It’s the end of rainy season! The season of Guava, beaches and other outings. But most of all, this is the ideal period for undertaking any trekking expedition, primarily because the weather can be relied upon. If done right, there cannot be anything more exhilarating and rejuvenating than a trek, but just like most other physical activities, trekking follows the harsh ‘break a rule, break a bone’ principle. To ensure that the trek is fun and successful one, here are a few rules you need to follow while on trek.
- Follow the Guide or Team Leader
The guide or the team leader is someone who should have a decent knowledge about the terrain and the natural cycle of the terrain in addition to having good leadership qualities. He dictates the overall trek route and schedule of activities, but it is his responsibility to make sure the other climbers are safe till the point where the trek ends. More importantly, it is the climbers who should follow his instructions carefully in order to have a safe trek.
- Briefing of Climbers
Before and after every climb, the trekkers need to be briefed about the next schedule of activities, the routes to be followed, the possible dangers on the route etc. These need to be paid attention to; negligence can cause serious personal and team health hazards. Remember, you are part of a team, and everyone is responsible for themselves as well as other’s safety.
- Luggage Packing and Handling
On every trek, there is a maximum limit to the amount of luggage that can be carried by each participant, so make sure you do not pack any useless stuff. By useless stuff, yes, we mean that extra 500 page novel you were thinking of packing for ‘light reading’.
- Food and Other Resources
Mountain food is often makeshift yet highly nutritious, something that suits the situation perfectly. Often this comes at expensive of taste, but again, trekking is not for the fussy; you have to adapt.
- Personal Insurance
The climbers have to fill out a form before every trek, mentioning his/her details like passport number, family members, important contact numbers, etc. In addition, the climber should also carry all these details on person during the trek. Sometimes, you are required to carry your insurance details on the trek.
- Altitude Sickness
During the briefing, the climber is informed about the altitudes and possible altitude sickness, and what actions to take in case they suffer from the same. A general mountaineering rule states that you should not climb more than 300 meters in one day, and for every 1000 meter you climb, there should be a rest day.
Climbers are often advised to have a fluid intake of 4-5 litre a day, to walk at a low to medium pace and to take plenty of rest while on the trek.
- Medications
If the climber has any health problem which needs timely medication but will not hamper the trek, he/she should carry the proper medicines.
For altitude sickness, Diamox is recommended.
For pain relief, mild analgesics like aspirin or paracetamol are acceptable. Strong pain killers are to be avoided as they affect breathing.
- Environmental Awareness
Under no circumstances are the climbers to leave or take anything from the natural habitat other than an experience. The environment boards have strict rules regarding the camping traces, and the last thing you want is an enquiry from the government which generally means “Sayonara, future treks!”
- Photography
Photography is allowed on treks, but the climber should take care of his/her own camera and other equipment.
- Personal Equipment
Every climber is supposed to carry their own personal equipment, like toiletries, extra film and batteries for the camera, pocket knife, etc.
- The Most Important Rule
HAVE FUN! Trekking is all about the excitement and thrill, and there’s no point in the trek if you can’t have your share of good, clean fun.
These are the fundamentals of trekking, rules that should be followed to ensure everyone has a good, safe trek.
Have a wonderful trekking experience!