How Trekking Helped Swapna Quit a Fast-Paced Life to Pursue Things She Likes

"I had always been a beach person in my life. One day, a friend of mine introduced me to the idea of trekking. I had my doubts but then she said, “You have to go on a trek once. You will either fall in love with it or never trek again.”

So in 2017, I went on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek with my friend through Indiahikes. She was right, I went weak in my knees seeing the beauty of that trek.

It affected me so deeply that I decided to go to Kedarnath post that experience. I went there alone, it was my first time doing something like this.

Since then, I have done about 7-8 treks, all with Indiahikes. And trekking has completely changed the whole dynamics of my life.

I used to run a Cafe & Bar for 8-9 years in Hyderabad. As I started trekking, I started reflecting more and more on my lifestyle and career. With more exposure to the outdoors, I started feeling very worthless about the fast-paced life I was living.

It took 1-1.5 years to make it happen but I finally sold my restaurant business in 2018 to pursue the things with which I really connected.

I wanted to do more trekking, focus on my health and spend quality time with myself.

People find it weird that I do nothing in life now so how do I manage to live. Well, I follow a very minimalistic lifestyle and my needs are very limited. So I am able to spend on trekking experiences.

I never thought I would physically transform so much. I have become a regular runner. I run in marathons and triathlons as well. I have become fond of long-distance swimming.

A few years ago, my parents passed away and there was a huge void in my life. The Himalayas healed me from within. Being around them I realised nothing is permanent. All that matters is being in the present moment.

Honestly, to live a life like this has only been possible because of the self-realisation these mountains have given me. I did not have so many needs to keep running from point a to b. Besides taking care of my basic necessities, all I want is to trek more and keep myself fit for it.”

- Swapna Gangadharan, Indiahikes Trekker