Why must you sign up for at least one trek in your life?
George Michael Fernandez
Written on 13th Aug 2021
George Michael Fernandez
Written on 13th Aug 2021
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” – Edmund Hillry
Year after year, hundreds of city dwellers head to mountains in pursuit of reinventing themselves by going on a trek. It is a chance to put yourself out there in the middle of mountains where it’s just you and nothing in between. These are the times when no electronic gadget would be of any help and that’s when you push your physical and mental limits.
Signing up for a moderate trek is not so much different from going on a long walk but a trek always involves varying altitudes and tricky terrains. This could mean that sometimes the climbs might be strenuous but are definitely rewarding since you might be crossing freshwater streams, camping on cold meadows, and removing yourself out of all of the comforts offered by the civilization.
For first-timers, going on a trek is an unreal experience. Seasoned trekkers always say that mountains are the best teachers, especially when it comes to mastering the art of patience and perseverance. Because, once you start off on a trek, there’s no looking back. The trail that’s lying ahead of you is your mentor and you’ve to resort to it no matter the struggle. At the same time, the key to acing a hike is by focusing on taking one step at a time and to not get overwhelmed by the trail.
Signing up for treks from time to time is a proven way to stay fit and lead a healthy lifestyle. Walking on these rugged terrains for five to six hours a day is not an easy feat and it cannot be achieved without paying attention to your health. The enchanting beauty of mountains and your thirst to go there would remind you of why you should not go all out and harm your health with habits like smoking and excessive drinking.
While you trek, there’s always a chance of encountering another culture. It’s not like going to a museum and watching a curated set of their artifacts but witnessing their life unfolding in front of your eyes, in their own habitat. You’ll exchange stories with gypsies and live their life while you’re in their land. These sorts of experiences are not something you’d usually get on a road trip but when you trek there’s no other option but to live life the “local” way. A trek will let you hold the keys to another world in your hands.
Being part of an exciting trek is an exercise in being in the present. It is a moment where nothing else matters as you’re away from all the distractions and clutter. A lot of companies encourage their employees to go on treks as they find it effective to boost employee morale. There’s an increasing trend of employees coming back with innovative ideas after going on a trek. The clear-headedness offered by the trail gives you the perfect ambiance to sit down and reflect. Just imagine the gorgeous mountains performing a symphony to your solitude.
Usually, you’ll be trekking with a bunch of strangers and the bond you form with them might last for a lifetime. Because, on a trek, you’re stuck with these people, with no gadgets to depend on. Conversations happen, stories are exchanged and all of a sudden, you’re best friends. In the vastness of these mountains, these people become your family. These are the people who’d ask you to push yourself and overcome the challenges posed by the mountains. It’s the trek family with whom you’ll dine and live the mountain life. After the trek gets over, it’s not just the mountains you start missing but the people too.