Hiking vs Trekking - What’s the Difference between a Hike and a Trek?

This is by far one of the most common questions we get from people. Not just us, the query is often googled. 

So, What is the difference between a trek and a hike?

I am sharing our CEO Arjun Majumdar’s video, where he briefly talks about the difference. Here we start hiking vs trekking.

Reiterating what he said: there used to be no difference between a hike and a trek! We were talking about the same thing all this while but using different terms. The term ‘Hike’ is an American version, and the term ‘Trek’ is the English (British) version.

Over time, the usage of these words has evolved. So, now there’s a difference between both of these terms.

What is a Hike?

Hiking involves walking on a well-marked easy trail. On a hike, you walk on more accessible trails. There could be a single-day hike or a multi-day hike. It depends on the trail and how you choose your itinerary. 

Shachi Tripathi, Programme designer and trainer at Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL) and a former trek leader, says, “A hike could also be termed an introduction to the world of trekking.” 

Our chief explorer at Indiahikes, Nitesh Kumar, points out three famous hikes in the Himalayas for beginners.

1. George Everest
2. Triund 
3. Kheerganga

I can list endless trails around the country. The ones I have listed are from the Himalayas. We have beautiful hiking trails in the Western Ghats and Sahyadris, and then we have gems in central India. You can also go on day hikes/weekend hikes (multi-day hikes) around the city on your own.

Indiahikes has documented a list of more than 365 short hikes and treks in our country that can be done in DIY (Do-it-yourself) style. Tagging along the List of best day hikes around Bangalore. Check out if you are in and around the city.

What is a trek?

A trek involves walking on a trail that requires you to do a considerable climb, and you gain a lot of altitude over the days of your walking the mountains. Because of these mentioned reasons, a trek is comparatively more challenging than a hike.

Shachi further adds, “As a hike is an introduction to the world of trekking, experiencing a trek is a more serious dive”. 

If you want to know more about the best treks season-wise, I suggest you read our exhaustive blog on 4 best treks in each season.

Now you know the primary difference between a hike and a trek. As you scroll down this article,  I will list down more parameters to give you a better understanding.

1. Terrain:

When on a hike, you will see easy-going terrains. The trails are well-marked and easily accessible. Treks, on the other hand, could have easy-going or harsher terrain. In many of the moderate, moderate-difficult, and difficult treks of our country, you climb steep slopes and venture through forests and clearings.

2. Gear: 

As a hiker, you need minimum gear since a hike is not as challenging as a trek. For a hike, you would essentially need a 10L/20L backpack, hiking shoes (regular sports shoes would also work depending on the terrain), a water bottle, a first aid kit, and a rain jacket. In most hikes, you do not have to carry a kitchen system (flint and portable stove) or a sleeping system (sleeping bag and tents). But If it is a multi-day hike and you are camping, then you need all of this! 

On the other hand, when you are on a Himalayan trek like Kuari Pass, you need a maximum 50L backpack, a good pair of trekking shoes, trekking poles (at least one), trek pants, micro-spikes (if you are trekking in winter), rainwear, ropes, and more. Additionally, you need a kitchen system and a sleeping system too.

Please Note: Gear primarily depends upon the difficulty and duration of the trek. You should be updated with all the ‘Gear Information’ before packing for your trek.
As outdoor sports like trekking and hiking are getting very popular in India, there’s a big market building for gear. Brands like Wildcraft, Quechua, Forclaz, Salewa, Salomon, Rei, Columbia, and Patagonia are bringing a separate line of products for trekking and hiking.

How to Physically Prepare for a Hike?

In our experience of taking people outdoors, we have seen most people completing their single-day and multi-day hikes with ease. In order to have a fulfilling hiking experience in the outdoors, you should be physically fit. 

If you lead an active lifestyle and regularly run or take brisk walks, you're fit enough for a hike.

How to Physically Prepare for a Trek?

Preparing for a trek is even more important. 

Below, I am briefly listing a few pointers that will help you physically prepare for your trek.

1. Regular running 
2. Go for long walks. And when we talk about walking, it should be active-brisk walking. 
3. If you are going on a Himalayan trek, in addition to the above two pointers, you should have an active regime.

I would recommend you read this complete training guide so that by the end of it, you’ll know exactly where you stand and what you need to work on when you sign up for your Himalayan trek.

More or less, for both of these outdoor sports, you need to prepare yourself physically

Hiking with Family

This is another important thing that I want to talk about. Hiking is a wonderful way to expose children (and even seniors) to the outdoors. 

We at Indiahikes always talk about hiking as a wonderful family ritual. It prepares your children to interact with the outdoors, prepares them for greater adventures, and makes them more curious about the outdoors. It builds confidence, resilience and a deeper connection to nature. 

Hiking is an amazing medium that will help you, your parents, and your children for trekking in the Himalayas, not just physically but mentally. 

So, What’s the Difference Between Trekking and Hiking?

Hiking refers to walking on simple well-marked trails and trekking refers to covering a trail that requires a considerable climb, and you gain a lot of altitude over the days. Hiking is comparatively easier than a trek. And you don’t need technical gear for a hike, which is mandatory for a moderate, moderate-difficulty, and a difficult trek.

Now, you can easily differentiate between the two. You can drop in the comments if you have any further doubts. 

I hope this article on trekking vs hiking helped you get a better understanding of both verticals of the outdoor world.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Hiking shoes vs trekking shoes, which one should I choose?

Trekking shoes can be good for hiking too. As treks are usually more challenging, they ask for more durable gear. Hence, you can comfortably wear trekking shoes for your hikes.

2. What are the similarities between hiking and trekking?

Hiking and trekking both take you outdoors. Hiking is the introduction to the world of trekking. One more similar point is that both of these outdoor sports positively impact your mind, body, and soul.