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How to get fit & train for your first Himalayan trek

The spectacular view of the enormous mountains you will witness is the major reason for hiking in Goechala, Sikkim, or any of the High altitude Himalayan treks. On your Goechala Trek, you’ll be able to witness not only Kanchenjunga but also 14+ other enormous peaks in the vicinity. Any trek, especially one as close as Goechala, might be tough. It’s no surprise that trekkers see Goechala as the most similar to Nepal’s primary mountain trip.

Let me explain why Goechala is so well-known among hikers across the world before proceeding on to some trekking tips. The GoechaLa trail was recognised during Nepal’s civil conflict, which lasted roughly from the 1990s until 2006.

Goechala has been the most enchanting trek so far. Unlike Singalila from Dzongri Zenith, the trail overlooks the world’s third-highest mountain and offers a magnificent panorama.

Sikkim
Kanchenjunga at Sunrise

Every other sunrise you’ll see in Kanchenjunga is one of the highlights of the Goechala hike. Hikers should not let the Dzongri take all the credit, although the view from the first level and the Dzongri are very well worth it!

In April and May, rhododendrons bloom.

Along the GoechaLa road, there are extensive rhododendron forests. It can be in April, as well as during the spring and summer months when they bloom in pink and purple! It’s a pleasure to travel through the jungle on these trails.

Samithi Lake: Samiti Lake is also one of the most popular destinations for GoechaLa trekking. The water’s viewpoint and reflection of the Pandim hills are still visible in the stream, especially in the early hours of the morning.

 

Is trekking in Goechala safe? Goechala is a highly elevated trek that pushes you to progressively ascend to a height of 15,000 feet, and your safety is largely dependent on how well prepared you are.

 

Goechala is a protected region with a guarded route. Your entire path is properly paved and wide. To navigate, you don’t need any special skills or assistance.

Regardless, this journey is lengthy and difficult. Aside from that, it’s a quick ascent. Trekking in the Himalayas will help you become accustomed to hardships. Knowing how to deal with acute altitude sickness can help you manage the high altitude you may encounter on the hike.

Get in shape and train for this adventure: If you’ve been hiking & trekking for a while, you can figure out how to get the most out of it. Professionals wouldn’t have to be rocket scientists to tackle a trek. With the correct help and guidance, you will be able to attain vitality and, as a result, you will be able to fully enjoy your successful adventure. Trekkers come in all kinds and forms. Some people are intrigued by the prospect of trekking in the mountains while looking at gorgeous pictures. Some individuals come for a novel experience, while others are captivated by nature and stargazing. Even so, individuals are unsure of the mental & physical requirements and needs required to take their bodies on a trek.

 

Why would you go trekking in the Himalayas? If we are not prepared for Himalayan trekking, it can be quite exhausting and stressful to just have a good time in exotic locales while also learning a great deal of knowledge. As a result, it is advisable to prepare & plan so that the correct approach is given to attempt to reach the summit without difficulty. Trekking or hillside exercising can be difficult, but they can work multiple muscles at once, burn a variety of calories, and increase the aerobic threshold.

The primary body portions that are most typically used in these tasks are listed below.

  • Shoulders
  • Shoulders once more

  • Legs
  • Ankles and knees

We categorised the training into two categories based on the difficulties encountered during the trek.

  1. Cardiovascular (Aerobic) Training:  Virtually any workout that makes you sweat, breathe in harder, or make your cardiovascular system conquer faster than when you are comfortable is classified as exercising aerobically. It strengthens your coronary heart and lungs, as well as your cardiovascular system’s ability to process and distribute oxygen rapidly and efficiently throughout your body.
Hikking

Walking, jogging, cycling, and aerobic dance are examples of aerobic exercises that strengthen the intestines and lungs, allowing the body to use oxygen more efficiently.

Find out how to schedule your workouts. Start training at least two months before your trip.

Walk: Walking is a wonderful way to begin training for a Himalayan trek. A daily walk of 4 to 5 kilometres is ideal; hilly or uneven terrain is ideal for this workout. In this stage, try to keep up with the walking pace. Begin with one kilometre and gradually increase.

