A Healthy Trekking - Dr. Ravi Shankar Trekking for most individuals is the holiday of a lifetime. Most have a wonderful time and return fitter and healthier. In this article I will try and list out the various ailments which can afflict you while trekking and how to minimize their occurrence. Before I go on to specific conditions let me put things in perspective. I have been trekking in Nepal for about ten years and have been on 25 treks and till date have been ill only twice. The clean mountain air, the beautiful scenery and the fresh wholesome food have a beneficial effect on health. Leaving Kathmandu healthy Most trekking guides mention leaving the Kathmandu healthy as a major challenge for a trekker. Due to poor water quality, improper food handling and preparation methods, the chances of contracting a stomach ‘bug’ are high in Kathmandu. The dust and air pollution can worsen lung diseases. Eat only in recommended restaurants and drink only properly boiled water. Also pay attention to the cleaning of eating and drinking utensils. Avoid green salads and uncooked food to be on the safer side.

During and after a great trek, most amateur trekkers complain of blisters, backaches and generally sore feet. Most newbie trekkers get all other gear right but think that any pair of good shoes will do. Wrong. Any pair will not do. Your feet are what get you up the hill and then down it too. Take extra care of them with these guidelines to choose the right shoe for specific kinds of treks. As a rule, most backpackers today choose leather-fabric hybrid boots. Day-hikers lean towards trekking shoes, as do ultra-light backpackers who prioritize light weight over support or durability. And a few traditionalists stick to leather boots, valuing their stability and ruggedness. Make an informed choice. Happy Trekking! Traditional Leather Hiking Boots Traditional leather hiking boots have been around for years. Some hikers swear by them; others swear at them. They have quite a bit of pros and cons. Pro: Traditional backpacking boots offer ankle support for rugged conditions, especially for hikers with weak ankles or poor balance and are a good choice for hikers with heavy packs. They are durable and can be re-soled and repaired so they last for years. Leather boots are waterproof, and come up high enough above the ankle to keep sand and mud out of the boot.