10 Mistakes Beginner Hikers Usually Do

It is okay to make mistakes. Everyone does, the main thing is we have to learn from our mistakes and try not to repeat them. A similar thing applies while trekking too. A beginner trekker might feel excited and nervous at the same time, actually, we all feel that way. Being a first-time trekker is not a bad thing, but there are certain things that you must know before heading up for the adventure. Here are the top 10 mistakes beginner hikers usually do that you must try to avoid:

1. Choosing a challenging trek for the first time

Being a first-time hiker, you must not choose extreme adventures at first that and must plan your trek that suits your fitness, interest, and budget. There are many cases that people end up wasting their money, health, and time choosing the wrong trek. As you gain experience, you can certainly know your limits and enjoy more profoundly. Extreme adventure at first might be a wrong decision.

2. Not knowing their own fitness level

You must do your fitness level and medical checkup by an experienced medical practitioner before joining any of the trekking trips. During the trip, it is not good to fall sick, suffer from stomach pain, headache, cold and cough, etc. Therefore, you must let your trek organizer know if you have any medical attention required. Also while on the trail, you must notify your trekking leader if you are feeling unwell or if you are feeling uncomfortable.

3. Not researching properly

People skip research, but it is very important to do proper research about the trip, destination, and everything related to it in advance. And if you are a first-time hiker, then the proper research becomes even more important to you. Only after you have known the best season, weather condition, availability of accommodation, meals, and other costs, you are ready to hop in for the trek.

4. Not scheduling the trip

You are advised to go with the flow, follow your instincts but you must also schedule your trip properly. You must know the total days of the trip, how many hours you need to walk per day, on which day, you will reach where and always inform your family, the friend where you are going. Send a copy of your itinerary. It will be life-saving if you get into any unforeseen contingencies.

5. Running out of money

It can happen. And it is not a good situation to be in. Therefore, you must consider your daily expenses on food, accommodation, transportation. And even if you are on a packaged trip, you must know what is included and excluded on price. It is always advised to carry a little extra than what you have actually planned. And always remember the cards won’t work at remote trails, so carry adequate cash and keep it safe.

6. Packing limitlessly

Packing haphazardly is one of the major travel hazards. You must know the difference between the things that you actually use and those things you think you will use. After knowing the difference, you must always pack those things that you know you will use. Keep the luggage light as far as possible; know what you are packing on your duffel bag, on your backpack.

7. Not knowing the essentials

You should pack light but in a smart way. You should not miss the essential items needed for your trek. From wearables to eatables, usable to use, and throwables, here is our complete list of essential trekking gear and equipment.

8. Missing out to capture best moments

Your trip should be a worthwhile experience and there should be plenty of photographs to cherish those moments. Therefore, you must carry a fully charged battery, extra battery for the camera, your phone, power bank, memory cards, and tripod if you are deep into photography. Don’t miss out on the best moments while trekking at the foothills of the Himalayas.

9. Getting the permits

You must know that trekking permits are required before joining trekking adventures in Nepal. Therefore if you are a beginner, you must know where to get the trekking permits, who arrange these documents, and how much does it cost. Get everything ready from permits to insurance and enjoy your trip without any obstacles.

10. Knowing own limitations

If you are not familiar with continuous walking up and down the hills, then try to walk short distances daily. Keep walking in your daily routine. Prepare yourself physically and mentally for your trek. Know how much you can take to make the best out of it.

Therefore, now after you have known the 10 mistakes beginner hikers usually do, it is time to learn from these mistakes and create a worthwhile trek, memory for a lifetime.