Trekking in the Himalayas- experiences and learnings for a lifetime
I am a sucker for adventures and high-intensity sports. The adrenaline rush and the feeling of euphoria during these activities allure me more than anything else. I love the outdoors. Diving in the ocean, swimming in blue water, and climbing breathtaking mountains, are the moments I cherish.
Trekking was one such activity I wanted to do for a few years. Challenging yourself by partaking in a multi-day trek, while witnessing the most spectacular landscapes in the world, meeting new people and disconnecting with the outer world, sounded like the most amazing adventure to me.
In the spring of this year, I decided to go on a Himalayan trek, climbing the mountain Kedarkantha. The mighty Himalayas have many amazing treks to offer. I decided to go to Kedarkantha because it was one of the only few available, as I made the bookings two days before the starting day of the trek, and the most famous one. It was a good time to do it in spring, given the number of trekkers was limited compared to the winter season when it can get very crowded.
At first, I was a little hesitant to go solo on this trek, but I am glad I did it that way. I had heard how solo travelling can be a life-changing experience, and now I can vouch for that. Solo-travelling gives you more time to introspect, live with your thoughts, and learn more about yourself. It also forces you to talk to strangers and connect with people, which is a valuable learning opportunity. Trekking provides the perfect environment to connect with new people, as you have to live with them for the duration of the trek without any connectivity with the outside world.
Trekking at a high altitude and for long durations requires good physical and mental fitness. On treks, you end up walking and climbing for hours, so you can enjoy it better if you are fit. I love that trekking demands fitness as it encourages me to keep working out for my future adventures.
Trekking also teaches you the importance of having less stuff. The less you carry, the easier the journey, providing you with a more enjoyable experience. Less stuff doesn't mean you don't pack the essentials. Not having the requisite trekking accessories might jeopardize your health and life. Trekking is a very Minimalist activity in that sense. It teaches you to appreciate the simple things and substantiates that they are enough for lasting experiences and happiness.
The landscapes, the meadows, the sky full of stars, the dense forests, towering mountains, snow-clad terrains, and sightings of rare species of plants, flowers and animals, makes trekking a gripping adventure.
It makes me very joyous, knowing that in India, we have the divine Himalayan range and the possibilities of exploration and trekking it provides. These mountains make me feel peaceful, humble, and blessed, and I look forward to exploring and learning more from them.