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How Swarada’s Family Influenced Her to Become a Trek Leader

How Swarada’s Family Influenced Her to Become a Trek Leader

Category Transformation Stories

By Sneha Yadav

2022-04-01

“My trekking journey started when I was a kid. I used to go on treks with my family to the Sahayadris. This culture of trekking in our family knew no bounds. It brought us together.

Due to trekking, I grew resilient from a young age. On treks, I learned that when I am outside of my comfort zone, instead of panicking, I tune into the learning zone.

After completing Engineering I started working as a Software Developer in Pune. But I did not find my working environment satisfactory. I felt like I did not belong there.

The thought of making a career in the outdoors started looming in my mind.

During that time, I went on a trek to Har Ki Dun with Indiahikes. It was my fourth trek with IH. On the trek, our Trek Leader asked everyone from the team to volunteer for becoming an acting Trek Leader for a day.

I immediately took up that opportunity and decided to go for it.

After being a Trek Leader for a day I realised it was such a powerful opportunity to make a shift in people’s mindsets and to spread awareness about the right spirit of trekking.

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Swarada found her happiness amidst mountains

That experience was a turning point for me. It almost came as an answer to the questions I had in my head about my choices. That’s when I decided to apply at Indiahikes.

Even after becoming a Trek Leader, I have never felt restricted to working outdoors.

There was a time when I had to come and work from the office for a few months. Even that felt as meaningful as trek leading. It happened because at Indiahikes — on the field or at the office — we are constantly working towards creating high impact work that changes the lives of people every day."

- Swarada Ghangurde, Outdoor Leader at Indiahikes

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Sneha Yadav

Trek Coordinator

About the author

Sneha Yadav is a part of the Content Team at Indiahikes. She manages the Social Media content. Previously, she worked as an Experience Coordinator and before that as a Green Trails Fellow on our Himalayan trails. She graduated from Delhi University with an Honours in Economics. She has a keen interest in theatre and has performed plays on various social themes. Sneha loves to trek, and believes trekking is a way to keep the mind and body fit.

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