Trekking in the Himalayas is fun as well as a tough job, so below are 10 mistakes to avoid while trekking. I have been on long treks and fairly short treks, and I have also been a runner on a few treks to make sure that I get to the office on time. I have created this list of things that we should avoid while going on a trek based on my personal experiences and what I had to face because of those mistakes.
Mistakes to Avoid While Trekking in Nepal : From My Personal Experience
I have been very lucky because I have personally visited many stunning trekking areas of Nepal. On the other hand, I also regret slightly that if I had not made the mistakes that I am going to share, my trekking experience would have been on the next level. I am eager to share my insights on the mistakes that everyone should avoid while trekking in Nepal.
1. Not Planning Itinerary Carefully
Making the most of your trekking experience while keeping safe is ensured by careful route preparation. It enables you to provide enough time for every part of your trip. A well-planned itinerary is also helpful in estimating the duration, degree of difficulty, and resources required for your trek.
Also, do not plan your itineraries with the trust that the flights, buses, jeeps, or any means of transportation will be on time as they have committed. There will always be some kind of issue with transportation. It’s always a good idea to plan your trip with one or two extra days in mind.
2. Last-hour Booking or Not Pre-booking for Accommodation and Transportation
One of the common mistakes trekkers make is not pre-booking their accommodation and transportation or leaving it until the last hour. Always pre-book your stay, flights, or buses as early as possible to ensure availability and lower costs. Last- hour bookings are usually expensive, and there are chances that you might not get them.
You can focus on having fun on your adventure without any additional worry if you pre-book your lodging and transportation. To have a smooth and comfortable trekking journey among Nepal’s breathtaking natural treasures, avoid this common hiking error.
3. Overpacking/Under packing
Packing too much or too little is one of the common trekking errors to avoid in Nepal. It is crucial to steer clear of this mistake that negatively affects your experience. A comfortable and effective hike requires finding the ideal balance between your equipment and gears.
Don’t overpack, as you might feel that you have to have everything by creating all possible scenarios in your head. Packing as little as possible is the best way to enjoy the trek. While you start walking, even a small piece of cloth will start feeling heavy, so try to decrease things as much as possible.
4. Packing the Same Items in Each Trekking Partner’s Bag
One of the common trekking failures in Nepal that often goes unnoticed is packing the same items in each trekking partner’s bag. It may seem convenient to pack the same items in everyone’s backpack, but this might lead to issues while you’re trekking. You become slower and more exhausted as a result of the additional weight. On top of that, if you carry the same things, you might not have room for other essential goods.
Instead, common items with your trekking partners. You can share those items if necessary. For example, medicines, body spray, etc. can be packed by only one person.
5. Hiking After Sunset
Another trekking blunder to avoid in Nepal is hiking after the sunset. Don’t walk after 5 pm as much as possible. Trekking areas are new places for travelers and nighttime is not the safest place to travel. If you get lost after this time then getting help is very difficult and you can’t navigate by yourself too due to the dark.
By avoiding this common trekking mistakes in Nepal, you can have a safer and more enjoyable trek. You won’t have to worry about getting lost or wounded in the nighttime while enjoying the Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes throughout the day.
6. Not Carrying Water/Not Drinking Enough Water
Out of all the common trekking mistakes to avoid in Nepal, not carrying enough water or neglecting to drink an adequate amount is a must to avoid. Proper hydration is crucial for you to stay energetic, avoid dehydration, and guarantee a secure and enjoyable trekking experience.
Thus, always carry enough water for the road and refill water wherever possible so that you don’t dehydrate yourself. There won’t be good water sources for a long time during the journey in many places. You should carry a water purifier so that you don’t get any disease.
7. Not Carrying Cash Depending on Digital Payment
Common hiking mistakes to avoid in Nepal include underestimating the value of cash. Although digital payment methods appear to be handy, they significantly rely on reliable internet connections and functioning electronic devices which might be unavailable in different places of Nepal. Even in the most distant regions, you may still buy necessities if you have cash in your pocket. Otherwise, there could be a problem.
Carry cash in multiple places and not just in one wallet or backpack. You will still have some cash left even if you lose something on the way.
8. Walking too fast or too slow compared to trekking partners
Mistakes in trekking in Nepal often occur when you set an overly fast pace, leaving others far behind or far ahead. This can lead to exhaustion, and even trekking mishaps to avoid in Nepal such as injuries or altitude sickness.
Similarly, walking too slowly compared to your trekking partners can cause delays and trekking failures in Nepal. It can impact the overall trekking itinerary, making it challenging to reach designated destinations before nightfall.
Always make sure that your fellow travelers are in your eyesight and can listen to you even if you are a bit ahead or behind. You might need constant communication in case of emergencies or you might get lost too.
9. Not taking care of trekking safety and Rescue
Bringing the proper safety equipment with you is essential for avoiding hiking mistakes in Nepal. Make sure you have a first aid kit, a multi-tool, a good map, a compass, a whistle, and additional batteries. In an emergency, these goods might save lives.
Making the mistake of not telling someone about your intended route and estimated return time is a common trekking blunder in Nepal. Give a family member or trusted friend the specifics of your trek. This guarantees that assistance may be requested if you encounter any problems.
Similarly, don’t forget to wear bright clothing, bags, or bag covers so that you can be identified from far away in case of need. Being visible is important when you are in need of help or rescue.
10. Not Being Well-Prepared for Nepal’s Frequent Changing Weathers
To ensure that your trekking journey is both safe and enjoyable, avoiding trekking blunders in Nepal means being ready for any changes in the unpredictable weather of Nepal.
Prepare for three different kinds of weather: rainy, sunny, and super cold weather. The weather changes frequently in most of the Himalayan region. You can’t even walk after 2-3 pm in some places due to wind and fog.
Good packing skills are very important as the weather changes frequently in the Himalayan region. Get the weather update for the area you are visiting before you pack. Packing for a trek is a very exciting yet troublesome task for many people. It’s a very interesting task too if you plan well. You will be so satisfied when you find everything of need when you are exhausted in the mountains because of long walks.
It’s always better to start packing as early as possible so that you can buy things that are required. There are a lot of other lists too. Please add a few important lists from your experience too. Will be useful for my next travel. Cheers!