 

Jogging: It’s possibly one of the most effective strategies to get ready for a Himalayan adventure. Try to avoid running on concrete or asphalt floors, set the speed higher. To get warmer in a shorter amount of time, we should always wear the appropriate soft running shoes. In 20 minutes, run 3 to 4 miles, then 5 to 6 miles in 30 to 40 minutes.

 

Cycling: It’s another good way to increase your cardio. If you have a vast enough road to ride your bike properly, outdoor riding is great. But it isn’t easy in our visitors’ present circumstances. Using a static bike at home or at the gym can help you cover 5-6 kilometres in 20 minutes and at least 8-9 kilometres in 30 minutes.

 

If this aerobic workout becomes tiresome after a while, try climbing stairs or running with a backpack. Combine a run/jog with a stretching activity in your neighbourhood. Do this for five weeks, four or five days a week.

  1. Stretching Workouts
Glutes: Place your palms or fingertips on the floor with your right arm extended behind you. Gently pull the corresponding knee or hip to the left with your left hand or elbow until you feel a stretch in the hip joint. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then repeat with your legs straightened. Ditto on the other side. This exercise can relieve lower back pain while also strengthening the muscles on the outside of your thighs.

Raise your arms to lift your legs (quadriceps): To stretch your quads and hip flexors, elevate your legs and ankles with your hands while maintaining your knees bent. Concentrate on stretching and pushing your hips down to the earth. Switch sides after 10 to 20 seconds of holding.

Standing hamstring stretches: Bend forward at the waist, lower your arms, and stretch your legs without locking your knees while standing. Make an effort to touch your toes, but don’t start forcing it. Stop bending forward if you feel a tiny tug on the inside of your hamstring. This workout will help you feel better and reduce pains if any.

 

 

Calves: Stand one metre away from the wall with your legs straight and your heels on the ground to work your calves. Take a step forward and bend your hips softly towards the wall. In your back, you should sense a gradual extension of the calf muscles. Hold for ten seconds, then swap legs and do it three times more.
Abdomen: Stand with your feet parallel to the ground and your hips apart. Raising your arms above your head is a good way to start. Gently bend upwards while holding your left wrist with the same arm. Return to your centre after 5 to 10 breaths.
Ankle and knee joints: Ankle exercises help to strengthen the muscles in the ankles. Stand one or two feet away from the wall, bend one knee, and press it against the wall with your foot flat beneath it until it reaches the wall.
Hold for five seconds before switching sides. This should be done five to ten times on each leg. After that, stand on one leg for 30 seconds.

Conclusion:

With all of this training, don’t forget about maintaining excellent eating habits and getting enough rest. Last but not least, hiking should be enjoyable, and you should take advantage of all the opportunities. Trekking should never be viewed as a race to a rest stop. If should you assume it is a race and that everyone wants to move further; you may get into problems and, more importantly, you will lose out on the magnificent landscapes that surround you.

Why Exotic & Remote Places Come At A Heavy Price
exotic North East India travel tour costly high price

In North East India, how do women travel solo comfortably?

North East India region is one of the most untouched parts of India and offers a glimpse into another world that few tourists have an opportunity to see.

Traditionally, North East India is a territory of many cultures and people. It is also a region which has been at the core of major political conflicts in the history. Women have been traditionally treated as second class citizens in this area and been denied basic rights.

Features in this section:

In recent years, however, things have started to change for these women. They are now taking control of their lives and changing the society from within by educating themselves and empowering each other. The movement has empowered them to take independent decisions and they too have started to visit other parts of India or even overseas without being afraid for their safety or reputation.
Many social projects are established to connect women solo travelers from northeast India & India with each other so they can be more confident during their trips, share stories and experiences, as well as help each other.

The best way to stay safe while traveling alone is to get the right information before you get on the plane. In this article, we have compiled a list of things that will help you plan your solo travel in North East India.

Get it all in one place:
You can find here, practical advices and tips for Women solo travel, and learn about the culture and customs of the people who live there. It will help you with permits and visas, and let you know about current news from all over India. Plus, it’s always up to date with information on food, hotels, transportation, maps, weather conditions… so that you can plan your journey in any way you want!

