Winter treks are a lot of fun!
Whether it’s your hundredth or the first time experiencing snow, moments in the mountains are always unique. Sipping a hot cup of tea while looking at the Himalayas in all their glory and feeling the gust of cold wind blowing on your rosy cheeks is a priceless experience.
Along these adventures also come a few challenges. Firstly, the weather is going to be much colder. Also, the snow-covered trails with the short daylight hours in the winter make the trek strenuous. However, following the guidelines from the experienced Wild Yak team, you can easily overcome these challenges.
Wild Yak Expeditions brings tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience during winter. So let’s prepare for the sheer joy this cold Himalayan land can get you.
Research on the treks
Before climbing up the trails in the winter, you should do thorough research. You can study the weather, the condition of trails, and the distance to be covered to have a brief idea about the adventure you will endure.
Trekking in the winter means dealing with frigid temperatures, treacherous snow-covered trails, and a heavier backpack. Hence, you can always choose a trek that matches your fitness level and trekking abilities. Researching beforehand also helps you plan your trekking essentials, the do’s and don’ts for a better and safer trip. Staying in the loop of every information on the journey helps you with a hassle-free winter trek.
Layers, layers, and more layers
Packing clothes is the easiest thing to do, but it’s rather tricky. The temperature is always low in the mountains, and the brisk winter wind makes it even worse.
It’s essential to plan your clothing correctly. You might end up suffocating yourself in too many layers or freeze yourself to death with fewer layers. Also, ensuring that your outdoor gear is made with appropriate materials, specifically for trekking, is essential to beat the cold temperatures.
Selecting the right clothes helps you adjust to different terrains and climatic zones. The base layer sits against your skin, and as cotton retains moisture and takes longer to dry, synthetic or merino wool is ideal. Similarly, down jackets works best for the middle layer as they can be used as insulation to prevent the body from cold. Likewise, windproof and waterproof clothes are preferred as the outermost layers.
Additionally, it’s always a great idea to carry an extra pair of warm woolen socks to keep your feet dry and warm. In the case of shoes, waterproof and insulating mountaineering boots protect you from the cold and the snow. Further, a Big down pair of gloves protect you from frostbite.
If you’re planning a trekking adventure, Wild Yak Expeditions can provide the necessary gear, from down jackets, and sleeping bags. Or, if you’d like something more personalized for your journey, head to Wild Yak Gear Outlet in Kathmandu at Thamel or Boudha – where every traveler will find what they need.
Keep your Extras
We are not recommending stuffing everything in the bag and making it heavy, but keeping some extras is always a game changer.
As they say, prepare yourself for the unexpected. Keeping extra clothes like pairs of quick dry tees and track pants, thermal wear, sun cap, scarf and fleece, cash, and first-aid kit will always help you tackle cold winters and emergencies.
Carry energy foods
Trekking, in general, requires a lot of vigor and enthusiasm. Winter treks demand a lot; here, food is the primary energy source for rugged paths and cold weather. Hence, eating an adequate amount of food rich in nutrition and calories is necessary.
Protein bars, nuts, dry fruits, Snickers, etc., can be quick grabs that you can carry for an instant energy source along your journey.
Ensure to hydrate yourself
When trekking in the winter, hydrate yourself regularly. Despite the cold temperatures and lack of bathrooms on the trails, drinking water is essential so you don’t get dehydrated. Aim to take a few sips of water every 20 to 30 minutes, and you’ll be well on your way to properly balancing fluid levels in your body.
Start your trek before the sun rises
Winter treks in higher altitudes are best undertaken before the sun rises. When the sun is yet to rise and the temperature is below freezing, the snow is usually frozen, making it easy for you to walk through the snow. However, once the sun starts to rise, it increases the chances of snow melting, making it difficult for you to move forward due to your feet sinking into deep sections of snow. Keeping this in mind, starting as early as possible is essential for such a winter trek.
Skincare
It is essential to ensure that your skin remains moisturized and protected during winter treks. While trekking in the cold temperature, your skin goes through a lot, like tanning, burn, dryness, etc. Wearing sunscreen with a higher SPF appropriate for your skin type is, therefore, imperative. In addition, putting sunscreen in 2-3 hours makes you less prone to skin tanning and burning. Before applying sunscreen, make sure to use a generous layer of moisturizer. Doing this keeps your skin fresh and revitalized.
Winter in Nepal is mesmerizing, especially when it comes to mountains. Passing through frozen lakes and snow-covered trails makes the journey breathtaking. But along with sightseeing the spectacular views, it is equally important to be responsible and careful during winter treks. Wearing appropriate winter clothes, consuming warm foods, staying hydrated, following a skincare regime, etc., will make your winter treks more memorable and comfortable.
So, before going for any winter treks, consider the tips mentioned earlier while traveling across the Himalayas for safe and enjoyable trips. Then, don’t let the cold weather stop you from having the ultimate adventure. Contact Wild Yak Expeditions, the best trekking company in Nepal, to plan an adventurous winter trek in Nepal.
