3 Myths About Trekking In The Himalayas

Trekking in the Himalayas can be life-changing. You will get to see some amazing views, challenge yourself physically, and learn about a different culture. However, for many people, trekking in the Himalayas ends up being vastly different than what they expected. That might be because the following myths are so prevalent.

1. You need to spend thousands of dollars on gear before you head off on your trek.

If you head to your local outdoor outfitter and tell them you are going on a trek, they will certainly load you up with everything you need, from a backpack to a sleeping roll. You can certainly go this route; it will ensure you have the gear on hand for future treks. But if you don't have the money to buy all the required gear, don't let this hold you back. Most companies that lead treks in the Himalayas rent out gear very affordably. Call or email the trekking company you've booked with, and ask what gear they have for rent. You can typically rent almost everything you need, other than your own personal clothing, which will save you thousands of dollars.

2. Trekking requires a lot of climbing.

Are you picturing yourself scaling a steep rock cliff or repelling down a rock face? There's not nearly as much of this as you might think. Most treks involve little to no rock climbing. The routes trekking companies use are selected because they are approachable for travelers at a range of fitness levels. You will mostly be walking at a slight incline — unless you specifically book a challenging trek intended for experienced travelers only.

3. Treks are all several days long.

There certainly are Himalayan treks that are several days long, and some that are even a week long. But if you do not want to be out there that long, you can find a shorter trek. There are some that only last two days, so you only spend one night camping — this is enough to get the experience without sleeping outside getting "old." There are even one-day treks for people who do not want to camp or stay in the wilderness at all. 

You don't have to buy thousands of dollars' worth of equipment to trek in the Himalayas. You don't need to be an experienced rock climber or dedicate a week to the endeavor, either. Reach out to a trekking company for more information about Himalayan treks.