1) Preparation for your solo travel:

No matter how adventurous you are, safety is the most important factor when you are travelling to an unfamiliar place. You should travel solo if you are (mentally) comfortable with it.
Research the place beforehand, study the language and culture, learn about local customs and traditions, get all the necessary permits before you visit North East India, keep your valuables safe at all times, and do try local food. North East India’s lush green forests and pristine mountains are some of the natural beauty that will leave anyone amazed!

2) Globe trotter Vs Local Travel:

After traveling to many other countries across the globe, many woman solo travelers have found North East India to be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding travel experiences. Solo travel provides a borderless and empowering experience that will redefine your perspective and allow you to explore new cultures and people.

3) Why North East India: 

Northeast India is an excellent choice for solo travel, as the people are very welcoming and friendly.
Traveling solo is becoming more and more popular, but there are still some regions that might be difficult to travel to on your own. Northeast India is one of the best places for solo travelers in the world. Often overlooked by travellers, India’s Northeast is a diverse region of stunning scenery and unique cultures. In addition to the country’s main attractions, this area offers excellent hikes, exceptional wildlife viewing and Buddhist traditions that date back to the 2nd century. The people are very welcoming and friendly. There is so much to explore in this region, from fascinating cities like Guwahati and Imphal to the natural beauty of Kaziranga, UNESCO listed Kanchenjunga National Park, etc.

4) Research the place beforehand:

Research about North East India where you want to go and what you want to do.
For example you may want to go to North East India and work with the locals on natural remedies. Or you are majoring in biology and want to do some research on the medicinal plants that are used there.

5) Explore all options:

Explore all of your options and how they might affect your vacation plans once you’ve decided what you want to do. You ought to consider all of your alternatives and how they can affect your travel plans. You should consider things like transportation, lodging, activities, food, and weather. Check out our blogs and videos at iLoveNorthEastIndia. This provide information on destinations to learn more about a place before booking your tickets.

6) Learn about local customs and traditions:


Above all, traveling can be really fun and enriching. Additionally it one of the most important things to do before you go is to learn about the local culture. You want to experience everything while you’re there! Read about some tips provided in our website for learning about the local culture and trying some local food.

7) Get permits for your trip:

Importantly, India has mandated the possession of a valid permit for all Indian citizens visiting the majority of Northeast Indian states. For specific reasons and under strict conditions, India’s inner line permits (ILP) are only given out to certain Indian states. Do get all the necessary permits before you visit North East India.

8) Decide your travel budget:


The North-East of India is a beautiful region with lush green hills, rich vegetation, and a plethora of tribal art. It has stunning architecture, unique cuisine, and quaint tea houses. So it’s important to see as much as you can. hence plan your costs for your stay, transport, and food expenses, well in advance.

9) Read about current happenings, news about that region:

Get to know current political situations, & how the world is watching North East India. Sometimes, few countries & places may be struggling to find a balance between compassion and security. So do read about the latest developments and be prepared.

10) Discover North East India: 

iLoveNorthEastIndia is the go-to resource for everything related to North East India. It offers you all the information you need to explore this beautiful and diverse region. Additionally, With some of the best things to do in the North East.

Curious? Visit our blog!

If you want to read blog posts from avid travelers about their specific interests in North East India. Or just have a chat with other travelers online – iLoveNorthEastIndia is the place for you!

Guidance to Vegetarian and Organic food in North East India

If you are planning to go on vacation to North East India, here are some important things you must know about Vegetarian and Organic food in North East India. As one of the popular tourist destinations in the country, the region has gained significant popularity over the past few years. Whether it’s from young backpackers who want to escape from the chaos of the city life or from nature-enthusiasts who just want to explore breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, Northeast India has something for everyone.

Being Vegetarian & Choosing Organic food in North East India:

In a world where most of us have been tempted with out-of-home food, being a vegetarian is very difficult. In an exotic land like northeast India, trying to be a vegetarian is even more difficult as non-vegetarian cuisine has been part of their culture.

