There are many challenges that all but the craziest or stupidest trekkers encounter on the Annapurna Circuit trek, though, without doubt, the most common and painful is blister. For in fact, a small discomfort on your heel at home is no more than a small blister wild in the swathe of mountainside, it can swell into a world of pain which affects your outward limbs as well as endangering every aspect of the whole. There are a heap of miles in this classic of Annapurna Round Trek, which might be spread over 12-18 days on the trail, depending on your pace. So here’s what you need to be doing for your feet, mind the poor things, don’t stop your good time. It’s a comprehensive rundown of the subject matter of blisters – meaning you can focus on devoting your attention to the Annapurna Circuit Trek landscapes rather than focusing all your attention on how bad the pain in what boot will be or where!
The Importance of Good Footwear
Preventing blisters is done long before you slide your boots onto the trail in Nepal. For a lot of people, the most vital are your hiking boots. That has nothing to do with the emblem. A comfortable, relaxed suit around the heel can assist in preventing slippage, and a roomy toe container can feel comfortable (when walking downhill, mainly). Your feet have plenty of space. Whether the boots are tight or loose, this general rule applies: Blisters will be caused by friction.” In the meantime, wellies come in handy (wet feet blister more easily).
Why You Need to Break in Your Boots
At last, you have located the perfect pair of boots to take on the Annapurna Circuit trekking, and now this is only half your job. New boots will be stiff and unyielding – you can practically write off a several-day hike in them for the first time without getting a painful hot spot. To break in your boots, take many walks and hikes wearing your boots for several weeks or even months before you go on a trip. This system softens the cloth and molds to your shape, spotting any potential strain factors long before you hit the trail. The perfect purpose is to have a minimum of 100 kilometers hiked on your boots before the trek.
Choosing The Best Socks: It’s A Whole New Game
Another major factor in whether or not you will get blisters is the socks that you wear, aside from your boots. Rule: you could no longer wear cotton. Featured by their moisture-wicking properties, this will work to remove the sweat from your skin and help keep your feet cool and dry. Liner then heavier, cushioned hiking so.On the Annapurna Circuit, followed by a simple pair of Darn Tough ankle socks. Many trekkers swear by this system on their sleep-eat-hike daily routine. This pairing system creates a slide zone which allows the sock to slip on these two different layers, and ensures that all the friction takes place between the socks, and not over your skin.
Learning The Hot Spot
While hiking, you need to be aware of the state that your feet are in during a hike. The bottom, let your body be your guide and watch for any warmth, redness, or tenderness (“hot spots”). These are pre-blister warning signs. The moment you start to feel a hot spot, halt. It’s infinitely easier to prevent a blister than treat one. Take your boots and socks off, dry out your feet, and address the hot spot before it becomes something worse.
Applying Blister Prevention Aids
After you find the hot spot, there is only one thing left to do.” And that is the act. And this is where your beloved blister prevention kit really shines. Try something like Moleskin, athletic tape, or a blister plaster that you put over the hotspot, and it forms a protective shield to reduce friction. Cut a hole in the center of that Moleskin so it looks like a donut and then cup around he site of the hot spot, offloading pressure there. Make sure the tape or Band-Aid is as wrinkle-free and smooth as possible; any wrinkles are friction! You might want to bring a small pair of scissors for this job.
Keeping Feet Dry and Clean
When it comes to a blister-free foot, moisture is the enemy. This is mainly the case on a protracted trek, just like the Annapurna circular trek, as you may be handling many environments, ranging from humid low altitude snow-stuffed passes. When you are taking a shower or forestalling consumption, kick off your socks and boots and allow your toes to air out and dry. In the monsoon period, make sure you carry a waterproof gaiters and one more pair of dry socks in your waterproof bag. You can also dust on foot powder or lubricate with a product like Body Glide to decrease moisture and friction.
The Role of Proper Lacing
How you lace your boots makes all the difference in your foot’s comfort and potential blistering. A secure lacing pattern will help keep your foot from sliding around when you’re climbing grades. When descending, tighten the laces less so that your toes do not bang back and forth up front, causing blistering on the toes. There are two main reasons to learn alternative lacing patterns: To improve the natural fit of your boots outdoors and, from a long-term comfort perspective, to reduce pressure points.
Maintaining Foot Hygiene and Health
Off-trail, foot care is ongoing at the teahouses. Ideally, try to wash your feet every night with soap and warm water. And it feels great and is a good way to avoid infections. For all of those little nicks or scratches, you can also put a dab of antiseptic cream. After all, rubbing your feet increases blood flow — and can help naturally combat swelling. Also, get your toenails trimmed ahead of the trek so it doesn’t push in against a boot and make you feel uncomfortable.
And Some Ideas For Side Trips, Like The Tilicho Lake Trek.
And for those who choose to tack on a side trip like the challenging Tilicho Lake Trek, foot care is even more critical. This add-on whisks you to higher, more rugged climes. Basic blister prevention rules (solid footwear, moisture-wicking socks, being rational) become downright required. The facilities on this part of the route are also very limited – you will need a good first aid kit.
Final Note on Blister-Free Annapurna Circuit
Blisters don’t have to be the prescribed pain of your Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal. And with the good gear, preparation, and preemptive measures, you can help… Rubber down those puppies so they will be happy puppies for your entire adventure. The hike is a marathon, not a sprint, and good foot care is one area of training that merits the investment. If friends and family could borrow your brain for a minute to see what goes on up there, they would think you’d taken every safety measure possible, including the extra step of focusing exclusively on the endless beauty that is the Himalayas rather than getting bogged down in doomsday-like scenarios (at altitude) that occur when alpine travel isn’t properly packed for.