Tips for Newbies on Trekking / Mountain Climbing

Sum Peoples are Climbing on Mountain

Tips for Trekking

• The weight of your backpack should be distributed equally over the shoulder pads. Adjust the straps in such way that they do not sag behind, but take care that they are not too taut either.
• Never take a brand new pair of hiking boots however great they feel. Use them regularly for a couple of weeks before the expedition.
• Carry a magnetic compass and map. Many a time in the wilderness or when lost, they are the best help at hand.
• Always carry matches in waterproof zip lock bags. Carry a candle too.
• Carry a light waterproof sleeping bag and a tent. Learn how to pitch a tent and in good time. It does not help if it is raining hard and you take all the time to set up the tent.
• Carry a thin raincoat, big enough to cover you and the backpack from the intermittent rains. Place it strategically at the top of the backpack so that it can be worn in a flash.
• Overestimate travel time. You might be fighting fit; the others might not be.
• If you are traveling in groups, make sure there are enough supplies for every one.
• Talk to the locals and read information in guidebooks about the place you are going to trek. Try to speak to people, who are experienced; they might have some good pointers.

 Going on Trek?

• Plan your trip- some seasons are poor for trekking (the winter and monsoon rain periods.)
• Make sure you have enough time to enjoy your trip- less than two weeks are not suitable for a trek.
• Reading is important- the books you read before going on the trek turned out to be extremely useful. Make sure you have a good understanding of where you are going to, the scope and form of your travel.
• Health is an issue while trekking - diarrhea and other illnesses are common in trekkers. Make sure you understand the appropriate courses of action before you go.
• Talk to friends who have recently trekked your planned route.
• Shots - Make sure you get all the necessary shots (inoculations) in time. Some shots may be required a certain time before leaving for an infected country. Inquire at your local health authorities.
• Make yourself a small medical kit- Buy certain medications and pills and have them with you when going on trek. Especially important is the Diamoux pill for AMS and certain antibiotics for bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal systems.

 List of equipment for trekking

Lightweight walking boots, spare laces   Sleeping bag and down Jacket (we also provide from here)   A rain proof jacket with hood or Punchoo   2 pairs of loose fitting long shorts/skirts   2 cotton T-shirts   Sun-hat   One pair of sandles   2 pairs of thin and 2 pairs of thick woolen socks   Personal medical supplies (first aid kits)   Flash light   Toiletries with towels   Sunglasses   Suntan cream   Water bottle   Iodine for the purification of drinking water   Daypack   Rucksack   Things of your personal interest

List of additional equipment for climbing

Seat Harness   Jumar   Helmet   Altimeter   Ice Axe   Crampons   Ice-screw   Gaiters   Locked and unlocked carabiner   Climbing boots   Pocket knife   Wollen gloves   Gloves(gore tex fabrics)   Wollen hat   Wollen socks   Windproof jacket   Windproof pant   Snow bar   Snow goggles(UV factor)   Sun cream(UV protection)   Head lamp   Tent   Mattresses   Rope   Rain gear   Ice hammer