Food in Northeast India:

In most of Northeast India, it is almost impossible to find a traditional vegetarian food. In majority of villages, people depend on meat for their diet. Even when they do not consume it themselves, villagers usually rear pigs or ducks for sale. However, due to recent demand from local tourists and foreigners, people have started raising vegetables locally. In a few tourist locations you can find a handful of hotels serving different types of organic foods including meals with freshly cooked vegetables.

Planning your trip to Northeast:

With a slew of options for staying, from homestays to resort-y stays, there are plenty of choices for accommodation. Some prefer budget stays while others want a vacation with all greater comforts. Whichever way you choose to go about it, do book your stay early on or better still plan a couple of months ahead so that you can get a good package deal. If travelling in a group, coordinating with friends to form your own group is the best option especially if they have travel interests similar to yours. On an average package deal for two people would work out anywhere between Rs 8000 – 10 000 per night. In terms of traveling here one must look at various options including hiring cabs, booking your stays, planning for parcelled food, local guide, permissions, etc.,

Choose HomeStays Vs Retreats Hotels in North East India:

We “I Love North East India”  ask you, what does it take for you to enjoy your trip? If your answer is spending quality time with your family or friends, connecting with nature or simply letting go of all stress, then staying at home-stays is the best option. Home-stays are like living with a local family! Your hosts will surely make sure that your stay is an enjoyable one! There are various home-stays available in Northeast India. Depending on where you want to go, there can be a difference of accommodation types available. Most home-stays have attached toilets and warm water showers while some have private hot-water baths inside rooms. If there is no heater, a fireplace will surely add a romantic charm during winters.

Sustainable Food Practices in North East India:

If you want to experience some sustainable food practices which can be maintained by individual. we can conduct a trip with groups and individuals both who love nature, adventure and wants some eco friendly cultural experience. During these trips we can visit small gardens where vegetables are grown with different organic manure. Also we will get fresh vegetables & fruits from organic cultivation done by local people which is later sold for others who wants organic vegetables and fruits.

Vegetarian

Vegetable gardens, Organic Food availability in Farm Houses and Home stays  in North East India:

There are numerous Farm Houses, Home stays, resorts in the area where organic vegetables and fresh grown food is served. Are you planning on visiting northeast India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh , Meghalaya, etc.)?  Do consider visiting some of these places for home-cooked Vegetarian or organic meals. Most of these places serve freshly grown vegetables from their own gardens. They also offer cooking classes for interested visitors.

North East India is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Charming towns, breathtaking landscape, ethnic culture and delicious food are some of the reasons why so many people visit each year.

North East India offers its visitors the most unique blend of natural beauty. Plus cultural heritage that one can ever find anywhere in the world. North East India has something that allures tourists from around the globe to visit it time and again. Some of the must-visit locations in North East India are Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park. In Meghalaya – Umiam Lake, Cherrapunji, Sohra etc. The region offers something very unique to its visitors. This will give them an unforgettable experience of traveling through rural hamlets and hill stations that are rich in tradition and culture.

Looking forward

North East India is popular among tourists for its hills, rivers, treks and homestays. There are also many hidden gems to discover when it comes to the food served there. If you want to try truly local foods while traveling in the North East, look out for restaurants serving organic and vegetarian meals from fresh ingredients picked right from the host’s own garden.

It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure freaks, bird watchers, students of history, culture, arts etc. It is a paradise for history buffs who are keen on visiting each place. Here are our great heroes have sacrificed their lives. Also if you are fond of hill stations or are planning a visit with family or friends to enjoy panoramic view over pristine hills then there are plenty of places to choose from.

You may just need a permit too, but there are lots of things you can do to make your trip as comfortable as possible. Firstly, book your flight as soon as you decide on your trip; flights fill up pretty quickly. Similarly, book your accommodation as soon as you know where you’re going.

Final thoughts..

This region of India is like a jungle, with wonderful landscapes that you cannot help but fall in love with. The Northeast region covers eight states – Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Sikkim. Each of these states offers a different experience for tourists. Mizoram is famous for its many Christian monasteries.

