Quick answer: To use trekking poles, set them so your elbow bends at about 90 degrees on flat ground, put your hands up through the straps, and plant each pole beside the opposite foot. Shorten them for climbs, lengthen them for descents. Trekkaro's winter treks include poles in the Free Trekking Gear, with SpO2 checked twice a day at every campsite.
Why use trekking poles at all?
Trekking poles turn two legs into four points of contact. On a climb they let your arms push you up, so your legs tire more slowly. On a descent they take part of each step's load before it reaches your knees. In snow they give you a third and fourth point of balance when a foot slides.
That last point is why poles matter so much on a winter trek. On the Chopta Chandrashila trek, the steep descents on Day 3 are hard on the knees, and the stretch from Tungnath to Chandrashila is the steepest of the trek. On Nag Tibba, a section of the climb is under snow from about December to February and can be slippery. Poles make both easier and safer, and on Trekkaro's winter treks they come with the trek.
How long should your trekking poles be?
Start with the flat-ground setting. Stand upright in your trekking shoes, hold the pole by its grip with the tip on the ground beside your foot, and adjust the length until your elbow bends at about a right angle, with your forearm level with the ground. That is your base length.
Then change it with the slope, a few centimetres at a time:
| Ground | Pole length | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Flat or gentle trail | Base length, elbow at a right angle | Your arms swing naturally and the poles keep your rhythm |
| Steady climb | Shorter than base | The tip lands higher up the slope, so a long pole would push your hands up to shoulder height |
| Steep descent | Longer than base | The tip lands lower down the slope, and a longer pole reaches it while you stay upright |
| Traverse across a slope | Uphill pole shorter, downhill pole longer | Both hands stay at the same height on uneven ground |
Poles that adjust in length make this possible. The poles in Trekkaro's Free Trekking Gear are anti-shock and length-adjustable, and at the pre-trek gear check they are set to your height before you start walking. After that, change the length yourself as the trail changes, and check that each lock is tight before you lean on the pole.
How do you hold a trekking pole?
Put your hand up through the wrist strap from underneath, then bring it down and grip the handle with the strap running across the back of your hand and under your palm. Done this way, the strap takes some of your weight when you push down, and you can hold the grip lightly instead of squeezing it all day.
Keep your grip relaxed. A tight grip tires your forearms and makes your hands colder in winter, when you are wearing gloves. On a steep, slippery descent, some trekkers take their hands out of the straps so a pole caught between rocks cannot twist the wrist; ask your trek leader what suits the stretch ahead.
How do you walk with poles on climbs, descents and flat ground?
On flat ground, use the opposite arm and leg, the way your arms swing when you walk: right foot forward with the left pole, left foot with the right pole. Plant each tip beside your foot, not far in front of it, and let the pole push you forward.
On a climb, shorten the poles and plant them close in front of you, then push down as you step up. On a steep section you can plant both poles together and step up between them. Take short steps; on the Nag Tibba climb the advice is the same: shorten your stride, breathe steadily and use your trekking poles.
On a descent, lengthen the poles and plant them ahead of you before each step down, so the poles meet the slope first and your knees take less of the load. Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight over your feet, not leaning back. On long descents, such as Day 3 on Chopta Chandrashila, this is where poles save the most effort.
How do you use trekking poles in snow?
In snow, poles are for balance first. Plant them firmly before you move your feet, keep them a little wider apart than on dry ground, and walk in the line your guide sets. On packed snow and ice the grip comes from your feet, not the poles: the microspikes in the Free Trekking Gear strap over your trekking shoes for grip on hard-packed snow and ice, and the gaiters keep snow out of your shoes. Our guide to microspikes for winter treks explains when they go on, and the forecast on the India Meteorological Department's Dehradun centre shows when fresh snow is due.
Ropes are not used on the Uttarakhand winter treks. On Kuari Pass and Chopta Chandrashila, for example, the team clears the trail after fresh snowfall and helps trekkers across slippery sections. If a pole sinks deep into soft snow, pull it out with a gentle twist rather than a sharp yank, so you stay balanced. If your poles have snow baskets, fit them before the snow; they stop the tip sinking as far.
