Physical Conditioning Before starting for a long trek in the mountains, one should ensure that he is physically fit to endure the long walk. One should take long, brisk walks for atleast 10 to 15 days and exercise regularly to tone up the body muscles in order to prevent injuries early on in the journey. Initially it takes about 2-3 days for the body to get adjusted to the new physical strains and routines, and by the second or third day, the walking generally becomes easier and one starts enjoying the trekking a lot more.

The Art of Trekking. (Download Realplayer)

Trails abound in the Kalatop Sanctuary Credit: Debangsu Sengupta

Walking is also a technique in the mountains. In the beginning, one should walk slowly and rhythmically and gradually, as the body warm up, one should start gaining speed. One should not move or climb too quickly since this may put unnecessary strain on the lungs and body muscles. For long treks, experts recommend that one would walk at a gradual pace and take long halts while covering the distance.

Inexperienced trekkers tend to move fast while descending a slope but this can be dangerous and one may easily get injured in the process. Controlled and gradual descents are thus needed to stay injury-free over long Himalayan treks.