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The First-Time Hiker's Intro to High Altitude Mountain Treks
High altitude mountain treks are like nothing you will have experienced before as a beginner. The elevation, climate changes, and challenging terrain are all massive risks, and you need to take every one of them seriously, or you will end up hurt or worse. So what do you need to focus on before anything else? From hydration to packing properly, here are some recommendations.
Ascend the Mountain Slowly to Acclimatize
Eagerness to explore and see the world from a different vista is always a good thing, but it can get in the way of your health when ascending a mountain. Acute Mountain Sickness happens when you don’t give yourself enough time to get used to the change in oxygen past 2,500 meters. A good trick is to stick to something like an Inca Trail itinerary like your life depends on it, because it might, and aim for sleeping at between 300 and 500 meters more each night.
Take and Drink Enough Water
Hydration is an undervalued part of hiking in general and is much more important when trekking through the mountains. The air is much drier the further you go up, and this causes you to become thirsty. On top of that, the hard work of walking across difficult terrain will cause you to perspire more. So, you need enough water to last the trip, which is around 3 to 4 liters per day for an adult. And do we even need to mention leaving your alcohol and cigarettes at home?
High Altitude Mountain Treks Require Layers
A beginner's mistake in mountain trekking is underestimating temperature changes. If your next family adventure includes a mountainous trek, you need to take the sun, wind, and climate seriously. Rather than focusing on looking good for perfect Instagram shots, stick to a layering system that can save your life. A three-layer system is recommended, which should include a moisture-wicking thermal base layer, an insulating fleece, and a strong Gore-Tex outer layer.
Pack Light but Bring the Right Things
Packing poorly is a common mistake many newcomers to mountainous hiking make. Since your life depends on getting everything right, you need only the things that will help you out there. The bare necessities to pack include enough food and water. However, you will need hiking essentials such as a map, compass, and first aid kit. On top of that, the sun is very strong at higher altitudes, so don't forget to pack a high SPF sunscreen, and of course, a sleeping mat.
Adjust How You Step and Pole
It can be surprising just how challenging mountainous terrain is to navigate when walking. If you are new to mountain hiking, you might need to adjust your step to get over steep inclines. A good method is to lock your knee on each step, rest your weight on that leg, and pause before taking another step. You can also use hiking poles when walking through high altitude mountains as these can help reduce the weighted load on your knees by up to 25%.
Summary
Taking your time to ascend slowly and get used to the changing oxygen is one of the best pieces of advice for newcomers to high altitude mountain treks. You will also need three layers to sustain the temperature, and it helps to use hiking poles and adjust how you take each step.
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