Training and Preparation for Trek In Bhutan

Whether you are looking for a short trek like Druk Path Trek or a grueling 31 days Snowman Trek in the mountainous amphitheater of the Himalayas, treks in Bhutan takes the best out of you. Generally most of the treks in Bhutan are high altitude one, even the shortest trek (Druk Path) start from Thimphu or Paro which are above 2200m. As for the Snowman trek, the combination of distance, altitude, remoteness and weather can throw real challenges physically and mentally crossing the pass amounting 5150 m at Jaze la pass.
To ease out the challenges on logistic part and unlike the tradition that became the norms, at Wind Horse, trekking need not be uncomfortable anymore. We have upgraded all the trekking gears which are state of art. After the hard days hike, hard earned rest on comfortable air blown mattress can rejuvenate every cells in your body for the fresh start next day. Moreover we also provide clean sleeping bag for a paltry sum as the laundry charge.
Whether you plan to trek in Everest base camp or some low altitude hike for the village tour in Sikkim or Nepal or more so in Bhutan, it demands first to climb the peak of your physical fitness.The training should start at least 3 or 4 months prior to the commencement of the adventure. Well, being in normal fitness condition can be within the grasp of any simpler trek but to be in good shape physically and mentally can do a world of good in regards to enjoyment of the adventure.

Walking or Any form of Aerobic Fitness Exercises
Aerobic or Cardio Vascular fitness exercises of any forms like swimming, running bicycling walking etc are of paramount importance as it’s the walking that you will be doing while on trek.As these are what makes the muscle to respond amicably while on the trek. By any stretch of imagination these will stand in good stead when the lesser mortal complains about the ache and sore in their legs.On an average, even for the simpler trek in Bhutan, you might be walking 5 hours a days for 5 days. Your training should incorporate a walking of 5 to 6 hours daily. You can plan out in a way befitting your tight schedule to walk to office or any place that the situations dictate or walking along for smallest errands daily, it might take longer time than car but this practice will keep the fatigue in legs miles away while on trek
While on trek, on the course of ascend and descend of trails, the support of hiking poles for this matter can help to achieve a balance and ease out the strain on your knees.A good hiking boot is imperative; ensure to use the same one that has been grinded while training, which enable breaking in before the climb. Walking in your boots will also help to toughen up your feet, and you’ll learn if there are any spots that cause blisters or pain.

Train to sleep well and in good amount
Among many other preparations that people do, this aspect of required amount of sleep, people often tend to overlook. There is no substitute for good amount of sleep, as it has direct bearing on how your body and mind cope up with the stress of rigorous exercise and altitude. A good sleep assists in muscle recovery and act of oxygen intake by the cells. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep a night during your training. People often have trouble sleeping at higher altitudes, and diminished sleep will make your journey much more challenging.

Train to drink water or Fluid more.
At top, you climb, your body fight to stay hydrated, any decrease of fluid or water in body result in diminishing your power to endure, make more prone to altitude sickness and greater presence of fatigue. Get used to drinking lots of water now so that you are mentally and physically habituated to this fine act of health and other health benefits. Your body will need it with your workouts, but it also needs to get used to hydrating. You will need to drink large amounts of liquids during your climb and your body should now start getting used to taking in those plentiful amounts
Train for Strong Mental Make-up and Team spirit.
To a few, it might sound strange but a firm mental conditioning is as important as physical one. As one of Snow Man trek guest said “More than the physical preparation its the mental makeup that takes bulk of the time”. Condition your mind to think positive, and visualise the adventure that you are embarking on regardless of any unwarranted odds that you might come across with.Communication with other team members, if any, and sharing the ideas, tips, prior to the trip and building good relationship will go a long way in term of being at right frame of mind and being productive and useful as team member that can enhance the adventure being successful.

All the references provided above aims to aid and prepare for your convenience and should not be understood as exhaustive in nature. It is recommended to seek the aid of professional fitness trainer for in-depth and comprehensive climb preparation training. Additionally, it’s imperative to consult your physician to ensure that no health conditions crop up that could adversely affect your training routine.

We hope you have a great trip!!…… and above all  a safe one!!