Trekking tips during monsoon

The word trekking sounds exciting and cool. I have met people who went on their first trekking experience, without proper preparation. And trust me, it was not the kind of adventure they were looking forward to. Like every other thing in life, trekking additionally requires a lot of planning. Don’t jump into it without preparation.

Trekking can be pretty exciting as well as exerting depending on the physical condition. But as per my personal experience, a daily 1-hour walk will help in increasing the stamina.

Understand the various kind of treks:

a) If you are a beginner, with low stamina levels, then opt for an easy trek. This is broadly for 3-4 hours a day. These treks are not too physically demanding. The two-fold benefits are on completion of the trek, one experiences a sense of achievement and gets experience for the next level.

b) My personal preference is the moderate trek. They involve 4-7 hours. One needs to push, self out of the comfort zone, as they are a bit demanding. It does not involve traditional climbing, but definitely a significant amount of uphill walking. I believe with constant preparation, and discipline one can go for the moderate trek. If you do not want to hit the gym, no worries but then in such a case, stop taking the lift and opt to climb 100 steps daily. Cycling remains another excellent option to increase stamina.

c) Finally, come tough treks, this involves much preparation as you will be trekking in high altitude for 10-15 days. You need to be physically fit with no chronic ailments as heart problems, blood pressure, bones pertinent issue, asthma, etc. But it is worth a lifetime adventure.

We will discuss the different seasons recommended for trekking. Broadly people recommend not to trek during monsoons. But this is my favorite season for undertaking a trek, mountains or hills looks beautiful, due to the greenery, and it seems as if nature has cleaned everything. Though it is worth trying while undertaking monsoon treks, one needs to be extra cautious.

According to me a few of the significant things to be kept in mind and followed during the trek are:

a) Proper Backpack- There are multiple backpacks available, don’t go for a huge backpack as it will be difficult to carry them uphill. Also, the backpacks must be water-resistant, we have to protect the things from rain. Make a list of things that will be needed and then choose the capacity of the backpack accordingly. Try out American Tourister, Wildcraft, they provide amazing backpack options, which are pretty sturdy and colorful too.

b) Shoes- Hiking shoes are the most important part of the trek, a pair of wrong shoes can harm the ankles. And can leave you with blisters, bone spurs, skin ruptures, rashes, etc. Know your size and try to buy one size bigger than what you generally wear.

With the right amount of padding and protection, you need the adjustable pressure while you trek for longer treks.  For that, I found Lock Laces (Hyperlink: locklaces.in), No-tie elastic lacing system, which adds compression and reduces pressure points. This increases circulation and makes your feet feel better throughout the day. The elastic laces will stretch when you put your foot in the shoe (so you won’t damage the heel) and the lock will keep your laces at the perfect tension.
Another thing that bothers me a lot, is the untied shoelaces. Many times they get loose and open up, increasing the risk of accidents. Lock Laces also solved it as it turned my pair of shoes into slip on’s giving the extra grip with style.
You can choose from a variety of range of colors and styles from Amazon.in (hyperlink: amazon.in/locklaces)  and locklaces.in.

d) Water Bottle and Dry Snacks- Most of the people underestimate the value of drinking water during the trek, don’t get carried away with the nice weather. Trekking is an exercise and frequently keeping the body hydrated is highly Chlorine Dioxide Tablets easily purify water or carry water bottles with a filter. I prefer ultraviolet water purifiers, they eliminate the bacteria in 2 minutes, though I have to keep extra batteries handy.
Also, carry dry fruits, chocolates, peanuts other dry snacks for munching.

e) Clothing- Carry an extra layer of clothes and socks. Use nylon or spandex clothes they get dry easily. Do carry good windcheater and raincoat to prevent yourself from getting drenched. Wear loose comfortable clothes rather than super tight ones.

Point of concern:
1) Leeches- You might encounter leeches, cover your body completely during treks. In case you get bitten by a leech, apply salt and turmeric, they will wither off on their own.

2) Respect the environment- I believe this is the crucial point, be a responsible eco traveler. Carry a spare plastic or small cloth bag, in which you can dispose of the garbage. Avoid carrying plastic bottles, already mother earth is drowning under the sea of plastic, let’s not add to the existing chaos. Please go for stainless steel bottles, they are excellent for your health and for the environment both.

Trekking is a thrilling and life-changing experience. I have met people addicted to it, and every weekend goes for short treks. But nothing can beat the experience of monsoon trekking, do pack your bags and head out on an adventure journey.