Trekking

What is Trekking?

Trekking encircles how you reconnect yourself with nature and explore its wonders. Some of life’s best lessons are often encountered in trekking. For adventure enthusiasts and people who love outdoors, trekking is the much sought after escape from their daily mundane life and the indulgence is divine. A trek through verdurous landscapes, lush green meadows, rocky riverbeds, cascading waterfall, and breathing in fresh air will surely elevate your energy. Be it any trail, a snow-capped mountain, a desert, or  a mountain trek ; every journey is desirable.  They give the trekker a chance to witness how intriguingly nature has evolved our lives.

Trekking is no less than any addiction for a trekker who enjoys that adrenaline rush and overcomes challenges. The challenges faced help you to make a better version of yourself. The immaculate and enthralling nature bewitches to dive onto its lap and find comfort in it. Trekking as an adventurous sport gives a front seat experience to witness nature and to explore the various geographical diversities of that trail. It is not about the destination but the arduous journey throughout. As you trek, you come across hamlets and local people. Many times the lifestyle, culture and struggle of locals from rough terrains, are major eye openers. You might also encounter a threatening animal or insect or weather while in a difficult level of trek. Nevertheless, how you face the challenges, how agile and responsible you are while facing any obstacles, makes you a pro in problem solving and enjoying all that. Trekking can be of different types considering level of difficulty, region, weather, month, companion etc. Such outdoor activities have been a part of people's life from ages, which has gradually evolved from a necessity to an adventure sports & team building trek activities.

History of Trekking

“Trek” means a long hard journey and is derived from the Boer language. So it is a long strenuous journey made by foot. Otzi, the iceman, is believed to have climbed the Alps 5000 years ago. But if we go by concrete evidence, then it is the recorded trek of the Roman Emperor Hadrian to Etna in 125 AD.  The people from the Inca Empire climbed the Llullaillaco peak between 1400and 1500’s. The Himalayas were first trekked in the 19th century. Nepal, which is known as the trekker’s paradise, got this name when the British adventurer Bill Tilman made several treks in 1949. James Owen Merion Roberts MVO MBE MC is known as the Father of Trekking.

The Himalayas were always explored by army, pilgrims and traders but organized trekking started only in the 19th century. Trekking is not a new concept. In earlier days, trekking was done by people for livelihood or for escaping to different parts of the country. Earlier it was a necessity due to lack of proper transport systems. Later, for the kings it became a sport for hunting when they would go on trails with their huntsmen. But now it has become more a life changing experience and adventurous sports. 

Trekking in the era of Covd-19 Pandemic

It is proven that trekking benefits mental, physical and spiritual health. The pandemic has been excessively stressful for many and many who know how to tackle this tough time have taken up trekking. Trekking helps soothe nerves and sort our thinking. Few moments of solitude on a trail can boost your energy. If you are one who is caged at home with a WFH, then a short and easy trek can make you feel much refreshed and happier. Trekking not only rejuvenates you but also boosts your immunity.  But, a word of caution is “safety”. Make sure that you do the treks on your own or under the guidance of a professional trekking company and do not go in groups when the Covid-19 surge is high.  You can find a trekking trail somewhere near your city and trek for the benefits it gives you.  Presently, when most people are getting vaccinated or have developed immunity most treks are open and professional trekking & hiking companies like us ensure treks in small group sizes; transport with a trusted transport servicereliable food & beverage resource, well sanitized stay options and COVID test before travel. We advise our trekkers to carry their own cutlery, plate/ box, cup etc., carry your own sanitizers, wear masks (mandatory when in common place or while space sharing like travelling in a bus or jeep) and they should submit Two doses of vaccine/ RT-PCR Negative Certificate.    

