Treking

[hugoboss]

I'm off to Nepal this weekend for a 4 weeks holiday. We've got 10 days treking up the Himalayas! We do plan to take it easy, ie do a 6 day trek in 10 days. But even so, i'm not really very fit, i mean i'm not really fat either, just sort of a bit podgy! Anyway, anyone got any tips, hints, etc for me to make my trek as pain free as possible? Anyone like to hazard how much weight I might lose too?!!

[Toureman]

All I can say is don't go, sorry but you do need to be fit for something like that!

I am 64 years old and quite fit and I climbed Snowden last year, only 5 miles and I was aching for 2 days afterwards, what are you going to be like after 6 continous days?

[PhilBy]

I have got to go with Toureman here! I would say I am quite fit but to attempt a 10 day trek in the Himalayas I would have to consider myself supremely fit ...........

If unfit, apart from the incredible strain you will put on your muscles your lungs will feel as though they are being turned inside out! If you are seriously not fit then do not to expect to 'trek' more than a few miles a day ..... or seriously listen to your Uncle Toureman's advice :-)

[Jennykins]

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

you must bring lots and lots of water.. And bring little candys and snack on them to keep your sugar( energy) up. Drink lots of water before you go also..

were a hat to keep the sun off your face and clothing that will keep you cool.. some people like to do trecks like that with a wet face cloth and they suck on them and keep washing there face... The trick hugoboss.. WATER WATER WATER... and snacks.. no snacks high in protein cause it can make you puke or slow you down.. keep it sugary... ( granola bars, bannas, sour key candies, energy bars) stuff like that.

GOOD LUCK !!!! --JEN-- YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

[Jennykins]

oh and I forgot ... rest when you need it.!!!!!!. and before you sit to rest, stretch out your legs, front and back .. and stretch out your hips and your back..... hold your stretches nice and long.. at least 15-30 seconds.. and each time make the stretch a little deeper.. if you dont know how to stretch then learn from a trainer before you go. And when its sleep time stretch the bottoms of your feet....

GOOD LUCK 1!!!!

[PhilBy]

I must confess I have never been to the Himalayas so I must bow to Jen's experience ..... but from what I have seen on the tv it looks one tough place, stricty reserved I would of thought for the fit & experienced ......... maybe it is not all that it is cracked up to be? Be interesting to hear to hear your experience hugoboss, hope you drop in on your return.

[jno]

try not to get caught up in the Maoist rebellion

[PhilBy]

This is the Himalayas I know: (Google)

The High And Mighty
The Himalaya is the world's mightiest mountain range. No other chain can boast of peaks of 8,000 metres (26,000 feet). In the Himalaya there are 14 such peaks and hundreds of summits over 7,000 metres (23,000 feet) high. The range of mountains stretches 2,700-kms (1,700 miles) across an area between Assam and Kashmir. In the east, Namche Barwa stands sentinel; the western extremity is guarded by the awesome Nanga Parbat.

[Jennykins]

Ok philby.. Now (with your information) maybe Hugoboss should just go and take pictures from the base hahah....

hugoboss, Have you talked to your Dr? That would be a great idea..

GOOD LUCK !!!! -JEN-

[PhilBy]

Hah! but when looks further.........(Google)

Nepal:
The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is today's most popualar Himlayan destination in the world. Offering something special for everyone. You can easily combine wildlife safari, river rafting, a small trek to a normal tour. The distance are not too long and the possibilites are many. It is also possible to combine a tour to Nepal with a visit to Lahasa, or an extended over land tour to Tibet. There is no seasonal constraint on travelling in and through Nepal. Even in December and January, when the winter is at its severest, there are compensating bright sun and brilliant views.

Wish I was going myself now :-)

[hugoboss]

I have no doubt in my mind that I can do it! We are going in a group of 10, ranging from age 8 to 55. With about 1 or 2 properly 'fit' people, one of whom is a very experienced treker. Thanks a lot for your advise Jen, very useful. I see it as a challenge, something to really be proud of!

I have talked to Dr who suggested taking a superfood with me, tablets that will provide everything my body needs. I have all the gear - spent hundreds on the right clothes etc!

thanks for tips re snacks.

[Jennykins]

awe !! hugoboss Im so excited for you!!

Have a great time... GOOD LUCK!!! -jen-

[Lollyhoney]

My brother, who is a climbing instructor took a group of teenage boys out there last year. He said it was amazing, and as they assended higher up they were provided with mules as the air was so thin, which made breathing less than easy!

I always wondered how the mules were supposed to breathe themselves though!

[smudge]

Whether you lose weight or not, have a great time Hugo.

[teag1rl]

sorry hugoboss, don't wanna scare you, but I think you're off your head going to Nepal at the moment, but then I'm a wimp, and I suppose I'm as likely to get run over here as get caught up in violence abroad!

http://www.fco.gov.uk

[gessoo]

Good Luck Hugoboss!!! xxx

[stevie_c2it]

Much of the treks you are likely to be challenged with, are well within the ability of an averagely fit person.

As already mentioned the political situation is still unstable, but then it has been for many years now, and during that time many visitors (myself included) have enjoyed the experience without sign of incident.

One critical issue not yet raised is, for God's sake, break your boots in before you go. I cannot stress this enough, as nothing is guaranteed to make you more miserable than 10 days of trekking with blistered, bleeding feet. Imagine the constant pain step after step.

Take a camera and lots of batteries and enjoy.

[jno]

oh lord yes, stevie's dead right, never go trekking with new boots.

[yellowduck]

Hey don't worry hugoboss. I'm fairly skinny but not at all fit or muscular (am a girl btw) but I coped on a trek that lasted longer than 6 days in a very humid condition. My advice is - make sure you've got a nice thick pair of walking socks on and good strong comfortable boots; if you're a girl loosen the shoulder straps of your rucksack (I assume you're carrying one with tent etc in) and really tighten the waist band so that the shoulder straps are literally not resting on your shoulders (so all the weight is on your hips, otherwise your shoulders will cane after 30mins or so!); drink lots of water and keep to the worn track; try and avoid walkng on sand and keep a regular pace. Also, this may just be me that finds this, but I always found it much easier to walk at the front of the pack. It's probably psychological but it certainly made me feel like I was having a spurt of energy. Also, another thing I found (which actually goes against advice I've heard from others) is, when you come across a really really steep slope you have to climb then take a few seconds break (just standing mind you) to brace yourself, then walk up it quickly without stopping and have a nice long break at the top. I found going at a gentle pace up a hill very hard going, and it's crucial you don't stop half way and then try and get going again because it's demotivating and also really kills your legs. Try and set yourself stages.

In terms of weight loss, I actually gained weight cos I was eating loads of stodgy carbs for the energy and, of course I gained muscle weight. But even if you don't lose weight, it'll certainly tone you up, so you'll probably lose the 'podge' fairly quickly. I hope this helps.

[yellowduck]

Oh and particularly at the end when you'll be shattered, don't keep looking ahead to see how far you've got left (particualrly if it's a fairly long stretch) just focus on each step. But that's only when you're finding it hard, otherwise enjoy what's around you! x