| Before you embark on a trek, there are a few | | | | clothing, to food, water, accommodation and even |
| things you must consider carefully. This is | | | | porters for those who cannot carry heavy loads. |
| especially true for the occasional or first-time | | | | Trekking gear can be rented and it's not |
| trekkers. | | | | necessary to invest in new stuff for a one-off |
| To begin with, assess your level of fitness. You | | | | trek. The tour operators' familiarity with the |
| need to be in good physical shape to embark on | | | | terrain is often a big advantage. So make sure |
| the more challenging treks. For gentler treks, a | | | | that you sign up with a reputed operator. |
| regular level of fitness is good enough. | | | | Weather is a huge factor when trekking at high |
| Once you have assessed your physical fitness, | | | | altitudes. So it is important that you go in the right |
| you must decide how long you want to trek each | | | | season when the weather is pleasant and there's |
| day. You can trek for about 3 hours a day on a | | | | less chance of rain or snow. There's very little |
| gentle terrain, opt for a more strenuous trek | | | | cover in the mountains when it comes pouring |
| which covers about 5 to 6 hours of trekking in | | | | down so be prepared with the appropriate |
| mountainous terrain or, if you are a regular | | | | clothing. It can also be warmer in the plains and |
| trekker, there are treks that involve 6 to 8 hours | | | | can get progressively cooler as you climb higher |
| of steep mountain climbs every day. Decide on a | | | | which means you should be well equipped. |
| pace that suits you and one that also allows you | | | | Acclimatisation is also something to consider. Many |
| to appreciate the surroundings. | | | | people suffer from altitude sickness in which case |
| There are short treks ranging from a few days | | | | it's best to climb up slowly and allow an extra day |
| to a few weeks to even a few even months. | | | | or two for acclimatization. Many a trek has been |
| Accommodation on your route can be in mountain | | | | ruined by altitude sickness. |
| lodges, huts or in tents. Some of the trekking | | | | Once you have evaluated your fitness, the |
| routes are more like walking tours and can be | | | | weather and the trek's terrain and duration, it's |
| undertaken on your own with overnight stops in | | | | time to decide on the route you want to take. |
| villages. Others require a little more planning and | | | | From the mighty Himalayas to the Andes, almost |
| signing up with a tour operator may be a good | | | | every country has trekking routes with various |
| idea. The operators ensure that you have | | | | levels of difficulty. So you have plenty of routes |
| everything you need -- from the right shoes and | | | | to choose from for your holiday travel. |