What is Trekking? 5 Incredible Benefits of Trekking

What is Trekking?

Trekking definition

Trekking is an exciting outdoor activity that is loved and done by nature lovers and thrill-seekers. It involves exploring the wilderness, conquering rugged terrains, and enjoying the natural landscapes. For those wanting to have a break from the stress of daily life, trekking offers the perfect getaway. It’s a chance to disconnect from urban chaos and reconnect with the peace of the outdoors.

Trekking is more than just about physical; it’s a whole experience that engages all the senses. As trekkers move through forests, mountains, and valleys, they enjoy a changing array of sights, sounds, and smells.

The trek starts with a flat path past the green field.

Differences between trekking vs. hiking

Basically, Trekking vs. Hiking are often seen as the same, but they are different. Trekking involves more diverse and challenging terrain than hiking. A trekker can go through mountains, forests, deserts, and even glaciers. Meanwhile, hikers usually follow well-marked trails.

In terms of skills, trekking requires more adaptability and resilience. A trekking route may involve uneven ground, steep climbs, river crossings, and rocky paths. Unlike hiking’s predictable trails, trekking involves navigating unknown territory. Sometimes, a trekker may need maps, compasses, or GPS devices.

While both trekking and hiking explore the outdoors, trekking offers more. A trekker has a deeper immersion into nature and needs to be more adventurous and skilled.

5 Incredible Benefits of Trekking

Trekking benefits a person in many ways beyond physicality. This includes:

1. Trekking elevates your fitness

Trekking demands more than just endurance—it requires strength, agility, and cardiovascular fitness to navigate challenging terrains while carrying a hefty backpack. Unlike the monotony of a gym workout, trekking provides a dynamic whole-body workout that engages muscles you never knew you had.

Climbing steep inclines, traversing rocky paths, and even swimming in cold water all enhance strength, agility, and cardio fitness.

Additionally, trekking is a highly efficient way to shed those extra pounds, as trekkers generally burn around 400-700 calories per hour, depending on the intensity of the trek.

Meanwhile, a gym session might feel restrictive and uninspiring, lacking the invigorating challenges and scenic rewards that trekking offers.

2. Escape From Stress

Trekking serves as the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life, offering a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of daily routines.

Immersed in nature’s tranquility, you can find solace in the serene beauty of their surroundings, allowing your mind to unwind and recharge.

Studies have shown that exposure to green spaces, such as those encountered during treks, can significantly reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

The color green, abundant in natural environments, is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, easing tension and soothing the mind. This natural therapy, coupled with the physical exertion of trekking, provides a holistic approach to stress relief, leaving trekkers feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

3. Trekking builds relationships

One of the most profound benefits of trekking is the connections forged along the trail. In an age dominated by digital interactions, trekking offers a refreshing break from screens and smartphones, fostering genuine face-to-face connections with fellow trekkers.

Moreover, removed from the distractions of everyday life, individuals on a trek may find themselves bonding over shared experiences and common goals.

Whether navigating challenging terrain or weathering unexpected obstacles, trekkers rely on each other for support and encouragement, transcending differences in gender, social status, or personal interests.

This sense of mutual trust not only enhances the trekking experience but also cultivates greater respect and recognition for one another.

Swim along the underground river in Kim Cave.

4. Trekking helps develop new skills

Trekking offers ample opportunities for skill development beyond enhanced physical fitness and social connections, particularly in outdoor survival.

Experienced trekkers learn essential skills such as setting targets, planning routes, organizing schedules, and adapting to harsh and changing conditions—all vital competencies applicable to everyday life.

The mental fortitude developed through trekking—perseverance in the face of adversity and resilience in challenging situations—equips trekkers with invaluable tools for navigating life’s obstacles with confidence and determination.

5. Dive Into Diversity

The best benefit of trekking is the opportunity to immerse oneself in diverse cultures and landscapes from around the globe. Trekking takes adventurers off the beaten path, allowing them to explore remote corners and engage with local communities in meaningful ways.

