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What is Trekking?

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RR

Trekking is an activity in which people take multi-day hiking trips through rural, often rugged territory. Many people who are trekkers engage in longer trips through entire regions of the world, using trekking as a way of getting from place to place. It also can be incorporated with other outdoor sports, such as rock climbing or backpacking.

Interacting with Nature

K2, the second tallest mountain in the world, offers treks with dramatic views.
K2, the second tallest mountain in the world, offers treks with dramatic views.

This activity is different from other types of travel for several reasons. It tends to be less structured than other sorts of travel, because weather conditions and topography can influence trekkers' travel plans more than plane flights or hotel availability. As travelers move on foot through often-rural areas, trekking gives them an up-close view of the scenery. Many trekkers travel through isolated areas and get a travel experience that is much different from that of people who travel in organized groups to popular destinations. This often allows trekkers to interact with nature while doing things such as climbing a rock wall or navigating through a mountain range.

Customizable

Trekkers often choose trails that take them through scenic vistas.
Trekkers often choose trails that take them through scenic vistas.

Trekking can be done anywhere in the world. Certain areas are particularly popular with trekkers, including mountainous regions such as the Himalayas in Asia and the Andes in South America. Treks also have been organized in other less-visited areas on almost every continent.

This type of trip can be as long or as short as participants decide, from a few days of hiking to an expedition that lasts more than a year. It also can be as athletic and adventurous as the participants decide. The less-structured nature of this activity and a world of possible destinations help attract a wide variety of participants.

Equipment

Trekking will require a nice pair of sturdy hiking boots.
Trekking will require a nice pair of sturdy hiking boots.

Several pieces of gear help make trekking more enjoyable for many people. One is a comfortably fitting backpack. Many trekkers travel for extended periods of time and need to carry all of their belongings with them. A sturdy backpack can comfortably fit at least 20 to 40 pounds (about 9 to 18 kg) of clothing and gear.

Another item that is considered important is a high-quality pair of hiking boots. When covering long distances, wearing the right pair of boots can make the difference between enjoying a trip and being in pain. Survival equipment such as warm clothing, a first aid kit and an emergency supply of food and water also are essential for trekkers.

Getting Started

Many trekkers use staffs to help maintain balance over steep or rocky terrain.
Many trekkers use staffs to help maintain balance over steep or rocky terrain.

Trekking experts recommend that a beginning trekker should go with someone who has experience or in a professionally led group. This can help introduce them to the special skills that are required to complete an overland journey of significant length. Many outdoor stores and organizations offer classes and plan trips that can help give someone an idea of the gear and physical ability that are required for trekking.

Discussion Comments

anon989072

I love trekking and had an experience of this awesome activity in Nepal with my buddies before exploring the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. I must say you have shared an informative post for those who want to go enjoy this activity for the first time.

anon227543

If people are looking for professionally-led group treks then they should check out The Expedition Company. They also provide naviagtion and first aid training.

anon147954

Once i trekked along with 25 other cadets during one of the trekking expedition conducted by our NCC unit in Himachal, Pradesh. We were having a backpack of about 20 kgs. We trekked through rugged path and in between passed through many tiny villages.As we climbed up the scenery became mesmerising. Total length of the journey was 320 kmh, to be completed in 12 days.

After doing this rigorous trekking I found myself physically more fit and mentally more stronger.

anon76296

The word trekking takes on a different meaning here in Japan. People here borrow the English word when speaking of a hike in the mountains, but not a multiday hike. A Japanese friend of mine went 'trekking' amounting to a three-hour hike one way.

anon64902

I'm going to Munnar for a school excursion, and we're supposed to go trekking. I can assure you, I have never been to a place where I could go mountain biking, trekking, or anything of that sort. I seriously need help.

anon47726

Trekking in the Himalayas (Nepal) is the only place for the best trekking in the world.

Trekguide

Trekking is the multi-days joyful walking trip enjoying the scenery of rural regions, rugged hils and valleys, from one place to the next place. Trekking is not the climbing and mountaineering that need climbing equipment. There are two different treks- one is teahouse(or lodge) trekking and the other is tented camping trekking. Teahouses (lodges) are the hotels/lodges run by the local rural people. the local lodge/hotels provide good food with restaurant-style menus, good hot and cold showers. Tented camping is organized all on a tented camping basis.

anon8568

Hello,

Im writing an article on trekking for my college magazine. Me being a great lover of trekking would like to spread this passion to many more. This is possible only by your help. I seem to have got some information here..Can you enlighten me with some more information like the materials required for trekking, A beginners place for trekking and the materials required...

elsewhen

A friend and I went on a long trek through the Himalayas in Nepal. Apart from the stunning scenery and expansive views, there is a very unique aspect of Nepali trekking. Tiny villages dot the mountains, and you come across one every few hours of hiking.

Villagers rent out spartan rooms, and offer to make food for very reasonable prices. Since we didn't have to carry food, cooking supplies, or a tent, our packs were very light. I have hiked all over the world, and that lengthy trek in Nepal was extremely memorable.

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    • K2, the second tallest mountain in the world, offers treks with dramatic views.
      By: SeHi
      K2, the second tallest mountain in the world, offers treks with dramatic views.
    • Trekkers often choose trails that take them through scenic vistas.
      By: Dudarev Mikhail
      Trekkers often choose trails that take them through scenic vistas.
    • Trekking will require a nice pair of sturdy hiking boots.
      By: Robert Neumann
      Trekking will require a nice pair of sturdy hiking boots.
    • Many trekkers use staffs to help maintain balance over steep or rocky terrain.
      By: ARochau
      Many trekkers use staffs to help maintain balance over steep or rocky terrain.
    • Trekking often requires more endurance and a greater change in conditions than hiking.
      By: rupbilder
      Trekking often requires more endurance and a greater change in conditions than hiking.
    • Camping might be include in a nature trek.
      By: micromonkey
      Camping might be include in a nature trek.
    • Treks often take place over varied terrain, as opposed to established hiking trails.
      By: Dudarev Mikhail
      Treks often take place over varied terrain, as opposed to established hiking trails.
    • It is important to stay hydrated during a trek.
      By: emde71
      It is important to stay hydrated during a trek.