How can you prepare yourself for trekking during Covid-19
Covid-19 pandemic has affected the nation worldwide. As days are passing by, the only thing passing by our minds is being outdoors, especially trekkers dream about being on mountain tops. Spending our time at home you can prepare for some of the amazing treks for the future. Already booked for any trek or yet to finalise? No worry, this time of your life is golden and prepare for the best of it. We have listed out some trek preparations for your one day trek, two day trek and himalayan treks. Keeping in mind Covid-19 pandemic we have to stay productive and fight against all odds.
These trekking tips during Covid-19 will surely help you in staying active during this lockdown, which will also leave you with positive vibes.
Let’s go through Trekking Tips That Will Help You Prep for a Trek & Stay Fit.
- Fitness: Staying fit at home isn’t easy. If you are already practicing add some more endurance workout to get more strength and if not start doing it today. Initially you can start with running, stretching, yoga. Do any form of exercise which is suitable for you.
a) Running: Start your morning routine with running. Keeping in mind covid measures make sure you run in safe grounds. Running with aerobics in between will aid you in improving your heart rate. Gradually increase your running level to 2- 5kms a day.
b) Exercises: Any form of exercise you can add to your routine. Stair climbing, push-ups, squats, crunches, burpees, all these exercises will help in improving your muscle strength. Add them one at a time to fix repetition.
c) Yoga: Yoga helps in increasing your focus and balancing of the body. Yoga is the best exercise to stretch your body and lose out the muscles. Also breathing exercises will help in improving your immunity.
Depending on which kind of trek you are planning for, you can start your practice. For easy to moderate treks you can start with small routines. For strenuous treks you need to practice more on a daily basis. Preparing for trek requires dedication, consistency and passion which will drive you to your dreams.
- Watching movies & documentaries: One of the most crucial aspects when you are planning out for an high altitude trek is watching trekking movies and documents conducted by professionals. This way you can stay motivated and have a virtual tour to your plan trek. Watch your favourite expedition and keep your spirits high. Movies which you add to your watchlist are: Touching the void, The Summit, Mount St. Elias, Everest: IMAX, Beyond The Edge, Into The Mind, K2: The Ultimate High
- Trekking tips from literature: When you are not fond of movies reading books is another best option which can thrill you. There are millions of books written on adventure trekking which will inspire you all the time. One of the amazing read is No Shortcuts to the Top: Climbing the World’s 14 Highest Peaks. Reading some inspiring & technical trekking books will help you in your preparation.
- World’s Toughest Race: Still not driving any motivation here to what you can watch and drive inspiration and make you . World’s toughest race: Eco challenge hosted by Bear Grylls. It’s an expedition against the clock in which international teams of adventure athletes race non-stop, watching their spirits will surely give you some adrenaline rush.
- Trek plan: Regardless of how many treks or expeditions you have completed earlier, there is always a room for incredible treks around the world just waiting to be experienced on foot. Now is a great time to start mapping out your backpacking dreams (e.g. route choices, cultural considerations, language basics, gear lists, resupply options, etc). Many times planning for a trek is more of an enjoyment and staying close to nature, you can decide and plan your trek accordingly. Take your time out to explore the treks which might interest you. Understand a little more about the culture of the region and their norms and traditions.
If you’ve decided on a region and the amount of time you can take off, here are some of our suggestions:
Departures from: April – October
Best time to trek: May
Number of Days: 6 Days
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Beginners as well as mid level trekkers who are seeking for some Himalayan treks
Best part about the trek:
- Sar Pass offers unmatched views of the roaring Parvati river.
- The Sar top unveils a panoramic canvas of snow-clad peaks and misty mountain valleys.
- The Sar Pass trek also holds some of the finest campsites like Min Thach, Biskeri Thach and Nagaru in its lush folds.
- Kasol is the destination for foreigners where you get to dip in a hot water spring, visit Manikaran gurudwara, National park and more.
Departures from: December – April
Best time to trek: December
Number of Days: 6 Days
Level of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Best for: Beginners
Best part about the trek: Let’s put it this way, if you’re thinking of heaven in Uttarakhand, this is it! You get to:
- Mesmerising sunrise at the Kedarkantha peak.
- 360-degree views of the Himalayas.
- Perfect trail for photography.
- Most beautiful campsites.
Departures from: Jan – Feb
Best time to trek: Jan
Number of Days: 9 Days
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Best for: Mid level and Advanced
Best part about the trek: Chadar itself is a beauty which is impeccable. Frozen waterfalls are the best part of the whole journey.
Departures from: Mid June – October
Best time to trek: July
Number of Days: 15 Days
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Best for: Advanced trekkers with previous high-altitude trekking experience
Best part about the trek:
Splendid views of many snow capped mountains like Deo Tibba (6001m), Norbu Peak (5226m) & Jagatsukh Peak (5050m).
The emerald blue waters of Chota Chandratal lake at the foot of Deo Tibba peak is the biggest highlight of a trek.
As per Hindu mythology, the dome shaped peak of Deo Tibba is where the gods sit and hence the name Deo meaning ‘God/s’ and Tibba meaning ‘hill’. While Lord Indra, the King of Heaven & Gods conducts a meeting with them from his throne that is the Indrasen Peak.
While preparing yourself for any of the trek, keep in mind and take safety measures to stay safe from the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Photography: While most of us love to take photos, when you are on an adventure photography skills is what you would require the most. Learn some photography skills which will aid you in your next adventure while you are out. Right from the aperture’s to framing to manual mode, this is the ideal time to learn all about photography and practice it in your environment too. This will help you capture incredible pictures of the trek, and you will learn a new skill!
The lockdown is the golden time period where you can learn a lot of things. As you are staying indoors you can save your money for your next travel and adventure. Be wise and make the most of this time.
These are some of our most recommended trekking tips to help you plan and prep for a trek. Make the most of this time, learn something new and most importantly, no matter how much you miss the mountains, always stay indoors.
Go ahead and add every dose of adventure to your life and keep your spirits high as better days are yet to come!