From exchanging stories with local people to sampling traditional cuisine, trekking offers rich cultural experiences that broaden perspectives and deepen understanding. In a world marked by cultural divides, trekking serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity, fostering empathy, respect, and appreciation for the diverse tapestry of human experience.

Through trekking, travelers not only discover the beauty of different cultures but also find common ground in the universal language of adventure and exploration.

Visitors experience dinner at the home of the locals.

Why Trekking in Tropical Forest?

Trekking in tropical forests, rainforests, and jungles offers an unparalleled experience for trekkers worldwide, regardless of their origins.

These lush, vibrant ecosystems boast a myriad of unique features that make them ideal destinations for adventurers seeking unforgettable experiences.

• Weather: These regions’ tropical, four-season climate provides ideal conditions for trekking year-round. While rain showers may occur, they only serve to relieve the heat, creating a comfortable and enjoyable trekking environment.
• Landscape: Tropical forests, rainforests, and jungles are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, characterized by towering trees, dense foliage, cascading waterfalls, and meandering rivers.
• Various Difficulty Levels: These regions offer trekking routes suitable for trekkers of all experience levels. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, there is something for everyone in tropical forests.
• Cultural and Historical Value: Many tropical forest regions are steeped in rich cultural and historical significance, with indigenous communities that have inhabited these lands for centuries.
• Wildlife and Biodiversity: Tropical forests, rainforests, and jungles are biodiversity hotspots, home to an incredible array of plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth.
• Accessibility and Cost: Despite their remote locations, many tropical forest trekking destinations are surprisingly accessible and affordable, with a range of transportation and accommodation options to suit every budget.

Trekking in Vietnam: Where to Go

Phong Nha, Vietnam, is one of the best trekking destinations in Asia, if not the world. Whether you’re a pro or a novice, Phong Nha has something for everyone. Its pleasant, sun-kissed weather and picturesque landscapes make it a trekker’s paradise.

What truly sets Phong Nha apart is its status as one of the world’s greatest destinations for caves. Home to the awe-inspiring Son Doong Cave, the largest cave known to man, Phong Nha offers an unparalleled underground adventure.

The landscape itself is a testament to nature’s grandeur, with limestone plateaus and tropical forests providing a backdrop for exploration. Phong Nha’s geological diversity is truly remarkable, with a plethora of caves and underground rivers waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re into caving or above-ground activities, there’s no shortage of adventures in Phong Nha. Little wonder it was added to the World Heritage List twice: once in 2003 based on geological and geomorphological criteria, and again in 2015 by UNESCO based on biological criteria, solidifying its reputation as a destination that is not to be missed.

Phong Nha, Vietnam, is home to the awe-inspiring Son Doong Cave, one of the world’s greatest destinations for caves

What to Know Before Going on a Trek?

Before embarking on a trekking tour in Vietnam, ensuring you have the right gear, knowledge, and support for a safe and enjoyable experience is crucial.

Essential considerations include reliable safety equipment, comfortable shelter, destination knowledge, trekking skills, and the guidance of an experienced tour guide.

Thankfully, Oxalis Adventure, Vietnam’s leading adventure tour company, offers all kinds of guided tours to Phong Nha, ensuring all your trekking needs are met.

Among our tour packages, the Phong Nha—Ke Bang National Park Tour stands out as a tried and loved option. It provides an unforgettable adventure through one of Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes. This one-day beginner tour is suitable for everyone, offering an immersive experience without compromising safety or excitement.

With Oxalis Adventure’s expert guides leading the way, you can confidently navigate the toughest terrains, knowing you’re in good hands.

Tourists from Oxalis enjoying themselves in Phong Nha, Vietnam, after exploring a cave

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or new to trekking, the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Tour promises an unforgettable journey through lush forests, awe-inspiring caves, and breathtaking scenery.

Don’t miss this! Explore Vietnam’s natural wonders with Oxalis Adventure by your side.

You can learn more about Phong Nha Travel Tips here.

The Oxalis Experience.