Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before my first Himalayan Hike

Recently, I successfully scaled the Hampta Pass, a magnificent hike through the Himalayas that offers breathtaking landscapes and a memorable adventure. Many friends asked how I could achieve that at the age of 56, with a stented heart. Like any challenging endeavour, hiking the Himalayan ranges has its own lessons. I prepared myself mentally and physically thoroughly. Many friends are eager to know how I even prepared myself for that. The preparatory part itself needs another blog. I will come with that blog soon. However, here are ten things I wish I had known before embarking on that incredible trek, sharing with you all with the hope that they will prepare and motivate future physical fitness and health enthusiasts.

1. Know Your Physical Limitations:  Having grown up in Chitradurga, where climbing the hills and the majestic seven-layered fort was part of my routine, I didn’t anticipate any difficulty trekking. However, the Hampta Pass trek taught me that descending can be far more challenging than ascending, especially at higher altitudes. At 56, my joints didn’t cooperate as they did in my youth. The steep and rapid descent took a toll on my knees, and I realized that preparation is not just about physical fitness but also about understanding and respecting your body’s current limitations. Most of the treks involve rapid descent. One should practice and be prepared for that to prevent injuries.
2. Study the terrain well beforehand: I saw some YouTube videos about the geography of the Hampta Pass. However, I should have done an in-depth analysis of the terrain of this cross-over trek, which starts in one place and ends in the other. Trekking involves hiking the Himalayan mountains, crossing the river with ice-cold glacier water, among boulders, river-side sand and many more. I didn’t anticipate that. I would have prepared well if I had known that better earlier. I wanted a surprise element and adventure. However, you need adventure in the mountains, not surprises that could limit your hiking. 
3. Living in the tent: One of the most exhilarating parts of the Hampta Pass trek is living in tents amidst nature. However, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations. Though the tents provided by the trek organizers were meant for three people, shared by two, it is still a small space. That small space becomes your living room, bedroom, bathroom, where you bathe yourself with wet wipes, and dressing room to change clothes. When changing clothes, changing your underpants and pants was more challenging! We had to do that in a sleeping position, and stretching our bodies was equal to hiking the snowy peak for me! Tents provide basic shelter but lack the comfort of a home. The ground can be hard and uneven. A good quality sleeping bag with a woollen lining provides comfortable sleep. However, embracing the rustic experience is essential, as it allows you to connect with nature on a deeper level. Anyway, I wish I had practised living in the tent beforehand. 

4. Glacial Water May Be Clean; However, the Cold Temperature Can Reduce Your Immunity: The only water source for drinking on the trek path are numerous rivulets and waterfalls originating in the Himalayan glaciers. These streams and rivers on the Hampta Pass trek are crystal clear and tempting. However, the water is icy, and frequent exposure can lower your body temperature and weaken your immune system. It’s advisable to carry a thermos flask and fill it with warm water whenever possible. Also, water purification tablets can ensure you drink safe water without compromising your health. Hot water was provided by the organizers during the night, but that quickly became cold in the near-zero temperatures. Carrying low-weight thermos flasks instead of mere water bottles and wrapping them in woollen socks can prevent quick cooling. This was new learning for me.  

5. The Weight We Carry Increases in Direct Proportion to the Altitude We Climb:  As we ascend, the air becomes thinner, making it harder to breathe and carry weight. This phenomenon means that the backpack that felt manageable at the base can become a burden at higher altitudes. It’s essential to be mindful of the weight we carry. Ensure your backpack is as light as possible while still holding the essentials. I wish I had practised packing and repacking to find the most efficient weight distribution.

6. Carry as Little Weight as Possible: Minimizing your weight is crucial. After a few hours of trekking, a gram becomes a kilogram, and a kilogram becomes a ton. Even after careful review, I had carried too many things to that extent; a senior friend commented it was Sherpa-level packing! Stick to the basics: clothing, snacks for energy, water, and emergency supplies. Avoid packing items that are not absolutely necessary. Remember, the lighter your rucksack and backpack, the more enjoyable your trek will be. Prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to your gear.

7. Carry Minimum Photography Gadgets: Capturing the beauty of the Himalayan range was tempting. Every view is picturesque, and I wanted to capture each of them. Hence, I carried nearly 36 items related to photography, which was almost 9 kilograms. The maximum allowed by the trek organizers was a 12 kg rucksack, which we had offloaded to mules, and a maximum of 5-6 kilograms of backpack. But carrying too many photography gadgets can weigh you down. A good camera or a high-quality smartphone with sufficient battery backup should suffice. The intensity of the trek and the tiredness following it were such that I couldn’t use many photography gadgets besides my iPhone. More gadgets mean more weight and more things to worry about. We must focus on enjoying the scenery and creating memories rather than carrying the burden of extra equipment. I found that the best moments are often captured in our minds, not just through a lens.

8. Layering ourselves better to prevent Exposure to Cold Weather: The weather in the mountains is harsh and unpredictable. It changes in seconds. Even during summer, temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night. Layering is the key to staying warm. Invest in thermal wear, a good-quality down jacket, and a waterproof outer layer. Protecting our extremities with gloves, beanies, and warm socks is equally important. Keeping our body warm not only ensures comfort but also prevents illnesses related to cold exposure. Despite carrying adequate warm clothes, I downplayed the need for layering up adequately, and I paid the price for the same. I developed a bad upper and lower respiratory tract infection that nagged me for almost two weeks. 

9. Use Lip Balms, Cold Creams, and Sunscreens Abundantly: The high altitude and cold weather can be harsh on your skin. Chapped lips, dry skin, and sunburns are common issues trekkers face. Carry and generously use lip balms, cold creams, and sunscreens. Protecting your skin will ensure you stay comfortable throughout the trek. Choose products that provide long-lasting protection and reapply them frequently.

10. Don’t Carry Too Many Eatable Items:  It’s easy to overestimate the amount of food you’ll need on the trek. Besides, your spouse, mother, and kids pack loads of your favourite eatables. However, trek organizers usually provide ample and nutritious meals. Carrying too many snacks can add unnecessary weight to your backpack. A few energy bars or nuts for emergencies are sufficient. Trust the organizers to care for your dietary needs and focus on staying hydrated and well-nourished with the food provided.

Embarking on the Hampta Pass trek was a rewarding experience, offering stunning vistas and a sense of accomplishment. By understanding and preparing for these aspects, we can enhance our trekking experience, ensuring it is enjoyable and safe. Remember, the trek is not just about reaching the destination but also about embracing the journey and the lessons it brings. Prepare well, pack smart, know your limitations, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Himalayas. The memories you create will be cherished for a lifetime. Happy trekking!