The closest I got to Heaven.

Utopia exists, it exists on the zenith of the Himalayas.

My heart rate was over 130, the chilly winds were saying hello every minute and my body was begging me to rest, but I remained impervious to any sensations. I was witnessing the most spectacular, picturesque, and romantic visual from the summit of the Kedarkantha(Himalayan Mountain peak).

Himalayan trekking is not as difficult as it sounds, and there are many misconceptions that people have, creating unnecessary fear and sometimes causing harm. I have debunked some of these myths in this blog and I hope it helps you!

#Myth 1: Everest, Kachenjunga, K2 = Himalayan Treks

We have been taught in our geography classes that the Himalayas are home to the highest peaks of the world and trekking means climbing mountains. Putting 2 and 2 together, we conclude that these mighty and humongous peaks are the only Himalayan treks. They are referred to as the Eight-Thousanders(8000m/ 26250ft high) and are the most gruelling treks. Don’t worry, you can still tick off a Himalayan Trek from your bucket list because there are more than 25+ treks you can choose from that are half as high as the Eight-Thousanders. Trekking Organizations like IndiaHikes, TrekTheHimalayas, YHAI etc provide all the necessary information.

#Myth 2: It involves Rock climbing and Mountaineering

Most people do not know the difference between Trekking, Mountaineering and Rock Climbing. Trekking is termed as a journey on foot that goes on for days, weeks or even months. Mountaineering means reaching the summit of any mountain in harsh conditions that requires proper equipment and expertise whereas Rock climbing is ascending vertical cliffs using the hands and feet. An easy-to-moderate Himalayan Trek does not include rock climbing and mountaineering, and the ascent is gradual for most part. There might be a small section of some steep climbing, but it is not 90°.

#Myth 3: Prior experience is mandatory and would prevent AMS

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a terminology every trekker must know. It occurs at altitudes above 8000ft because of low oxygen levels and reduced air pressure. Trekkers are prone to AMS and if the remedial action is not taken at the right time, it can be fatal. Having said that, a person whose first trek ever is a Himalayan Trek and a highly experienced trekker would have the same chances of getting AMS. The key to a high-altitude trek is staying fit and increasing stamina.

#Myth 4: Age is a constraint

During my Kedarkantha trek with IndiaHikes, we had reached the summit and were returning to our base camp. I had the physical strength to move further but the severe headache was enervating. A twelve-year-old girl who had come with her family starts walking beside me and initiates a conversation. Before I even realize, we are back at the base camp. Mental strength is equally important and that day, a small kid helped me recover mine. Gopal Vasudev Lele, 81 years old has been to the Himalayas over 10 times. He says, “Health and fitness is all in the mind.” – couldn’t agree more!

#Myth 5: There’s snow throughout the trek

The expectation of most first-time trekkers is to find snow everywhere in a Himalayan trek and they get disappointed when the reality hits them. A trek starts from a village or a small settlement situated at roughly 5000ft-7000ft. The first glimpses of snow on a trek would depend on the season, and even for a winter trek the snow line is usually above 9500ft. The snow line has receded over the past decade and no surprises there with climate change doing its job. Sadly, nature's fate rests in our hands and we are ruining it every single day.

#Myth 6: Drink Alcohol when you feel cold

Alcohol on high-altitude treks is like a mirage, you will be enticed to have it but will fall into the trap of AMS and hypothermia. Alcohol provides temporary warmth by dilating the blood vessels and rushing the blood flow to our extremities i.e the surface of our skin. This causes the temperature to reduce in our body causing Hypothermia. It also dehydrates the body, increasing the chances of getting Acute Mountain Sickness. Do not make this mistake!

I am eagerly waiting to plan my next Himalayan Trek, what about you???

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