My First Himalayan Trek – A Life Changing Journey

My inclination has always been to view the mountains from a distance, as evidenced by my Instagram photos and travel blogs, and dreamy wallpapers. The thought that I would one day be standing at 12,500 feet, surrounded by snow and silence, made me feel more alive than ever before. Kedarkantha in Uttarakhand was my first trek, and despite feeling nervous and uncertain, it was one of the most unforgettable experiences I've ever had. The prospect of trekking in the Himalayas was tantalising, but so intimidating. I wasn’t an athlete, and I barely did anything daily. Exiting the city and exploring nature was a suitable option. I decided to book the trek through escape2explore, which led to a new beginning filled with adventure, companionship, and self-discovery. Thank goodness.

1. The Decision to Trek.

The decision to sign up for the Kedarkantha trek was not a sudden one, but rather developed gradually over time.' For a few months now, I've been following travel websites like escape2explore and seeing individuals sharing their experiences from treks with others, including myself and some friends. Each tale had a certain vibe within me.' I couldn't help but wonder, "Why am I not able to do it like they can? Being untested and not physically fit was a hindrance to exploring the cold wilderness, and spending extended periods in that environment felt like stepping outside of my comfort zone. Nevertheless, there was a moment on a sluggish Sunday morning when I knew it was time to take action. The routine, the movies, and the city's frenzied atmosphere left me weary. Why? Something that felt like a genuine sensation was what I sought. I wanted a challenge. I was both excited and scared when I contacted the escape2explore team, and they explained what to anticipate, how to get ready, and dispelled my initial hesitation and offering reassurance that everyone was welcome. After receiving the call, I booked the Kedarkantha trek for December and gave myself a month to get in shape before finally starting to count down the days. It was unexpected that one decision would alter my perspective on life. I had no idea.

2. Arrival and First Impressions

I felt it was like the journey back to where we were. We drove from Dehradun for a night to reach Sankri, the small village that serves as the starting point for the Kedarkantha trek. The air was so purified and crisp that I couldn't help but take a deep breath. With the village given snow-capped peaks, towering pine trees provided shade from the clouds. It was surreal. The city of Sankri, where life never slows down, felt as though time had run out. There were genuine smiles, children played in the snow, and nothing was heard except for the wind rustling through the forest. The first morning, while sipping chai with other hikers around a fire, I realised how disconnected I was from basic pleasures.

The escape2explore trek leader briefed us, and I also had the opportunity to meet him. His unassuming demeanour immediately made me feel at ease. He explained how the weather could change rapidly, why it was important to layer ourselves, and how altitude could affect us.’ The. While it was informative, it also made me feel prepared. As I stood amidst the Himalayas, wearing my new winter coat, and looking up, I was overcome with the thought that "This is it for you.". It's finally happening.

3. The Trek Begins

The first day on the trail was a mixture of fear and eagerness. We left Sankri very early in the morning and walked through thickets of pine trees covered with fresh snow. The sunlight glinted through the trees, leaving golden areas on the trail. The snow crunched beneath our boots, and the occasional laughter from our group was the only noise heard. While I thought the first section of the trail was easy, I quickly realised that this was not a walk for everyone. My legs began to ache, and my backpack started to weigh down. My breath became more intense with every step I took. Several times, I recall having doubts about my ability to do it. However, whenever I paused to breathe, the mountains provided me with unwavering encouragement. Our guide from escape2explore maintained a steady pace and regularly checked on all of us.' He recommended taking small steps, drinking water frequently, and paying attention to your body's response as the most important thing. The support made a significant contribution. At midday, we arrived at Juda Ka Talab, a frozen lake with towering trees and eerily quiet surroundings. We had set up our tents nearby, and it was my first night sleeping in a tent in sub-zero temperatures. Despite feeling cold, sore and tired, I was still very happy. There was a sense of calmness that I had never experienced before. I learned from that day: The journey is worth it when you move slowly, breathe deeply and look around.".

4. The Turning Point

It was the most challenging and intense day yet. As we advanced towards the Kedarkantha base camp, the temperature dropped off even more abruptly. The snow piled up, and the trail became steeper. I was harmed by the pain in my legs, my gloves were wet, and I would feel breathless all the time. There was an occurrence where I fell backwards and sat on a rock, feeling completely fatigued both physically and mentally. That was my breaking point. I have a memory of thinking, "I shouldn't have been born for this.". It was suggested that I should consider turning back. The fear of losing my foot also caused me to feel apprehensive about myself. My mind was consumed by the feeling of being too much. Our escape2explore guide returned to check on me shortly after. He gave me a hot cup of tea and smiled, but didn't say much. Despite its insignificant nature, it felt like the most generous thing that could be done. He remarked, "You have already made it to this point.". The summit's reach is not as extensive as it seems. Just keep walking. One step at a time”.

5. Reaching the Summit.

Summit day began at 3:00 AM. It was a completely silent, freezing night with no noise except for boots that were inflexible and the occasional breeze blowing through the trees. We had our flashlights on, we had bags of rucks and hearts were running like. The ultimate challenge was reaching the peak of Kedarkantha, which reaches 12,500 feet. There were more difficult steps than successes.’ The. The altitude caused us to breathe more deeply, and the slope became steeper as we reached the summit. Moving through the darkness with only stars and lights from other trekkers made my experience a magical one. I no longer felt intimidated by the silent treatment. At that moment, we were at the peak as the orange and pink hues of the sky faded with the first light. I'll never forget that moment.

As I ascended to the summit, with layers of snow covering the mountains that gave way to Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and even glimpses of the Gangotri range, it felt like the world had come for once. The sun's gleaming glow was visible throughout the day. Tears in my eyes, not cold because I was crying.’ The. The experience, which included joy, struggle and stillness, made sense at that moment. ". We were all astonished and silent. Just taking it all in. It wasn't just a physical high; it was an emotional one. There was something about me that felt liberated, uplifting, and connected to a higher power. But the view was not enough to get to the top.". The topic of discussion was my ascending order.

6. Lessons Learned.

Kedarkantha trek was more than a mere climb, it was an expedition.". I didn't return from the top as the same person who had been on a bus trip in Dehradun just days before. Resilience was one of the most important lessons I learned. My understanding of what the mind can and cannot do was altered by my realisation. Despite my doubts about taking another step, I managed to do so.'". Nature's beauty greeted me whenever I doubted myself, reminding me of my initial motivation. Why? I acquired the skill of slowing down.' Don’t rush in the mountains. You walk at your own pace, breathe in deeply and soak up everything around you.". This rhythm made me realise how quickly life moves in cities, and how easily we miss when our minds wander. Most importantly, the trek taught me how to be humble.' When you're surrounded by expansive Himalayan peaks, you realise just how small we are. The mountain is not the destination, but rather the place to be respected, to listen and learn from it. It's what matters most in life. The Himalayas were the source of my authentic mementoes, which included connection, gratitude, and patience.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring Treks and Trips from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.

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