Hiking vs Trekking vs Mountaineering: What’s the Difference?

Mountaineering in India has always remained a sought-after adventure sport for those who are professionals and thoroughly enjoy it. Adventure enthusiasts also enjoy trekking and hiking in the hilly regions of India.

One who has experienced the true essence of India and its majestic peaks will certainly crave for more which is why every year adventure sport lovers flock in this country to feel the rush of adrenaline as they climb up steep slopes and ridges. People live for mountaineering, hiking and trekking in India.

You might think that hiking trekking and mountaineering are all the same things, but not actually, there are a lot of differences that not many of us are aware of. Starting from the terrain that you are covering to the equipment that you will use; trekking, hiking and mountaineering are very different.

Let us find out the quintessential points of difference related to these adventure activities that are crazily popular across the world.

Hiking

Hiking is all about walking through the wilderness for long durations.

Now the first question that generally comes in mind is, is hiking difficult?

No, hiking is comparatively easier than trekking and mountaineering because you don’t need to have mountain climbing or any sort of climbing skills also you don’t require any specialized equipment. For people who have just started to take interest in adventure sports, this is perfect as this one is probably the easiest and very exciting at the same time…

• Hiking requires you to cover a certain distance over some time. People go on half-day hiking trips and cover short distances whereas some are backpackers they keep up their hiking spirit for days together.
• A backpacker remains well prepared before leaving. The basic requirements are  – food, medicines, clothes, first aid box, waterproof jackets and windcheaters, sleeping bags, breathable hiking shoes, small foldable tents that fit inside a big rucksack, etc. 
• Hiking is amazing for families, a group of friends or colleagues also so if you want to utilize your weekend to the fullest then hiking can be a fun option. Hiking promotes teamwork and people bond with each other better. If you opt for hiking in Sikkim especially, you will get a lovely chance to explore a lot of areas plus all your basic requirements will be taken care of, if you choose to take help from hiking tour operators.

Trekking

Trekking can be a little more difficult than hiking. Trekking requires a lot of time as in half a day is not enough for trekking tours. This activity is usually done in rocky and hilly terrain, so the challenges are more…

• You need to be physically fit to undertake a trekking expedition which means any sort of medical problem might be a hindrance if you decide to trek uphill.
• Since trekkers travel for months and the sport is quite physically challenging, so their trekking experiences are made better as they get to stay in lodges, get frequent snack breaks, etc.
• Trekkers generally cover different altitudes too, so they need to have proper clothes to survive in harsh weather conditions.

India is well known in the entire world for amazing locales and mountainous terrains where trekkers flock round the year. Himachal trekking tour package will provide you with a lot of varieties in Himachal Pradesh alone. Trekking operators in India will offer you amazing packages plus the trekking infrastructure in India is probably one of the best in the world. The amazing trekking options in Himachal Pradesh are Hampta Pass trek, Bhrigu lake trek, Pin Parvati trek, etc. another trekking expedition that might invoke your interest is the Chadar trek in Leh where you get a chance to walk on the frozen Zanskar River. Explore the trekking tour packages to avail great rates. To have fun to the fullest during the expeditions do not forget to travel with the best India trek organizers as all your basic necessities that include food, lodging, getting you the best guide and porters available will be done at top-notch facilities and with the ultimate care in different locations respectively.

Mountaineering

Mountaineering is probably the toughest of all the three activities. Mountaineering means climbing up to the summit, enduring harsh weather conditions, challenging all odds, etc. Mountaineering is pretty challenging, and you need to be an ardent adventure lover with a soul of steel to embark on this kind of journey. There are risks at every turn, yet Indian climbing expeditions are undertaken by mountaineers from all across the globe. The adrenaline rush and the vigor to achieve great heights (literally) probably keeps these people going and that’s how they can kiss the heights of the mountains. There are a few requirements that you need to suffice only then can you take up mountaineering…

• You must be physically sound and shouldn’t have any medical problem because this adventure sport is risky and requires you to be absolutely agile.
• You will be provided proper equipment such as crampons, ice axe, pinpoint navigation systems, sturdy ropes, etc. and you need to have a thorough idea of how to use each one of this equipment. So, you see technical knowledge is something that you must have.
• You need to know survival techniques as the weather conditions are pretty harsh up there you might get stuck due to a blizzard or an avalanche or any other problem… you must know how to survive without food at least for a few days.
• There is specialized mountaineering food which you have to eat; you must have proper clothes including gloves, pants, shoes, gaiters, sunglasses, etc.
• Mountaineering is very tough, and you have to be pretty skilled as regards trekking and only after that can you think of performing this activity.

There are many renowned places for Indian mountaineering such as Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Ladakh, etc. The best time to go for mountaineering in India are months of May, June, September and October as the weather conditions are more congenial.