04 August,2011 07:26 AM IST | | Dhara Vora
Home to some of the highest peaks in the world, the Himalayas are the perfect place for a trip if you seek natural beauty and adventure. But it's important to plan upfront and avoid any mountainous disasters. Read on for a few pointers.
Exercise: The most important part of a trek is walking. You have to be prepared for scaling, walking down slopes treading through rapids, all with a backpack on. So plan an exercise routine, with a wide range of exercises to take care of different areas at least six months before the trek. Don't expect to turn into Sir Edmund Hillary overnight and prepare your body for all the physical activity.
Backpack: Wear your backpack and try covering local hills as your back needs to be accustomed to the weight during both the ascent and descent.
High altitude ready: Try visiting some high altitude placesu00a0 closer home and see how your body reacts to low oxygen levels. Many first timers spring up sudden problems and so it is better to do a test run.
Visit your doctor: Discuss your medical history with your doctor and let him decide if you are fit for the trek or not.
Read up: Go through blogs or books by people who have already visited the places that you plan to visit. You can get excellent tips such as directions to a hidden cottage that serves the best local food or how to cope with an allergy.
Get on your boots: New boots can leave painful blisters. Sou00a0 wear in your boots during long distances before your Himalayan trek.
