“I don’t understand what fun do people get in hiking mountains,” asked
a friend from my office, seeing my excitement for my first trek. “Oh,
it’s serene. Surrounded by mountains, you just forget all your stress
and hustle bustle of your daily routine life,” I replied.
For me Travel in itself is exciting. Travel – that one word that can
make my world go round. The one thing that I never want to lose an
opportunity on irrespective of it being a leisure trip or an adventurous
one. The thought of exploring something new is enough for me to pack
my bags and start hunting for some beautiful memories.
So when my friend from Travel Freaks asked me to join them on a trek,
I didn’t want to say no to him. Another reason for it is that I have
never been on Treks before. So after a little thought, analyzing my
budget and effort into getting my leaves approved….I WAS ON FOR THIS
TRIP.
My checklist was with me and seeing that when my office friend
expressed her doubt over hiking, I had a very casual reply. But when I
went for it, I realized it’s more than just being surrounded by nature. A
lot more than just being in nature’s lap. You discover yourself, your
strengths and that’s what this trip did to me. Though I have been on a
solo trip before, with this trip, I discovered some new facets
about myself.
Being my first trek experience, and given the schedule I live, I won’t
say I hardly get time for my fitness. In fact, I don’t get time at
all. So before starting the trek, I had my doubts about if I will be
able to complete my first trek if my friends around me who are
regular trekkers will get hassled because of me? A part of me had its
own doubts, but the adventure junkie in me overshadowed all those and
decided…that I HAVE TO DO IT. So, this was the first thing I learnt
about myself, never give up before trying.
We started for Kheerganga trek in the middle of the afternoon. Four of us
and two guides. And yes, I had my hurdles. I was too slow
compared to my friends. But I was given the benefit of doubt.
Moreover, I was not even in hurry. I just wanted to enjoy my trek
rather than competing it. With all those bumpy ways, I learnt a second
thing, that no matter where you are, you do find your way. There is a
way out in every situation. It may seem tough but there will be a way
out.
So, with all my enjoyment of finding my way out, I finally reached
Kheerganga. And it was beautiful. The view around, the beautiful
sunset…it took away all my tiredness. The beautiful sunset, a cup of
chai and friends around who were smiling and laughing along with you.
It could not get perfect than this.
The next day once again we were ON with our trekking shoes, ready to
go down our way to Barshaini. So, we start walking back again and this
time I was too slow considering I was feeling a little dizziness. My
friends obviously concerned about me slowed down and got me some
energy drink. I didn’t like it, them getting bothered because of me.
They gave my bag to the guide. I felt so weak, mentally. Because as an
independent person, I always liked to do things on my own and hated
to depend on somebody. And as a rule for me, I never allow anyone to
carry my bags. But I had to give in to my friend’s order. Jokingly my
friend also teased me, that if he didn’t have to walk with me he would
have been much faster. And this didn’t go down well with my
egotistical streak, and next thing I started walking with all my
energy and walking way ahead, not looking back and there I realised
the third point, the confidence of going all by yourself. A solo trek
which I might not have done solo.
In between, we came across this beautiful village and beautiful
people, celebrating Baisakhi. Those innocent faces with a welcoming
smile, I joined them in their local dance and tried few steps with
them. Yes, that’s another part of a journey that every travel freak
love to, i.e, explore the local culture.
My friends caught up with me soon and from there on we walked along,
laughing, joking, poking fun at each other and finding our way out.
Dinesh, Neha and Himanshu, Thank You So much
for making my first trek so special and memorable for me. It would not
have been same without you guys. Love you all. Hugs.
She is traveller friend, she is a sweetheart .. to read more about her travel stories go to https://soniadiariesblog.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/discovering-me-with-first-trek/
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