Taking a trip to any new place can be exciting but there is no guarantee that you will enjoy a memorable experience. That is why you need to be intentional about it. Luckily, there is plenty to look forward to, so this blog contains expert trekking tips to ensure a memorable experience.
Below are some seasoned trekker advice to ensure you have the time of your life.
1. Engage a Reliable Travel Agency
Before you leave your house and start the journey, you need to set up a few things. Start by identifying a suitable travel company to work with. Such a company will offer plenty of information on the best places to visit depending on your preferences.
It will also take care of most of the logistics. You won't have to spend time looking for things like means of transport, accommodation and food. Good travel agencies often have customizable travel packages which makes it easy for you to enjoy the experience. You can trust a trekking company in Nepal like Places Nepal for a seamless trekking experience in Nepal.
2. Create a Packing List
Having a packing list of everything you will need is key to getting it right. Some of the things that should be on your list are,
- Water bottle
- Food
- Weather ready clothing
- Hiking boots
- A first-aid kit
- Quick-dry towel
- Toiletries
- A map
You should also consider getting a variety of sweets and candies because you are likely to meet kids from different local villages in the region. As usual, some kids will be shy while others will be more playful but all will appreciate the gift of candies. Though it may seem like a small gesture, it goes a long way in creating cordial relations with the locals in general.
Don't pack any unnecessary luggage since it will only slow you down and compromise your experience. When packing, be sure to organize everything accordingly to avoid having to take out half of the luggage just to get to what you need.
3. Create a Trekking Itinerary
While spontaneous activities can be exciting, it is always advisable that you have a defined trekking itinerary for Nepal.
This will ensure you push yourself whenever you fall into those moments of procrastination. It also helps keep you on schedule for things like meetups and meals.
4. Embrace Cultural Immersion
Many travelers miss out on the fulfillment they get when they open themselves up to truly experience a different culture. Instead of having a rigid mindset, be a yes person and try out as many new things as you can.
Go visit a monastery, join a local family for a meal, learn a few local words, and help a villager harvest eggs or vegetables. Such activities will allow you to learn new things about yourself and people from other cultures. It also gives the locals a good opportunity to get to know you and learn about your culture.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that you should always remain respectful of local cultures. You don't have to agree with their beliefs and practices but that should not be a gateway for negative attitudes.
5. Create New Friends
While meeting locals is great, it's not the only way to interact with new cultures. Many travelers in Nepal come from different parts of the world.
A casual hello can be all it takes to strike up a fruitful conversation. The people you meet probably have some unique perspectives that can enlighten you in your journey through life.
Unbeknownst to you, the perspectives you have can also be quite enriching or entertaining to others. The key is to be open and just enjoy everybody you meet regardless of their point of origin.
6. Take Off-Beaten Trails
There are plenty of off-beaten trails in Nepal that offer unique advantages. For starters, few people take them which means you will enjoy a peaceful trek through the nature of the country.
A trek alone can be spiritually helpful and will almost always help you reconnect with nature. Taking less crowded trails together with your partner can also be an excellent way to draw closer to each other.
Some examples of quiet treks in Nepal include Ponker Lake, Pikey Peak, Manaslu Circuit, Nar Phu Valley and the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
7. Trekking Photography
No trekking trip is as memorable as one that includes photos. First, understand that you do not need to be an expert photographer to capture stunning images.
Remember that pictures are secondary to your experience and, therefore, should not get in the way. With that in mind, a quality phone camera can be all you need to capture the most beautiful areas, warm people, and fun activities.
Of course, you can also opt for more sophisticated camera equipment if that is what you prefer.
Just a heads up, sunrises and sunsets often create good conditions for some of the most beautiful pictures.
8. Trekking Safety in Nepal
As you may already know, Nepal is a safe place for trekking which is why a lot of tourists enjoy their time exploring the different destinations. However, it is always prudent to know a few basic safety tips.
Whether you are trekking solo or with a group, you should let someone know when you expect to depart and arrive at various points. Also, point out the routes you will be taking.
Carry a map you can use to find your way in case your electronics run out of power or malfunction. You will also need to learn a few first aid basics in case someone needs assistance during the hike.
A first aid kit can come in handy when you need to take care of minor cuts and bruises.
9. Beating Altitude Sickness
Different trails in Nepal offer an array of altitudes for you to trek. Some can be quite low while others will rise well above 5,000m. This can cause altitude sickness.
For a beginner, this condition can be alarming. However, it is important to realize that it is a common occurrence caused by reduced levels of oxygen at high altitudes.
Some of its symptoms include nausea, headache, shortness of breath, and unexplainable fatigue. Luckily, these symptoms are often mild and resolve within a few hours or days.
All you have to do is rest and let your body get acclimated to the new altitude.
10. Consider Sustainable Trekking
During your hiking adventures, you will no doubt enjoy the rolling hills, majestic mountains, lush forests, and beautiful lakes. You will also come across a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.
Sustainable trekking in Nepal is a practice that ensures everything remains as natural as possible. That means you should leave as little of a trace of your presence as possible.
Carry reusable items and leave no trash at any point. You should also cause as little distraction as possible to wildlife.
