Beginners often make mistakes, whether they are painters, musicians, or trekkers. These mistakes shape our experiences and help us grow. However, instead of simply accepting them, we can aim to avoid these errors from the start. Learning about common mistakes can reduce the likelihood of making them. This approach also applies to trekkers, especially beginners.
We observed that beginner trekkers often make the same mistakes. It’s understandable since it’s their first time, and they might not know what to do. In their excitement, many are willing to take risks. Overconfidence isn’t always harmful, but some mistakes can be costly. So, here are the 10 mistakes to avoid as a beginner trekker to help you minimize the risks.
10 Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner Trekker
Poor Planning and Preparation
Poor planning and preparation are the biggest mistakes beginners make. Many new trekkers underestimate the trek’s difficulty. They don’t research the trail or check the weather, leading to unexpected challenges. They also often pack too much or too little. Without the right gear, comfort and safety are at risk.
Beginners might skip training, thinking they’ll be fine. But trekking demands good fitness and stamina. Planning meals and water is crucial, too. Many don’t carry enough water, leading to dehydration and fatigue. Proper planning and preparation are critical to a safe and enjoyable trek. Avoid these mistakes to make the most of your adventure!
Inadequate Gear and Clothing
Inadequate gear and clothing are one of the significant mistakes that beginners make. They often don’t realize how crucial the right gear is. Wearing the wrong clothes can lead to discomfort or even danger. Imagine trekking in cold weather without proper layers; it’s miserable and risky. Similarly, the wrong shoes can cause painful blisters or injuries.
In addition, equipment like a compass, trekking poles, and maps are equally crucial, as are personal hygiene and first aid kits. Many think they can trek with what they have, but good gear makes a huge difference. Proper preparation makes the trek safer and much more enjoyable.
Overpacking or Underpacking
It is understandable why overpacking or underpacking is a common mistake among trekkers. To pack or not to pack is always the question. So, beginners often think they must bring everything “just in case.” In contrast, they underpack, thinking they can manage. Both underpacking and overpacking can cause problems while you are trekking.
Carrying extra weight can slow you down and be physically taxing. On the other hand, underpacking can leave out the essential items necessary for the trek. While you can’t be 100% accurate in packing, you can at least double-check and research well enough to pack the right items.
Neglecting Physical Fitness
Trekking is now just walking. Well, technically, it is. It is walking but on terrain that consists of steep ascents and descents, ridges, and uneven trails. It is walking with a backpack for six to seven hours daily. So, the simple “walking” can also be exhausting, if you are not physically fit.
Many beginner trekkers skip physical training and think of trekking as a walk in the park. They assume they can push through, but the body disagrees. So, training beforehand is crucial. It boosts your stamina and strength, making the trek more fun and less of a struggle.
Poor Nutrition and Hydration
The more energy you expend, the more fuel you need. It is a simple science. So, while you are trekking, your energy loss is extremely high, requiring more food to cover the energy lost. Hydration is also equally essential in maintaining body temperature.
Beginner trekkers often make the mistake of not bringing the right foods or bringing insufficient food. They also don’t drink enough water, causing dehydration, which can eventually cause altitude sickness if you are trekking in high-altitude treks like the Everest Region.
The solution is to bring electrolytes, protein, and energy bars. While trekking, focus on eating carbohydrate-rich foods.
Ignoring Safety Measures
Excitement often overshadows caution. Beginner trekkers overlook checking weather conditions, carrying essential safety gear, and carrying basic first aid kits. Beginners also tend to wander off from the trails, which increases the risk of being lost.
In addition, beginners often ignore early symptoms like dizziness, headache, and nausea, which can lead to serious altitude sickness-related health issues. Knowledge is the only solution to ignorance, so research what is important while trekking.
Environmental and Cultural Disrespect
When you’re new to trekking, it’s easy to overlook your impact on the environment and the culture of the people. For example, littering or disturbing wildlife may seem minor, but it harms nature. You should leave your footprints, not your waste. Since you will be trekking in the protected areas, there might be legal problems if you harm the environment.
Trekking often takes you through local communities with unique traditions, and the chances of disrespecting the culture are high as you will be an outsider. For example, say you are at Muktinath in the Annapurna Region and entered the temple wearing the shoes, which is insensitive and offends the pilgrims.
Mismanaging Time
While trekking, you will be on a tight schedule. Since you must reach your next destination before dark, you must effectively manage your starting time, lunch breaks, and rest duration. In such a case, the chances of mismanaging time are high.
You never know what is awaiting ahead on the trail. Maybe a storm can slow you down, or maybe rain. You have to be prepared for everything. So, it is always better to start your trek early. By doing so, you can also separate enough time for rest and lunch
Overestimating Your Skills
Confidence is good; overconfidence is not. Overestimating one’s skills can lead to a lack of awareness, and the adrenaline rush can often cloud our judgment. Beginner trekkers often think they can handle rugged trails without assessing their stamina and endurance.
Trekking requires both physical and mental resilience. Underestimating the difficulty of a trail can lead to physical fatigue, body aches, and even fevers. By overestimating your own skills, you might skip training. The result? You might start strong but quickly tire out.
You can assess your stamina at the gym. You can also go on short hikes to test your skills.
Lack of Emergency Preparedness
Things can go wrong quickly in the wild. It can be a change in weather or the symptoms of altitude sickness—anything. If you are prepared for the trek, you can easily deal with such unforeseen challenges. But, if you are not, you will be more vulnerable to unexpected situations.
Even though you cannot fully be prepared, you can at least do everything that is in your hands. You can prepare your body, pack the right gear, carry a map, and more. Proper preparation ensures you can handle emergencies and confidently enjoy your trek.
Conclusion
The mistakes mentioned above are the most common mistakes beginner trekkers can make. Neglecting these mistakes can be life-threatening at times. Whatever the mistake is, be it ignoring nutrition and hydration or not packing the right gear, it has its own repercussions. So, remember that with each mistake comes the opportunity to learn. That doesn’t mean that you should commit them knowingly. You should at least be prepared to face them.
