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Chinese The year has just begun, yet you may already feel stress at your work. Tight deadlines and hours of commuting are more than enough to drain your energy. You start feeling that spending weekends in the city is no longer refreshing. If that sounds familiar, trekking can be one of the best options.
Studies have suggested that going outdoors is good for mental reset and stress relief. Vigorous walking in nature reduces anxiety and adds peace of mind. The activity also brings tremendous physical benefits. For example, older obese women who do trekking for 12 weeks regularly will obtain some key positive results.
It results in their body weights becoming lower and their muscle endurance becoming better. The activity is such a great opportunity to enhance your social skills if you do this with friends or even strangers. Get more information about nature walking, such as its diverse types and differences from hiking. Keep scrolling down!
What is trekking?
Trekking is one of the long-distance walking types that usually takes place in nature and lasts more than one day. The outdoor activity typically chooses mountainous areas, which may consist of challenging terrains, such as rocky ground and steep hills. The walkers intentionally choose the places that are far from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
There are several categories of the activity. In addition to the location, you can choose the nature walking category according to your skill level, purpose, and climate. See the brief details below!
Day trek: A beginner-friendly choice which can be completed in one day.
Multi-day trek: Requiring extra stamina because it lasts for days, even weeks, with possible camping or teahouse stays.
Easy trek: The best way to start trekking is with well-marked trails and gentle slopes.
Moderate trek: You need to first train for this activity, as it requires more energy with longer distances and steeper terrains.
Hard-level trek: The advanced nature walk which involves high altitude, rough terrains, and higher risks.
Snow/winter: This one takes place in snowy or icy conditions and requires special gear, such as crampons and layers.
Monsoon/rain: Be careful of slippery trails and wet surfaces if you take this category.
Adventure: The participants seek thrill and challenge; they are eager to cross rivers or use ropes to descend steep hills.
Differences between trekking and hiking
The two activities shortly emerge in people’s minds whenever they plan to go outdoors. Indeed, people across all age groups become more interested in trying one of the activities as they seek more authentic travel experiences. In Indonesia, for example, there has been a growing trend of adventure tourism.
Such a positive indicator comes from the rising demand for hiking and outdoor equipment. Social media is one of the main drivers for this trend. Some of you might have used the terms “trekking” and “hiking” interchangeably. Yet, they actually have key differences. Check the details below!
Duration
The main point lies in the duration of the activity. Hiking is relatively short, between a few hours and one day. This is what makes hiking more proper for those with limited time. While trekking, as mentioned above, it commonly takes days or weeks to finish one whole trail.
Distance
While there’s no definite distance rule, hiking involves short routes. For example, a casual or beginner hiking trail runs between 3 and 8 kilometres. Trekking, on the other hand, involves long distances. An easy one, for instance, runs between 5 and 10 kilometres per day.
Terrain
Hiking terrains have well-marked trails, so you won’t have to spend extra time looking for the paths. The trails are also well-maintained, so they remain clear from bushes that may block them. This is not the case with the trekking terrain. It usually involves rugged and less marked routes. The challenging terrain is what makes the activity attractive.
Equipment
You won’t need to purchase a special overnight bag or walking pole for hiking. This activity requires minimal gear, for example, hiking shoes, a backpack, and a rain jacket. A 15-30 litre backpack for day hikes is enough. For trekking, you need extra gear, such as a tent, a sleeping bag, and a 40-70 litre backpack.
Let’s trek safely and joyfully with the Rinjani Trekking Center!
Taking vigorous walks in nature around Mount Rinjani is one of the must-do activities if you seek a challenging yet life-changing experience. Not only will the tour refresh your mind, but it will also connect you with nature at a deeper level. Joining the activity shouldn’t stress you if you partner with a top tour agency, such as Rinjani Trekking Center.
Our team is a group of passionate and dedicated mountaineers who want to share genuine experiences with fellow outdoor lovers from Indonesia and beyond. We have handled diverse clients with various needs, ranging from accommodation to transportation. Our services are nurtured through years of experience. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip with us today!