This article is based on my first high altitude trek in Himalayan ranges. Nag Tibba ('Serpent's Peak'), 3,022 metres (9,915 ft), is the highest peak in the lesser Himalayan region of Uttarakhand state (Garhwal Division) India, and lends its name to the 'Nag Tibba Range',
There is no doubt that high altitude trekking is a high-risk activity. While some people believe that this is an unnecessary risk, others argue that it has tremendous benefits. In this blog, I will discuss both sides of the argument and explain my support for the latter view based on my first hand insights.
The Risks
One major risk with high altitude trek is with injury or life-threatening health situations one might get into. This is especially true with people like me who are leading a sedentary lifestyle(though now it changed, I guess :-)). Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness is one of the major threats on a high altitude trek (> 8,000 feet) which happens due to the lower partial pressure of oxygen at higher altitudes. furthermore, the risk of slipping or falling off is a possibility throughout a trail. This mainly happens due to lack of physical preparedness and/or inexperience trek guide.
Going up is an option, Coming down is mandatory. -Unknown Trekker
The Rewards
On the other hand, the overall health benefits are paramount. High altitude trek demands a lot of stamina and endurance hence I signed up for the trek four months in advance. I was already into the gym and post sign up I tweaked my training to gain stronger on the quad with major focus on high cardio endurance. As my cardio performance improved along with stronger legs, over the period leading up to trek time which resulted in excellent trek experience.
Moreover, the main benefit happened in the mindset area. It is believed that every trek changes a person in some way. Trek taught me to keep moving forward, speed doesn't matter, being relentless does. This I learned while my way back down where my body gave up and only my persistent mind pushed me going. Another thing which I never believed, that I could reach the summit, but I kept having that target in my mind and moved forward.
If you fail to make it summit , remember the summit will be always there and you can comeback again later. -Unknown Trekker
In conclusion, despite the inconvenience and hardship of the trek, anyone can trek any summit with proper preparation training and trek guide. It is simple, but not easy. As someone said, if one can overcome mountain within , no outer mountain remains unattainable for long. Personally, I feel that trek benefits outweigh the risks.