What is Adventure Trekking?

Adventure trekking is a type of active vacation that involves a great deal of walking. Trekking routes are chosen and led by experienced guides. Fitness requirements vary for treks, but participants should be able to walk for hours at a time even for basic, shorter walking adventures. Typically, adventure trekking takes place in wilderness areas that include rugged terrain such as mountains or winding river paths.

Tibetan mountain and African safari treks are popular types of this sort of adventure tourism. Adventure trekking may be done in different seasons, climates and weather conditions. The length of a trek may be a few days or several weeks. The size of the trekking groups varies as well, but professional guides as well as crews packing supplies are always involved. Pack animals may also be used to carry bedding or other items.

Participants on an adventure trek may sleep in tents after spending the day hiking. The time spent walking each day in adventure trekking trips varies widely, but in may be as little as five hours or as much as ten or more hours. Participants are expected to be able to keep up with the group; adventure trek companies typically advise them to start months ahead in building up their physical fitness, walking stamina and pace.

Not all adventure trekking involves overnights in tents. On some trips, participants may spend some nights in tents, but other at a lodge. These treks are planned to include hiking to the lodge. Whereas trekking guides are responsible for transporting and preparing meals during tenting portions of the trip, lodge cooks are available during the participant's stay there.

A trekking vacation may include other activities besides hiking. Depending on the location, white water rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, paragliding and even elephant riding may be a part of adventure trekking. These types of treks are often known as multi-activity or multi-sports trips. An adventure trek of any type usually appeals to people who enjoy being physically active rather than mostly sedentary on vacations.

The appeal of being physically challenged in exotic locales is popular with those interested in adventure trekking. Trying new or favorite sports or activities in new lands surrounded by natural beauty is a strong component of adventure treks. Whether the scenery is a tropical forest or snow-capped mountains, there are usually trekking adventure companies that offer this type of vacation for those who wish to participate.