Which mistakes should you avoid with trekking poles?
| Mistake | What it causes | The fix |
|---|---|---|
| Poles set too long on a climb | Hands at shoulder height and tired arms | Shorten them before the climb starts |
| Planting the tip far in front | The pole pulls you forward instead of pushing | Plant beside or just ahead of your foot |
| Locks not fully closed | The pole collapses under your weight on a descent | Check each lock by pressing down before you set off |
| Gripping hard all day | Sore forearms and cold hands | Use the strap and hold the grip lightly |
| Leaning your full weight on one pole | A fall if the tip slips on ice | Keep your weight over your feet and use poles for balance |
| Using only one pole on steep ground | Uneven load and less balance | Use a pair on snow and long descents |
When you do not need the poles, on a rocky scramble where you need your hands or on a flat stretch near camp, shorten them fully and strap them to the side of your backpack. Our guide on how to pack a trekking backpack shows where they fit with the rest of your load.
Do you need to buy trekking poles?
Not for Trekkaro's winter treks in Uttarakhand. A pair of anti-shock, length-adjustable trekking poles is one of the five items in our Free Trekking Gear, worth ₹1,499 to buy. The kit also has Decathlon Quechua TREK 100 trekking shoes, a Quechua SH100 jacket rated to -10°C, gaiters and microspikes, and the five items together cost about ₹13,395. There is no rental fee, only a ₹3,000 refundable deposit and a ₹200 washing charge, plus GST on the washing charge; the deposit comes back by UPI within 7 working days of the gear check.
On Chadar, Hampta Pass, Kashmir Great Lakes, Valley of Flowers, Bhrigu Lake and Rupin Pass the full kit is not included, so bring your own poles there; Trekkaro gives free microspikes and gaiters on those treks.
What should you check before you book a winter trek?
Whether you need to buy poles depends on what comes with the trek. These are the questions to ask; the last column gives Trekkaro's answers on its winter treks.
| What to check | Why it matters | With Trekkaro |
|---|---|---|
| Are trekking poles in the fee, and are they adjustable? | Without adjustable poles you cannot shorten them for climbs or lengthen them for descents. | Yes, anti-shock, length-adjustable poles, set to your height at the gear check. |
| Do shoes, a jacket, gaiters and microspikes come too? | Without them, poles alone do not keep you upright on ice or dry in snow. | Yes, Free Trekking Gear with a ₹3,000 refundable deposit and a ₹200 washing charge; buying the kit costs about ₹13,395. |
| How many times a day is SpO2 checked? | Without regular readings, a trekker struggling on a climb may have altitude sickness, not tired legs. | SpO2 and pulse twice a day at every campsite. |
| What emergency kit travels with the group? | Without a stretcher and oxygen, a trekker hurt on a descent waits for help from the road. | One oxygen cylinder, one stretcher and a first-aid kit with every batch. |
| How many trekkers per leader or guide? | With too few leaders, nobody helps you across the slippery stretches. | Up to 20 trekkers per batch, one trek leader or guide for every 8. |
| What does the fee include? | Without a written list, gear and permits become extras later. | On the Chopta Chandrashila trek, for example, the fee is ₹8,250 per person plus 5% GST (₹8,662.50 with GST), with stays, tents, meals, permits and the gear kit. |
| What happens if you cancel? | Without clear terms, a change of plan can cost the whole fee. | 70% back at 30 or more days, 50% at 15 to 29 days, no cash refund from 14 days; up to 8 days before, a 100% TrekCash voucher, a free reschedule or a transfer. |
| Can you pay in EMI? | Without EMI the whole fee is due when you book. | EMI starts at ₹425 a month. |
See the Free Trekking Gear | Microspikes for winter treks | Gaiters for trekking
Frequently asked questions
How do I set the right height for trekking poles?
On flat ground, adjust the pole until your elbow bends at about a right angle with the tip beside your foot. Shorten it for climbs and lengthen it for descents.
Should I use one trekking pole or two?
Two poles give even support and better balance, especially on snow and long descents. One pole is easier to carry but loads one side of your body.
Do I need trekking poles for a winter trek like Kedarkantha?
They help a great deal on snowy climbs and descents. On Kedarkantha and Trekkaro's other Uttarakhand winter treks, poles come with the Free Trekking Gear.
How do I use trekking poles going downhill?
Lengthen the poles, plant them ahead of you before each step down, keep your knees slightly bent and your weight over your feet. The poles meet the slope first and take load off your knees.
What should I look for when choosing a company for a winter trek?
Check whether adjustable poles, shoes, a jacket, gaiters and microspikes are in the fee. Then compare SpO2 checks, the oxygen cylinder and stretcher, the 1:8 ratio, what the fee covers, cancellation terms and EMI.
