It all started in 2023, when my mother had the idea of going on a trek in the Himalayan regions. We had done several day treks around Bangalore by then, but now we decided it was time to take it further — to trek somewhere with real elevation. She booked the tickets with a little hesitation. And just like that, the Himalayas weren't a dream anymore.
Soon, training had begun. My parents had to run 5 kilometres in 35 minutes so they could complete the trek with ease. I, on the other hand, just had to pack my bags and get on a plane. I didn't have to train at all — and I won't pretend I wasn't feeling a little smug.
Cloth burritos and last-minute gear
When the trek was only a few weeks away, we realised we didn't have any of the gear we actually needed. So we went to the one and only Decathlon and got jackets, bags, and everything else on the list.
The best part of packing, though, was making cloth burritos — folding our t-shirts and pants in tight little rolls to save every inch of space in our bags. We packed snacks, we double-checked everything, and after a few days, it was finally time. We got on the plane and started our journey to Dehradun.
Strangers in the mountains
There we were, finally at Dehradun airport, ready to take our cab to Rishikesh — where we'd meet our trek buddies and start our bonding sessions. Honestly, this is one of the best parts about group treks. At first they're strangers. Then the next morning, you're laughing like old friends.
"There's something about people who choose to go into the mountains that makes them easy to connect with. Curious spirits, all of them."
Where it really started
After Rishikesh, we reached our campsite, and then the trek finally began. This is where it all started for my family and me. As we walked our trails — listening to birds chirping, looking at the ethereal views, feeling the cool winds on our skin — we were amazed by every new experience. Cosy tents. Snug sleeping bags. The little rituals of mountain life.
The best part was the variety of small things we got to do — silent walks at dawn, and washing our cutlery in ice-cold streams after every meal. The streams themselves, and the break points in between, had us stunned every single time.
The exact moment it began
This is when it all started for us. It wasn't the summit. It wasn't some grand moment. It happened on an unremarkable stretch of land, with a snack in our hands and the wind in our hair.
That's when the addiction began.
And we haven't stopped since.