Nothing beats the excitement of escaping British weather and heading to an exotic trekking destination. But if it’s your first big trip away then there can be a lot to think about. Here’s an overview of the things you should consider before jumping on the plane.

Most of my knowledge and experience has been gained during numerous seasons living and working in Nepal. Obviously my personal experiences have shaped my views and opinions and in no way should they replace any guidelines that might be issued in-country.

Politics
Always keep up to date with current affairs in the country/s of travel. The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) website, www.fco.gov.uk, provides all the latest information and advise for British Nationals. Don’t be blasé, many insurers (BMC included) won’t cover you if the FCO advise against travel to a country.

Vaccinations
You will need vaccinations for travel to the long haul destinations. The Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website at www.masta.org provides excellent information regarding these matters and you can create your own brief covering all your destinations for very little cost. It is especially useful for identifying Malarial zones. You must of course also take the advice of your local travel nurse.

Season
Nearly every destination will have its ideal season or window of opportunity for a particular kind of expedition. Though it is usually cheaper to travel out of season, this does not lead to a lesser experience. But you could be opening yourself up to increased dangers; avalanche risk, flooding, extreme temperatures etc.

Local knowledge
There are few expeditions in these more remote areas of the world that do not rely heavily on local knowledge, assistance and support. Communication is everything in these countries. With the language barrier removed everything becomes clear, and so when choosing a local guided make sure that his English is at a level that there can be no confusion or doubt on either side to what is required; it may be worth considering employing a translator as well as a guide. Please remember that for these locals this is an important source of income.

Porters
Most arguments and disagreements during an expedition will find their roots in money. It is not unusual for porters to go on strike just before a critical moment in the trek. Obviously you don’t want to be ripped off but equally you need to pay a fair rate, agreed at the onset. Travellers have an obligation for the welfare of their staff and it is your responsibility to keep your porters well fed, warm and dry. Any trekking agency that you use should comply with the Porter Protection Policy in place within that country. It would not be unusual for a guide to supplement his income by taking you to restaurants, shops and accommodation where he receives commission, which inevitably leads to you making an overpayment. Just be aware of this.

Clothing and culture
It is important to be aware of any cultural codes of conduct with regard to clothing and behaviour. For example women should wear long trousers or skirts in Nepal and India. Ignoring these codes of conduct can send out the wrong signals and attract unwelcome interest.

Getting around
Sometimes there is nothing better than taking public transport to see a country and to experience local lifestyles and customs. Do however, be on your guard - always try to sit/stand near the exit or a window that does not have bars on it. If taking a taxi, tok tok or any vehicle with a meter, make sure that the meter is turned on before you set off, otherwise your journey could cost the earth. Keep an ear open for strikes, these can occur often and suddenly. And of course be careful of travelling after dark and if unavoidable do travel in pairs or more.

Security
Travel light. The more you carry, the harder it will be to keep secure and safe. Always keep your passport, flight/travel tickets, money and insurance documents on your person, preferably next to your skin, and keep all money belt straps hidden. Do not forget to have photocopies of all your documentation in another location (or scanned and on the web) and leave copies with someone in the UK. Most of the bigger hotels will have safes available for guests. These can be used when you go on trek to keep valuable documents in. Just don’t lose the key.

Trekking gear
You will often be able to rent or buy most of your trekking gear in-country. Though I would advise you to always take your own boots! This is a great way to minimise your overall luggage whilst travelling. Basic clothing like t-shirts and trousers can all be bought very cheaply and left to your porters at the end of a trek.

Handy hints:
Thin scarves are ideal for covering your hair and your face. This is especially useful in the desert and on the dustier paths of the high mountain ranges. They are easy to wash and dry, and great for cooling you down.

Leeches are common hitchhikers in many countries. A small dot of salt applied to a leech will cause it to fall off naturally. Carry a small film case of salt with you for this purpose.

Umbrellas are fantastic for hot and humid climates, saving you overheating in your waterproofs. They are also great for females needing a moment of privacy on the more barren trails.

Language – always learn how to say hello, goodbye, please and thank you. Aside from being good manners, by trying to speak a little of the native language, you will find people a lot more helpful. 

BAIML member James Bellamy has led trekking parties throughout the world. Based in Nepal for seven years, he now lives and works in Europe. He can be contacted at james_feeb@hotmail.com.
 

EXPERT Q&A

Our trekking expert is Bob Timms. Bob is a BAIML member who lives in the Gard department in France and is the Activities Development Manager for NST Travel Group PLC. Bob has worked professionally as an International Mountain Leader and has spent time in India, Nepal, Peru and Papua New Guinea.

Q. How can I train for trekking at altitude?
A. The only way you can train for altitude is to ascend slowly following all the standard rules. Sadly, being superfit beforehand won’t make you acclimatise faster, but you will be fitter once you acclimatise. Being healthy, well rested, well hydrated and patient will help.

Q. What’s the best way to judge your pace when trying to acclimatise?
A. Breath only through your nose. This forces you to breathe slowly, walk at a sustainable pace and reduces dehydration.

Q. What’s the best way to purify water?
A. Boiling at 100 degrees kills most things. But at altitude water boils at lower temperatures so you have to boil for longer. A low-tech alternative to both boiling and expensive purification tablets and systems is simply tincture of iodine – 2 drops for every litre, leave to stand for an hour. It makes the water taste a bit odd, but most things taste odd at altitude.

Q. How can I get into local culture?
A. Dress down, hide signs of western wealth. Adopt local dress codes and clothing, use local greetings and follow local etiquette/religious rules. Read up on the culture well in advance, then wait to seize opportunities to step from the ‘tourist’s world’ into the ‘local real world’. Eating and staying where locals rather than tourists stay may help lead to this. If you do cross over to the real world in-country then be prepared for anything. It’s like taking the red pill - “you stay in Wonderland and see how deep the rabbit-hole goes!”

Q. How can I avoid ruining my trip by catching Delhi Belly, Montesuma’s Revenge or the Kilimanjairo Kwik Step?
A. It’s not easy, vigilance at all times is the key. Here are a few ideas: Don’t use hotel water to brush your teeth. Keep your nose pointing down hill and your mouth closed in the shower. Never have ice cubes, ice cream, or salads. Always check the seals of bottled water. Wash your hands all the time before eating. And never eat food in a country where the locals have no history of eating it, e.g. eating meat in a Hindu country.
 

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