Trekking: Expectations Vs. Reality

What screws us up the most in life is the picture in our head of what it’s supposed to be.

― Jeremy Binns

The above quote by Jeremy Bins sums up my entire write-up in just one line. But still, I used it as an opening note rather than a conclusion, just to create and maintain the much-needed intrusiveness in the mind of the readers till the end-note. Often we the trekkers (me being no exception) or the hikers create or had created a picture of how our trekking or hiking would be like, even much before taking our first step. And we plan out our expectations so perfectly in our minds, that we set our goals based on it. But rarely do our expectations move parallel to the steps of reality.

So for all the first time trekkers or hikers here is what you should not expect from your trekking or hiking episode because the actual picture is much different from what you have perceived watching all the glam and glorified trekking posters and quotes. And for those who have upgraded themselves from the genres of amateur hikers, this can be your rendezvous session with truths of trekking.

TREKKING BAGGAGE

When all the trekking guidebooks and online research results quote, that, pack all your essentials properly, they never meant that you should pack your entire household. While packing the trekking baggage maintain a minimalist approach. You will not be provided with any helping hand, it’s you and only you who has to carry your burden on your shoulders while exploring the novel experiences of trekking.

SHARING IS NOT CARING ALWAYS

Be self-sufficient with respect to all the trekking needs while you are on your journey. Since all the individuals prefer moving with minimal baggage, no one carries an extra sleeping bag or medical aid or certain clothes for that matter. So all those golden words like sharing is caring, a friend in need is a friend indeed and more of such, do not hold true on this trekking or hiking expedition. Please don’t expect that if you miss carrying your essentials someone else will sacrifice theirs for yours. Don’t miss anything with ‘someone else will have it’ notion.

FOOD IS FUEL

Irrespective of the fact that you are trekking out there solely or with a group, you should be carrying sufficient food to last for a long period. The food being carried by you should be compact and rich in protein and mineral salts, like energy bars, nuts, supplement tablets etc. Although your online research and guidebooks studies might have told you about all the eating joints and stalls on your trekking path, you should never really rely on them. Your trekking expedition or the hiking experience should not take a backseat just because you are starving.

IT’S A TREKKING TRAIL AND NO RAMP

Don’t go shopping for buying all the matching clothes and accessories when out for trekking or hiking. Never try out new shoes or clothes or other equipment on your trekking journey. Your essentials should be what you have had used during your practice or training session. You will earn no plus points with all the matching attire in your photoshoot. Your comfort should be your priority and not your fashion.

WEATHER CONTINGENCY

Often the first time trekkers and hikers expect favourable weather conditions with a landscape beauty surrounding them on their journey. But the truth if different. Prepare yourself for the worst, to handle it in the best possible manner. Your destination might be an abode of ecstasy but not the entire path which leads to it. Nights in open are chilly. So be prepared.

BE INTUITIVE AND OPEROSE

Even if you are on guided trekking or hiking expedition, you yourself need to be intuitive and operose because your guide is not your omni God. Often the commitments made by the service providers vary depending on certain conditions and the guide to trekkers ratio is also not as expected or as committed. So it’s very necessary that you are smart enough to take your own calls to safeguard your trekking mission.

NO GAME BREAKS

Although it is expected that whenever after hours of trekking a break will be taken, individuals will indulge in frisbee break or a round of songs and music; the reality is completely the opposite. The moment the trekker takes a break, lying parallel to mother earth is the only and the most desired activity only seen till date. Few talks and exchange of words can take place, but no long tea breaks.

Trekking and hiking are an arduous activities which call for proper alignment of all the five senses of the human body along with a strong-headed command of his/her brain. This no-frills action sequence if expedited with minimal or zero expectations has been seen to deliver more positive long-lasting memories for a lifetime. My words are true enough to deter you from your trekking plans (if you are not an iron-jawed person), but believe me, my intention was never to do so. Instead, through my veracious convoy of words, I aim to fill up your trekking baggage with the 3Cs Confidence, Credence and Charm.

Also Read: Mental Preparation Is As Important As Physical Preparation For a Trek