Trekking is one of the most fun and adventurous activities you can do in Nepal. It is one of the top reasons why tourists come here. In Nepal, due to its geographical location, you can find a lot of difficult terrains and venture through them.
Trekking can be adventurous and full of adrenaline. However, there are things you should not do while trekking in Nepali Himalayas. Since you will be in remote areas of Nepal, trekking should never be taken lightly; it does not take long for a trip to go wrong. Plus, taking caution means you will get an adventure you will remember for a lifetime.
So, here are some things that you should never ever do while trekking in Nepal:
1. Do not go trekking alone
You may be an adrenaline junkie or even an experienced trekker. Even if you feel confident and are familiar with the terrain, do not ever embark on a trek alone. Not only is this against the policy of the Nepal government, but it is also very risky and dangerous because you can easily get lost or even die from preventable causes like altitude sickness or even exhaustion. It is also advised to hire a trekking guide because that will make your trek a lot more enjoyable and easier. Safety comes first.
2. Do not walk on edge while trekking
Another safety tip is not to walk on the edges while trekking. Majority of deaths that occur during a hike or trek happen due to falling, so it is better to be safe than sorry. Always walk on the safer side. Do not joke around or pull stunts or take photos at the edges for a better landscape photo. Also, take your trek slow and avoid overtaking anything. If you see an animal, which is common in treks around Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo, let those animals pass first.
3. Do not overpack your backpacks
Trekking in the Nepali Himalayas will be much easier when you travel light. Overpacking your backpack is not advised while travelling. It is important to pack your bags according to your travelling days and destinations. Too many clothes, food items will cause your backpack to be heavy, and, as a result, you will feel tired very easily as you will have to walk uphill with the load.
When you overpack, you will need to hire additional porters/mules; this only costs you more. So, pack only as much as you can carry even for an extended amount of time.
4. Do not drink water from unknown sources
One, because you do not know the source of the stream; it may actually carry a lot of disease-carrying germs that cause gastroenteritis or even diarrhoea, cholera, etc. Two, your body might not agree with water from such (foreign) sources; so even if you see locals drinking from those sources, avoid it.
It is advised to carry bottled water with you and refill from trusted sources. If you do not have options, first filter or boil it before consumption. You can also carry portable microfilters or drinking straws to avoid the germs.
5. Do not consume carelessly
Many trekking routes do not have enough shops so you might be tempted to pack and consume packaged junk foods. But, be careful and do not consume such junk foods, like noodles and chips, during your trek. It may also cause indigestion, which is extremely common in higher altitudes, and likely to ruin your trip.
With every day of demanding a physical journey, you will need a proper amount of nutrition. Choose healthier options like whole wheat pancakes, oatmeal with nuts, and butter for breakfast. You can also carry low-fat energy bars and sports drinks for the trip. Keep a routine and a regular check on your consumption.
6. Do not forget your probiotics
Not all bacteria are harmful, those bacteria in your intestinal tract are extremely useful as they help you with digestion. But, as you go higher in altitude, the bacteria living in your digestive system will start to die due to lack of oxygen, causing several sicknesses and disorders which will totally ruin your trek.
Carry some probiotics in order to be able to digest food properly so they are able to provide you with energy that you require to keep going.
7. Do not cover your ears fully
If you are on a trek, covering your ears is not a good idea since it is considered to be a good indicator of the atmosphere. You need your ear to balance while walking too; it will be more crucial while walking on high altitudes and unfamiliar terrains. Cover your ears with your jacket cap; it will be enough to protect yourself from the wind.
Of course, if you are trekking in the mountains or in the winter season, you will feel the need to keep yourself warm. Use mufflers or caps to not expose them, but still make sure you are not covering them fully so that you cannot even hear anything.
8. Do not follow irregular patterns
When you are in a foreign environment, you might have problems maintaining your old habits. Your body takes time to acclimatise, so give it some time. It is extremely important you try to maintain a regular pattern of doing everything, even in unfavourable times.
This means drinking the proper amount of water, eating the proper amount of food, and getting a proper amount of rest is very important. Even while walking, try to keep yourself hydrated and take note of your fatigue, drink water, eat food, and take rest even if you are not feeling any discomfort to not overstrain yourself.
9. Do not forget to take medicines
When you decide to go trekking, you have to remember that things will not be like home. You will have a hard time finding pharmacies in higher altitudes. So, you will have to manage accordingly and need to carry your regular medicines, enough for all of your journey. It is recommended to carry a first-aid kit and your regular medicines if you are consuming any medicines for your allergies. Along with this, medicines for diarrhoea and constipation are also recommended as digestive problems are very common in higher altitudes while trekking.
10. Do not litter the environment
It is nature that helps us detox both physically and mentally. And, that would not be possible without a clean environment. So, ensure that we need to make sure that we do not litter the surrounding. Things disposed at that high do not get collected on time, they also do not decompose and pollute the environment.
As an alternative, you can carry some eco-friendly products instead of things like sunscreen, lip balm, toothpaste or even toiletries and plastics. They contain harmful chemicals that should be avoided at all costs in the Himalayas.
