Hiking is a moderately challenging activity that involves walking long distances over trails or paths. Various lengths of time are involved in this activity, from half-day programs to 20-day itineraries. There are usually a variety of sizes of groups that can participate.
The terms hiking and trekking are sometimes used interchangeably. There is usually a difference between them based on the duration of specific activities. Trekking is used to describe longer programs lasting more than a week, while hiking is associated with shorter programs. To know more about the difference, check out this article!
Hiking is also an excellent way to learn about the culture and history of a place. In longer programs, you will experience local communities and taste unique local foods. Hiking is a combination of trail sports and cultural adventure, where the trail meets the people.
Are there different types of hiking?
Depending on the difficulty and duration of the program, there are different types of hiking.
Short hikes
The short hikes can be an excellent complement to short trips, such as a weekend trip, and always provide a relaxing way to connect with nature. A hike can also be a series of days.
Long hikes often termed as trekks
There are some hiking (or trekking) programs that last over 12 days, covering dozens of kilometres. Long hikes or trekks programs generally include spending the night in tents, camps or mountain huts.
Visits to these nature friendly location often provide a cultural as well as natural experience.
Best time of the year to practice hiking:
The activity of hiking is available most of the year, depending on the area. The winter can be harder and more hazardous than the summer, so hiking programs are not recommended during this time. There are many mountain areas that are suitable for hiking during the warmer months where ski sports are practiced during the winter.
Hiking programs can be conducted all year long in some areas. Every location is different, as are its geographic and weather conditions.
Equipment Required for Hiking:
Whether an over-night program is offered or not will affect the duration of the program. In general, you will need:
- You will need two pairs of shoes which should be a pair of strong, waterproof hiking shoes and a lighter pair (sneakers or sandals).
- Jacket and pants that are waterproof and rainproof
- Sun cream
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- A 35 or 40 litre backpack (unless it is a longer hike, in which case porters may be available)
- Water bottle
- Walking poles
- Head lamp
Are mountain guides necessary for hiking?
Hiking is not just about walking around. For hiking to be safe and interesting, mountain guides play an essential role. They will know how safe each of the trails is, set up the best itineraries, and know what the conditions are of the different trails. Knowing about the local flora and fauna, engaging with it, and respecting it are all part of this knowledge.
Guides create a balanced program specifically for each client based on their fitness level and needs. An excellent hiking itinerary will contemplate strategic pauses between hiking phases, so you can truly enjoy the program and reach your goals, according to your experience and physical capabilities.
Among mountain guides’ professional knowledge are contacts that make a program smoother, more efficient, and safer. In case of an emergency, they are ready to help you.
10 best spots to practice hiking:
Now as we know about Hiking , let’s have a look at some of the best places for Hiking:
1)Tour of Mount Blanc, France. It is one of the world’s most famous classics, in a beautiful setting in the French Alps.
2)Nepal’s Everest base camp: the ultimate hiking experience. The program will take you up to 5,350 m (17,500 ft) in 12 to 21 days.
3) The demanding GR20 trail on Corsica, France, is sometimes referred to as one of the toughest treks in Europe.
4) Mount Fuji is a special place in Japan located near the busy city of Tokyo.
5) Hike the Alta Via 1 hiking trail in the Dolomites, Italy, which crosses 100 km of unique landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
6) The Salkantay trek in Peru’s Andes is a sacred route that links Cuzco with Machu Picchu, the world-famous center of the Inca civilization.
7) Bariloche, in Central Patagonia, Argentina, is home to a bevy of incredible hiking and trekking programs that include Lakes and Forests. A true treasure of South America.
8) Selvaggio Blue, located on the eastern coast of the island of Sardinia, is a 6-day (at least) hiking adventure with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop.
9) Yellowstone National Park in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming in the United States is home to an abundant wildlife population, endless forests, mountains, and hot springs.
10) The Picos de Europa National Park, located in the Spanish Pyrenees, is a popular hiking destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the purpose of hike?
The act of hiking, which involves strolling through nature, offers many benefits such as exercise, socialization, learning, escape, reflection, mental expansion, and improved mental health. Besides physical and emotional health benefits, hiking provides parents, children, and families with benefits that range from financial, cognitive, and mental to spiritual.
Why is hiking so popular?
Hiking is popular because being in the outdoors is good for mind and body. Research has proven this for years, and people are more and more concerned with wellness. Consider the popularity of mindfulness practices, for instance, positive affirmations, and the importance of gratitude.
What kind of activity is hiking?
Hiking is an outdoor activity that involves exploring our mother nature on foot. There is no time limit for the period of time it lasts. You can take it on as a group, and it presents a wonderful opportunity to develop closer relationships.
