay on the trail. Take small steps when the trail is not good. Do not trek solo if you are a beginner. Always try to gain some  knowledge & experience from your trek & trek leaders . 

Proper guiding is the key to successful hike

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Beginner should plan a small hike of about 10kms

one should do regular running of upto 2 miles per day and regular excersice to increase stamina

Lama top, sattal, kyarkoti are the best treks for beginners in Uttarakhand

Kedarkantha,Har ki dun, kedartal ,Gaumukh tapovan are the best trek in India

Uttarakhand and Himachal pradesh