Has it ever happened to you that you signed up for an easy trek and later found yourself being dragged through it by the trek leader? Wasn’t it supposed to be a so-called “easy trek”? Then why did you end up completely exhausted, questioning your decision mid-way up the mountain? Maybe the organizer tricked you into signing up for something tougher by calling it easy?
Or perhaps, it’s time to accept a more uncomfortable truth — the trek was indeed easy, and you might just need to work on your fitness.
What Does “Easy Trek” Really Mean?
Let’s break the illusion first. There is no universal definition of an “easy trek”. At Dark Green Adventures, when we label a trek as easy, it’s based on two major factors:
- Terrain: Trails that don’t require technical climbing gear like harnesses or ropes.
- Endurance Requirement: Treks that can be completed (round trip) in a day at a gentle pace.
But even here, the term “gentle pace” is highly subjective. For someone used to climbing stairs or walking 3–5 km daily, these treks are a delightful walk in the woods. For others who lead mostly sedentary lifestyles, even a short incline can feel like a summit push on Everest.
To put it simply, an easy trek should be achievable within 3–4 hours by someone who can climb a few floors and walk a couple of kilometers a day without strain. It doesn’t mean you won’t get tired. It simply means you shouldn’t feel wiped out halfway.
Common Beginner Misconceptions
We often get questions like:
- Is this trek suitable for my age?
- Will I be able to complete it?
- Do I need to be very fit?
Most of these questions come from people we haven’t met in person, making it difficult to give accurate guidance. Fitness is personal. But what we can do is provide a framework — a way to understand and build basic trekking readiness.
Before you try to climb mountains in reality, you need to overcome the mountain in your head — the rest will be a cakewalk.
Who Can Trek? Anyone. Yes, Even You.
Many of us carry mental blocks — believing that certain treks are only for younger people or a specific gender. That’s far from the truth. The mountains don’t need to be fit for us — we need to be fit for the mountains.
At Dark Green Adventures, we’ve seen people of all ages complete treks with enthusiasm:
- Even 80-year-olds have summited peaks where younger trekkers struggled.
- Our founder’s mother began trekking at age 60, proving that it’s never too late to start.
The Real Preparation Behind “Easy” Treks
We can all agree that the best treks are those that we can enjoy, not simply endure. And to truly enjoy an “easy” trek, preparation is key. Let’s break down some essential tips for preparing for your next trek:
Now, since we have established the fact that the so-called “easy trek” that we had signed up for was actually easy, let’s see how we can work on our fitness levels for a beginner level trek.
- Stair Climbing — Your Urban Mountain
You may not have mountains right in your backyard, but what you do have are stairs — and they’re your best training partner. Stair climbing mimics the incline you’ll experience while trekking, and it’s a fantastic way to build leg strength and stamina.
Start slow. Don’t rush; focus on building endurance. Keep your posture correct: stand tall, engage your glutes, and take care of your knees. Going slow and steady is far more effective than rushing to get it over with.
- Stretching — The Secret Ingredient Most Skip
While walking and stair climbing build endurance, flexibility is just as important to prevent injuries. Stretching should be a part of your daily routine.
Focus on these muscle groups:
- Hamstrings
- Calves
- Thighs
- Hips
- Lower back
- Neck and shoulders
Incorporating just 15 minutes of stretching in the morning and evening can greatly improve your flexibility and reduce the risk of strains and sprains.
- Eat More Protein — Fuel Your Muscles
Trekking puts a lot of strain on your muscles, and you need the right fuel to recover. Protein plays a vital role in muscle recovery and repair. While protein powders are popular, you don’t need to rely on them. Simple, whole foods like:
- Lentils (dal)
- Paneer
- Chickpeas
- Nuts and seeds
These foods are inexpensive, accessible, and rich in protein. You don’t need a drastic diet overhaul, just a mindful increase in protein intake to keep your muscles strong.
Why Do Some People Struggle More?
It’s not about age. It’s about habits.
People who regularly move, climb stairs, stretch, and eat well will naturally find treks easier. And the more treks you do, the easier they become.
Even if the first one feels tough, you’ll thank yourself later. You’ll get stronger, mentally and physically. The mountain doesn’t change — you do.
Why You Should Still Sign Up for That “Easy” Trek
The best way to grow is to step outside your comfort zone — just enough to stretch, not snap. Easy treks offer exactly that. They’re challenging enough to build character, yet achievable enough to leave you feeling accomplished.
With the right guidance — which we promise you’ll get at Dark Green Adventures — these treks can become transformational.
You can experience trekking in beautiful destinations like Rann of Kutch Festival, Norway Northern Lights, or even Vietnam.
What Makes DGA Different?
Dark Green Adventures isn’t just a trek company. We’re a passionate community of explorers who:
- Offer transparent, detailed itineraries
- Emphasize fitness and safety
- Build a welcoming vibe for solo, group, and first-time trekkers
- Run local, weekend, offbeat, and international treks like Greece, Turkey, or Cambodia
- Help you enjoy, not endure your experience
We don’t push. We guide. We don’t trick. We train. And we believe everyone deserves a shot at the mountains.
Real Trekkers. Real Stories.
- “I joined thinking it was an easy trek — and it was! But I realized how out of shape I was. Thanks to Krishna and the DGA team, I finished it and now I train weekly for the next one!” — Anvita Kulkarni
- “My first trek ever. It was tagged ‘easy’ but taught me so much about my own stamina. DGA’s support made all the difference.” — Tilakprasad Joshi, visually challenged trekker
- “I was hesitant at 60, but my son motivated me. DGA made me feel safe, strong, and part of the team.” — New trekker, via Facebook
