Since the time man loved traveling, he also started craving for adventures. In ancient times, he yearned to cross the rivers he lived at over to the opposite shore and explore.

He continued to climb the tallest peak at his region and longed to discover what lay beyond the mountains. He slowly attained success and people cheered for him. And thus the Everest was conquered. An ardent traveler becomes complete only if he or she truly masters the art of trekking.

Hiking can bring out hidden and unknown talents in you. It provides us with various opportunities to entrust will power and athletic skills in you. Our mindset is what forms the basis for hiking and not factors like age, gender, and physical nature (obese or not).

I have had some opportunities to trek with people over 60 years of age whose physical fitness and trekking spirit has continued to amaze me. I once trekked with a 78-year-old woman and climbed over 12000 ft high Peak Tungnath in the Himalayas.

Once we fix the destination, it is necessary to collect all information possible about the mountain that one is going to scale. If you are aiming for a high altitude trekking, try exercises that will help you overcome altitude sickness. Try to start trekking as early as possible in the morning. Smart packing and planning play a very important role. Try to minimize the weight of the backpack which will make trekking all the more enjoyable and easier.

Essentials for hiking:-

* Water- proof backpack

* First aid kit

* Flash light

* Sunscreen/ moisturizer

* Water bottle

* Insect repellent

* Tent/Sleeping bag (Based on the travel plan)

* Rain coat (Based on the climatic condition)

* Knife * Thermal jacket (Based on the climatic condition)

* Stick (if necessary)

* Camera, binoculars (if necessary)

What To Wear:

Try to avoid cotton clothes and socks as much as possible. Easily drying trekking pants are available in the market. The use of such pants will help a lot during trekking in rainy season. Caps and sunglasses are also important.

Trekking Shoe:

If you are looking for frequent hiking do not compromise on the quality of the shoes you choose. Around 80% of dangers during hiking come from bad quality of shoes. Do not use slippers for the purpose whatsoever. Shoes with good friction will help us avoid ankle breaks and slipping.

Food & drinks:

Proper nutritious food is important for trekking. LAO, make sure it doesn’t take a lot of weight and a full tummy can only make you uncomfortable. We need a lot more energy for trekking so try eating dry fruits and energy biscuits, and drink a lot of water.

Bananas are much-recommended food during trekking. Water is really important. Therefore, maintain full bottles and refill them throughout the journey.

General rules in trekking:

Trekking is an activity that is carried out in isolated and less crowded areas, amongst the beautiful greens. We should never disturb or harm nature or animals of any kind during our trip. A hiker should respect those lives and move forward. Stooping or leaning forward while walking helps trekking.

Try talking less; because talking will only drain out our energy. Drink water and take rest at regular intervals, all the while maintaining our heartbeat rate. Try not to get too competitive.

Respect and do not hurt animals on your way in any manner, also make sure you don’t feed them. As a hiker, the aim is not harm our surroundings as we are only mere guests of nature and we do not own any of it. We may see many things that attract us on our way but know that it does not belong to us and that we can take ownership of it only through our camera lenses.

Hiking is not to be done with a competitive spirit. After finishing the hiking, dust off your shoes to the forest or mountain.

Here is a list of do’s and don’ts:

Do’s :

* Respect Nature

* Respect and help others

Don’ts:

* Do not litter / Do not smoke

* Do not deposit plastics

* Do not harass wild animals and don’t feed them

* Do not take any thing from nature

* Avoid camera flash in forest

* Do not make loud noises

* Avoid competition mentality