Trekking Has Been Changing Lives

Trekking is the best way to appreciate & understand nature, test one's personal attributes of perseverance, will power, attitude to life, adaptability and much more. Apart from the exhilarating and fun part, trekking often brings forth self reconciliation and creates a armony between your contradictory thoughts, aspirations, achievements etc. Trekking makes you physically agile & fit; Trekking keeps your vital organs healthy; Trekking improves mental health; Trekking makes you more creative and observantTrekking enhances your problem solving skills; Trekking makes you a great team player. Trekking with a like-minded crowd can be very inspirational and motivational. It reaps a lot of social benefits and also cultural understanding.  Trekking has become the most trending adventure sports in tourism in the world, primarily because it has  wide scope and is a modern form of adventure tourism, too. 

Anytime is the best time to trek! 

The planning of trekking destinations according to the seasons, month, and your interest is ideal. One needs to pack the right essentials and be ready to enjoy. India is a land of varied topography with mountains, rivers, glaciers, forests and meadows and valleys to explore. So you can trek anytime of the year to enjoy what nature offers. To enjoy the trekking do a good home work and align your interests.   So choose your favorite trek place as per the best season and the best reason. A trek in each appropriate season enhances the enigma and the beauty of the place.

India – A Platter for Trekkers

India as a country is bestowed with diverse landscapes and scenic beauties, which make it a hot destination for trekking. So pack your rucksack, grab the essentials and lose yourself in this mystic land of cultural and spiritual enigma. Terrains, meadows, deserts, mountains, forests etc. are abundantly found here which makes it a trekker’s paradise. India provides a good amount of options for beginners as well as active trekkers.

Let us see some of the most happening trekking trails and destinations in India - season wise for your ease:

  • For summer season treks (May-June), one can venture into Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass and Gaumukh Tapovan. The Har-Ki-Dun trek is also pretty popular in summer. The spectacular views of Swarga –Rohini , Kala Nag and Banderpunch is an added bonus.  The Kuari Pass trek, also known as the Curzon’s Trail offers various beautiful woodlands and mountain villages to trek through.
  • The best time for spring season treks in India is from March to April and the best places are Deoriatal – Chandrashila, Brahmatal and Sadakpu-Phalut.
  • The best monsoon season treks happen from July-September and the best destinations are Hampta Pass, Valley of Flowers and Tarsar Marsar. Ladakh’s Markha Valley trek is also pretty popular in this season.
  • To enjoy the pristine nature in the autumn season from October-November the places to trek are Phulara Ridge, Goechala , Khopra Ridge and the Deoriatal –Chandrashila trek.
  • For winter season treks (December-February), one can go to Kedarnath, Kuari Pass and Dayara Bugyal, The Snow Leopard trek and the Chadar trek in Ladakh.

Some of the most trending trekking trails of India.

The North of India is the home of the majestic range of the Himalayas. Some of the most popular trekking trails are Chadar, The Beas Kund Glacier, Har Ki Dun, Chandrashila Deorital, Kashmir Great Lakes, Hampta Pass, Valley of Flowers, Sandakphu, Kedarkanta, Brahmatal, Goechala, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Pin Parvati and the Bhrigu Lake trail. The Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats in the South India prove excellent choices for the novice trekkers.  Some of the trekking trails here are Kodachari trek, Kumara Parvath trek, Chembra Peak trek Hampi trek, Gokarna Beach trek, Kotagiri Ooty trek, Iruppu Falls trek, Kotebetta trek, and Brahmagiri trek.

The Eastern India is bestowed with scenic mountains, lush valleys, beautiful rivers and forests. It provides many trekking options for the intrepid traveler. Some of the famous trekking trails are Araku Valley trek, Mulkarkha Lake trek, Phalut trek, Goecha La, Kurseong trek, Singalila trek, Parasnath, Green Lake trek and the Lilabari trail.  Similarly, Western India is an adventure packed region for all kinds of trekkers. It provides the enigmatic salubrious beauty of the Western Ghats, long coastline of Arabian Sea and the evergreen forests. The interesting places for trekking in this side of India are Rajmachi trek, Bhandardara, Ratangadh, Pratapgarh, PanhalaTorna, Rajat Pratap, Matheran, Suryamal, Lonavala/Khandala, etc. 