In recent times many hotels, resorts, restaurants, guest houses are serving only vegetarian food. All of them keep in mind that they must serve organic foods too. without which,  health will be at stake. When you go out on holiday or travel to some other places or stay for a night with your family or friends, do try staying away from non-vegetarian things if possible. Our country is always known for its unity in diversity which needs to be preserved at any cost.

What you could do to promote sustainability when you travel your next travel to North East India

Tourism is an industry worth over $7 trillion annually. That’s one-quarter of the global economy! And this number has been steadily growing for years, with no signs of slowing down. Tackling sustainability in this industry will be no small feat. The good news is that there are plenty of ways for all types of vacationers to make their next trip more sustainable and help create a better world for future generations.

We often think of sustainability efforts in terms of our own personal habits. But when we take the time to consider the impacts of our tourism, we realize that many people can do much more than they think. To create a positive impact on the world through travel.

Tips for Living Sustainably

Knowledge about the importance of the environment should not be confined to a designated day. Much of our pollution is because we are careless with what we use and how we dispose of it. There are many ways that you can reduce your footprint on this earth, and below are some tips to help you get started.

The first step in living sustainably is to buy local produce. That way, food has not traveled far distances which means it has consumed less fuel and reduced the amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. Secondly, buying seasonal produce reduces food waste. It will spoil before it can be eaten if not used up fast enough. Lastly, say no to plastic straws! These plastics are non-biodegradable. They negatively impact the environment by polluting our water sources and polluting our landfills with plastic that will never break down.

There are many sustainable travel accommodations available for all budgets. You can find hotels that provide eco-friendly or vegan options. You can also search online for sustainable vacation rentals, like Airbnb.

Another important consideration for sustainable travel is peak season. Try to avoid traveling during peak season when there are more tourists in the area and by that, you will be able to minimize your impact on the environment.

Caution:

Never purchase wildlife products. Whether it’s a fur coat or a piece of jewelry made from ivory or a pelt, these items only encourage poaching and other illegal hunting practices that contributed to the extinction of many species in the past. If you want tigers, elephants, rhinos, lions, etc roaming around freely in their natural habitat,  then stop purchasing their skins and teeth!

To be environmentally friendly, it is necessary to be conscious of what you are doing when you travel. With these simple steps, you can make your impact on the environment less harmful.

Places around the world are at risk. The natural beauty of these places is at risk. Humans are taking over and destroying natural resources all around the world. It is important to protect these places for future generations to come because they will not have the same serenity that we have now.

When traveling to exotic places, it is important to use sustainable alternatives.  There are many beautiful and exotic destinations around the world. However, it is important to use sustainable alternatives to travel because we want to protect the natural beauty of these places for future generations.

1. Planting trees in your hometown or in the country you are visiting

Planting trees is a great way to care for the environment and it has many benefits. Trees provide us with natural resources, shade, and oxygen. They also protect streams and rivers from erosion, regulate water flow, and provide habitats for animals.

2. Reduce, reuse, and recycle

Trees are also a renewable resource, meaning that they can be replanted and used again and again.

Trees are a natural way to filter out the bad air that we breathe and they also help us combat global warming.

3. Stay at environmental friendly local Guesthouses and homestays

The rise in the number of Airbnb properties has led to an increase in the number of travelers staying at homestays around the world. Homestays are generally more environmentally friendly than hotels and hostels because they promote sustainable tourism. They also offer a personal experience with local cultures by giving you the opportunity to meet locals and learn about their traditions.

4. Use public transport or local transport instead of private cars.

Increasing the use of public transport is one of the most important ways to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. For example, if you are living in an urban area, you can use public transport to go to work or school. If living in a suburb or rural area, you can start using car-sharing services instead of your private car.  While at your travel destination, Use public transport or local taxis instead of private cars. You could also choose not to take flights and use long-distance trains instead if available.

in Conclusion,

Support organizations that encourage sustainability. Another way you can do this is by donating to local charities that work closely with the grassroots level.

The idea of living a sustainable lifestyle is spreading like wildfire across the world. The environmental impacts of unsustainable lifestyles are becoming more and more apparent; our planet is in danger. We need to act now.