Trekking guide for beginners

Trekking is a long and adventurous way of walking on foot in areas where common means of transport are generally unavailable.

It is important to note here that trekking must not be confused with rock climbing.

“Trekking” originates from the Afrikaans word “trek”, meaning "to pull, or to travel".

The noun was assimilated by the English vocabulary in the middle of the nineteenth century, representing a long and tedious journey made, usually on foot. Trekking represents an activity where people hike and walk through rural areas, often injured.

The enthusiasts who perform this activity during their spare time are known as “trekkers”.

They engage in extremely long trips through different regions of the world, using trekking as a way to reach one place or another.

Also, trekking can be associated with other outdoor sports such as climbing or backpacking (backpack travel only).

Trekking Sticks

The people who practice this use trekking sticks, a modern version of wooden sticks, used by shepherds in the old days.

The main advantages of using these trekking sticks are: when climbing, the sticks “transmit” to the arms some of the weight that, normally, only the legs support whilst also protecting the knees.

Trekking sticks provide greater stability and improve balance, mostly because they are very useful for more delicate crossings such as stone-to-stone crossings, etc.

In the mountains, it’s actually recommended to use these.

In fact, there are even some specially created for use in steeper areas. These are telescopic and consist of two or three segments.

They can be adjusted depending on the passenger's height and road conditions.

In addition, they can also be attached to your backpack.

Another super important aspect when it comes to trekking sticks is the fact they should be as light as possible.

Aluminum sticks are heavier but more resistant, while the ones made out of carbon are lighter but more fragile.

Health Benefits

Stress Release – combined with the wilderness of nature, trekking eliminates stress and anxiety. The health benefit is generated by the direct contact with nature.

Losing and Controlling Weight - Trekking is super cool because it can be performed throughout the year.

According to experts, during a single mountain excursion, after a climbing trail, the power of burning calories increases by 40%.

The higher the effort, the faster the calorie intake through carbohydrates is being eliminated.

You Will Look Better – improved physical appearance has been linked to the slight changes or improvements of the articular and muscular apparatus.

In general, trekkers have athletic conformation with well-defined and toned leg muscles (calves, quadriceps, buttocks), especially those who use trekking sticks.

In addition, hiking enthusiasts have very good articular mobility. Continuous motion of the joints favors the elasticity of ligaments and tendons.

Increases the efficiency of cardiovascular and respiratory systems - there are notable differences between the cardiovascular and respiratory apparatus of an active person who hikes and a sedentary one who works in an office and stays indoors most of his life.

It's like having a car that manages to travel a few miles with the same amount of fuel.

Himalayan trails are famous for attracting a large number of trekkers

The most popular regions in terms of trekking are found in Nepal: Annapurna, Dolpo, Langtang, Manaslu and Mount Everest.

Other popular trekking routes in India include Chandra Taal, Gomukh, Hemkund, Kafni Glacier, Kangchenjunga, Kedarnath, Kedartal, Milam Glacier, Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Pindari Glacier, Richenpong, Roopkund, Sar Pass, Tal Satopanth, Saurkundi Pass, Valley of Flowers.