One will never fall short of Trekking destinations in India.

Trekking for the Globetrotters

The world has become too small to explore. For the trekkers who do not want to limit their trekking experience to a particular country, the world becomes their trails to explore. The options are wide and wild too. There is no chance that an avid trekker falls short of any trekking options.

Whether you love the mountains or forests, green meadows or the icy glaciers or steep rocky paths, whether you are a novice or pro in trekking, whether it is an easy going family trekking trip or a trip to unshackle your physical strength, the world has innumerable options. It is all about your preference and physical & mental strength. Some of the world’s most sort after treks are:

  • Everest Base Camp, Nepal
  • GR20, Corsica, France
  • Inca Trail, Peru
  • Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
  • Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
  • Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh, India
  • Routeburn Track, New Zealand
  • Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia
  • The Haute Route, France-Switzerland
  • The Torres del Paine Circuit, Patagonia, Chile

Other famous trails are Altai trek in Russia, Santa Cruz Trek, Cordillera Blanca in Peru, West Highland Way in Scotland, The Fitzroy Trek in Patagonia, Mount Kailash in Tibet, Pays Dogon in Mali, Overland Track in Australia, Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka, The Camino de Santiago in Spain, The lost City of  Teyuna in Colombia, Cinque Terre in Italy, John Muir Trail of the USA, Mount Fuji in Japan, and the Great Wall of China.

Trekking Stay Options and Essentials

One has to assess his capability and aptitude and understand his physical constraints before venturing on a trekking trip. Getting trained beforehand and taking guidance from experts in the field make the tedious journey more enjoyable. Seeking the guidance of an experienced trekker or joining a trekker’s club or hiring any reputed adventure travel company is always a wise decision.  Knowledge about camp crafts and equipment, first aid, map navigation comes handy. Any information about the trekking area, climatic conditions, the geography, the cultural diversity and medical resources definitely give you an upper hand experience. Apart from the tremendous mental willingness and physical power, one must also carry a lot of equipment and items to make a successful trekking experience. Some of the items that you will require include small knapsack, sleeping bag, tent, toiletries, drinking water or water disinfectant, first-aid kit, medicines, camera with extra batteries, flashlights, GPS service, compass, duffel bags, rope, sunglasses, lighter, knife, place & season appropriate clothes, insect repellent etc. Nevertheless, when you trek with professional trekking organizers most of your requirements including stay, food, water, safety, medical aid etc., are taken good care of. 

Tips & Tricks for an Enjoyable Trek

Our trekking experts advise every trekker to make a note of the following:

  • Do not carry even an extra gram. If it is not essential just leave it behind and travel light.
  • Boots support your foot, but all-terrain trainers (shoes) are lighter and dry more quickly, so choose the best and take care of your feet.
  • Always use 2 trekking poles as they help control the knee-crushing descents and protect your knees.
  • The most dangerous is the Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and it can kill, so always ascend slowly; take good rest days to acclimatize for every trek which is above 2,500m in elevation and climb slowly.
  • If you are not cautious of the weather and you ignore its signals, treks go wrong. So check the weather forecasts, understand the condition, and rely on the experts. Do not push against the weather.
  • Don't just pack your bags and join a trek or summit. Warm up yourself for some days or months with walks, stretches, exercises and runs and prepare your body for the exertion.
  • A successful trek involves good planning and homework. Certain routes require permits, Covid test certificates and pre-booking for camp sites, so plan ahead.

WOO Adventures – Your Trustworthy Trekking & Adventure Tour Company

WOO Adventure has always been at the forefront assuring safe trekking practices.  Our expert team of trek leaders has consistently executed successful treks for enthusiasts of different trekking capabilities. From family treks to professional summits, from tourist treks to corporate team building treks, we do it all in our scope. As a professional trekking company, we are environmentally conscious and ensure eco-friendly practices, good waste management, and reduction of carbon footprint. 

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