Trekking 101 - A Beginner's Guide

There are two kinds of people in this world- those who have been on the daunting, yet incredibly beautiful journey to Nafakum or Keokradong, Bandarban and those who have it on their to-do list. 

I belong to the second group. I have seen my friends posting sweeping vistas full of rugged peaks, splashed in rich sunshine. I heard their adventurous stories of night hauling with local residents and renting the karbari (home of the village head) in exchange for a nominal fee. I heard them saying how this experience helped to bring out the best in them and how they want to go back again and again. 

So this year, I have added trekking to my bucket list.  Since I do not have any prior experience, I have started surfing the internet and enquiring from experienced adventure enthusiasts about what to do and what not.

Here is a list of tips from the expert's end for beginners who are not opting for any death defying trekking trail in Bangladesh, but still want to experience this unscripted journey- to learn, to look inside and to be one with the nature.

Know your trail
"Two of the most popular trails that any beginner can go for are Keokradong and Nafakum," says Babar Ali, secretary, Vertical Dreamers- a trekking and mountaineering club formed by a group of adventure enthusiasts. A doctor by profession, Babar has been trekking for last seven years, and recently started mountaineering too. "To go to Keokradong, first you have to go to Bandarban, then Ruma and from there you need to hire a chandergari (a 4 wheeler) which will take you up to 11 km, and from there trekking begins."

The trail looks somewhat like this: 11km-Boga lake-Chingri Jhorna-Darjeeling para-Keokradong (Which is, unofficially, the 5th highest peak of BD 3172 feet). 

Another trail that many students go for is Nafakum, which is a waterfall situated in Thanchi Upzilla, Bandarban. The trail looks like Bandarban-Thanchi-Remakri-Nafakum. 

"These days, another trail that is getting popular amongst young trekkers is the Paindu Saitar (a waterfall) and the trail is Bandarban-Ruwangchori-Paikkhong Para-Ronin Para-PainduSaitar," Babar comments.

Make your legs strong
Once you set your mind to it, it is time to bring some changes in your lifestyle. Start your day with brisk morning walks followed by jogging at-least a month before the start of your trek. If you are already a gym-goer, do more cardio exercises. I know people who carry backpacks as they walk that weighs similar to the weight they plan to carry during their trek. 

Right shoes and light pack
Save money to buy the best pair of shoes that you can afford. There is no substitute for high-quality hiking boots which has great a grip, supports the ankles and takes the knocks. "Wear comfortable clothes, avoid wearing jeans and most importantly, pack light!" says Babar.

Who are you going with?
For beginners, clubs and guided walks could be a great way to start with, believes Babar. There are many Facebook based clubs like Travelers of Bangladesh, Hill Trekkers, Vertical Dreamers, Bangla Mountaineering and Trekking Club, Adventure club of Chittagong, Trekkers of Bangladesh, Vromin Bangladesh who conduct from exciting weekend treks to longer expeditions. They organise camping, rock climbing, photo exhibitions, which anyone can join. If you think trudging through jungles with a bunch of stranger-trekking-enthusiasts is not your cup of tea, Babar suggests you can hire a local guide and go on your own in a group. There are plenty of research materials available online so the planning and study for the trek should be done very carefully.

Make a schedule
Trekking is an unscripted experience filled with endless surprises and unexpected incidents. Even then, making a comprehensive schedule when you are planning your trip is important and the schedule should be designed as per the climate and situation of the destination. Starting from car rental to food, everything gets expensive during high tourist seasons like Eid holidays or any other government holidays. "If you want to feel the luscious greenery of the hills and see the clouds floating right before your eyes along with the swiftly cruising waterfalls in their fullest flow, go in the monsoon!" says Babar. The trails might be a bit slippery and expect lots of rain and mud- but after all, trekking is about coming out of your comfort zone and seeing the unseen. At the end, all of these struggles is worth taking- and this is guaranteed.

Don't litter!
Don't leave your garbage on your wake. Make sure you don't throw your water bottle and plastic wraps everywhere.  Also, if you find any wrappers, plastic or anything that should not be there, bring them back to the plains for proper disposal.

Know your reason
Coming out of your comfort zone, going through an arduous journey, meeting the unexpected and reaching your destination- the entire process could open your eyes. Don't go on trekking because you want to put up a status about it and show the world what you have achieved. Do it for yourself. And also, do not rush and don't make the journey look like a competition. You are here because you wanted to see, experience and be one with nature and not because you wanted to finish it before anyone else. It is good to find a pace you are comfortable with. Don't try to push yourself too much. The entire experience of walking in the glory of nature and getting a chance to embrace its serenity could be quite enlightening. 

Let it enlighten you!