How To Trek On The Mountain
Amazing mountain peaks, lively alpine vegetation, endlessly distributed meadows, and adrenaline-filled adventure. The experience of being at high altitudes is an incredible adventure. However, great things do not occur overnight. A lot more than money and determination is needed in the pursuit of these treasures. It is important to unlearn the lessons one has learned at home in order to enjoy a relaxing trip into the Himalayas.
There are many discussions on the best ways to avoid AMS. We rarely learn about proper walking through the mountains for acclimatization. The speed at which you climb can have a significant impact in your overall health. A proper pace of walking or climbing can enhance the process of the process of acclimatization. So, knowing the proper techniques of walking is essential to become a competent hiker. Here are a few
1. Take it slow
It is possible that you are an ultra-runner but you should take it slow as you ascend the Himalayas. Begin with each step slowly and don’t run along the trail. This can cause high levels of breathing that will cause fatigue due to a low respiratory rate during the mountain. The ability to be synchronized with breathing rate is important. The most effective way to achieve this is to make a step forward every time you breathe and another step in exhalation. If you are on an incline that is steep, take one step upwards and breathe three times, then repeat the step. Make sure that your walking is as slow as your breathing. Practice this at sea level until your breathing speed becomes your standard walking speed. Your rate of inspiration should be the motivation for you to continue.
Tip: Take a step ahead when you inhale, and another one when your exhale.
2. Never walk with your legs straight
Standing straight is a bad thing at high altitudes. A healthy spinal alignment plays a crucial function in reducing strain on the body. In the beginning it is vital to load your backpacks correctly. After the load to the rear is set properly, be sure to walk in a straight line. Attach the straps to the backpack and allow the load to be close to your person’s body. Look down and turn your hips to ensure that the maximum weight is placed to the back and shoulders. This lowers weight on the lower back and decreases risk of falling. This can be taught through watching local guides or porters who are carrying 30-40kg. You will be able to see how quickly and efficiently they get up by bending their backs. Be sure to walk upright on a level surface if you are really uncomfortable or wish to relax. Avoid pulling the loose strings hanging from the load.
Tip: Look to the side and bend at the hip. Secure loose straps, and keep your backpack close to your body.
3. Less sweat, more gain
Another reason you should keep walking slowly and steady is to keep from sweating. The process of sweating is to cool the body after exercising. In contrast it is essential to keep your body warm when at higher elevations. In addition, with layers of clothing, sweat will not dry out immediately and the moisture could eventually cause the loss of heat. Thus, less sweat, more gain. Don’t speed up or over exert yourself. Make sure to keep a consistent speed of hiking.
There are many times when you have observed the fact that wearing a jacket with carrying a backpack around causes intense sweating on the shoulder and back (area under straps). If the wind blows, you suddenly find yourself feeling cold in these places. Naturally, you can’t take off your jacket in the event of the cold outside temperatures. An effective way to get around this is to wear the jacket from the sideways so that the zipper or opening runs to the rear. Now you can leave the jacket open and leaving it free over the back. Carry a backpack, but not cover your back by wearing the jacket. The backpack will immediately lie over the shirt and not over the jacket. This prevents cold from the front, and also prevent sweat to the lower back.
Tip: Maintain uniform pace. Put on jackets from the front so that the zipper or opening is behind the back.
4. Be sure to climb down with a sense of spruce
We’ve seen hikers running downhill trails, or jumping off small rocks and then falling down due to an imbalance. While climbing upwards is a good idea and safe, then so is the climb downwards. Always lower down the slope in a zigzag pattern using very tiny step. This will help the body maintain its equilibrium. It also helps in you land smoothly onto the earth. By using this method, you may also accelerate a bit and then come down quickly. Beware of jumping off boulders and rocks. This can put pressure on your knees and foot sole. Remember that the fact that going down will place stress onto your knees. Also, bend your knees when climbing down slopes. This will create suspension and stop the knees from being pushed by force. Learn the technique to protect your knees.
Tip: Go down the slope on a circular path using small steps while maintaining knees bent. Avoid jumping off boulders.
5. Use the trekking pole to boost your performance
Alongside the above techniques and tricks, the trekking poles can also help ease walking. Instead of making it an object of attention, when it is utilized effectively it can help ease the pressure on your body greatly. Use the handle of the pole by putting your hands upwards while encircling your fingers from the downwards. Use all of your body weight onto the pole and press your palm against the handle’s grip. Secure the pointed end of the pole to solid surfaces that is on the ground. Pole is extremely beneficial when climbing down. If properly used it will lessen the total load placed on your knees.
Be careful when placing the pole on rocks or a slippery trails. Be sure to place the trekking pole in the palm towards the slope , and the opposite to the side that is exposed of the hill. The chances of sliding the pole down the slope are lower in the event that the pole falls out of your hands. Another reason is the narrow path along valleys or ridges. If you accidentally put the trekking pole out of the path, or lower down your slope may slide down due to an imbalance.
Tip: Place all your body weight onto the pole by pressing it with your palm. Don’t hold the trekking pole in your hand to the valley or the exposed at the end of the path.
6. Another boost is Backpack
The proper way to position a backpack on your shoulders and back is to equally distribute the burden and allow you to stroll comfortably. Yes, it is beneficial to place the bag closer to your body by fixing the straps. A majority of backpackers secure with a tight strap of the hips and shoulders. After a time the straps tighten and begin to cause pain. Naturally, the hikers take off the backpack often. Adjust and walk again. This can break the walking frequency. One way to prevent the problem is tightening your shoulder straps first, while keeping the hip straps loose. After a while let the straps loosen then tighten the hip straps. If the tight straps cause discomfort, take them off and tighten the other straps. The same applies to the stress on the hips and shoulder in turn without ever removing the backpack.
Tip: tighten shoulders straps at first. Keep the hip straps loose. After a few minutes then let the shoulders straps loosen then secure the hip straps.
There is no doubt that the mountains of the upper regions form the basis of a new planet. It is important to remember that the planet is governed by its own set of rules. It is essential to follow these rules to live in this world. The process of learning these skills is an exhausting task. The only solution is to practice practice and practice. Be sure to follow these guidelines of the mountains and it will be a constant source of love for you.
“Are you familiar with the slow but steady tortoise that won the race? It’s slow yet steady on the mountains…will certainly be the winner”
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