A "Trek-ilicious" Experience


My first overnight trek in the Himalayas was an unforgettable experience. I hiked alongside my elder daughter, and together we braved challenging trails, reveled in breathtaking scenery, and shared unforgettable moments. Our trek partner, Indiahikes, exceeded expectations with their delicious food, knowledgeable guides, and commitment to environmental conservation.

Going into a Himalayan trek, my idea of food was hot noodles and may be hot water to beat the cold and hunger. India hikes surprised us all in this regard - Delicious breakfast, a variety of full Indian lunch and dinner, tea and snacks in the evening! A Surprise sweet at the end of each dinner was cherry on the top. We put our bodies through tough times ascending and descending through the seemingly never ending mountains and valleys. It felt like we deserved to eat delicious food after a hard day of trek. The food tastes even better with that feeling. It was not merely a treat for the palate.

Having the right frame of mind is an important aspect in enjoying and being successful in any endurance activity. It forms a key pillar in my distance running adventures. Having the right mindset towards oneself, fellow trekkers and the nature that surrounds us is something I learnt in this trek. We came as 26 individuals and went back as team Special Chabbis (like the Bollywood movie). This journey was championed by Indiahikes Trek leadership team on the ground. Above and beyond this, the "Green Trails" initiative by India Hikes is indeed a "food for thought". The team managed to collect over 11 Kilograms of trash from the trail!

Beyond the palate and mind, it was a soulful experience. The changing scenery as we move from the plains to lower and then towards upper Himalayas is a visual delight - The sight of filtered sunlight in thick forest, sound of chirping birds and flowing streams, the thrill of walking along a ridge and the limitless green of the meadows. All this is dwarfed by the mighty Himalayan ranges in the backdrop. The change of mood from dark clouds, rain, hail, snow to clear blue skies felt like stages of life speeding across the timeline. It truly felt like a "theatre of dreams".

Washing our own utensils with drip water in cold weather, beating the night cold, Slushy campsite, slippery descent after rains, mid night ascent to Chandrashila and walking (read skating) on black ice were some of challenges we had to face.

I'm sure my daughter faced additional challenges, such as my constant sermons about where to step and how to hike. She must have thought of me as a broken record. However, these challenges tend to bring out the best or worst in you. It pushes the boundary and allows one to self-reflect.

Such an experience offered by trekking that feeds the body, mind and soul is what I describe as "trek-ilicious" experience.

Enjoy some of pictures of our Deorital-Chandrashila trek experience.

Happy Trekking!


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