Last year, we were faced with a difficult conundrum. Should we, or should we not, continue with the fitness checks? 

Our concerns with fitness checks primarily lay in these four areas:

The staggering volume: Conducting fitness checks for 25,000 trekkers every year was proving to be a mammoth challenge. And these numbers were only increasing with each passing year. 

The unfair responsibility: We strongly believe preparing for a trek is a trekker's responsibility. But somehow, by constantly asking for fitness proof, the responsibility of a trekker’s fitness had unfairly shifted to Indiahikes. 

Dishonest trekkers: A few trekkers who managed to trick the system would take pride in having made it to the trek unprepared. This was demotivating for those trekkers who had diligently prepared for the trek. To top it, the tricksters would slow down the entire group by their unpreparedness! 

A safety concern: Despite all these, we were worried about stopping the fitness checks. What if it resulted in more unfit, unprepared trekkers on a Himalayan trek? That would become a huge safety concern.

So we threw this question open to the trekker’s forum, asking—should we do away with our fitness checks? A vast majority of trekkers protested against it. 

“No! Please don't. This, in a way, stands for the Indiahikes' purpose of leading treks safely. This is also a motivation for trekkers to get to the level of fitness required to enjoy the trek. I strongly stand by this. People who are passionate about trekking will vouch for it as it is of great significance.” Vindhya Ramsub

“In my view India hikes stands primarily for two things I like. One is safety of trekkers and second is green trails. If safety is as important, the fitness of trekkers is critical. So dropping fitness is like getting away from core of Indiahikes. You should not even think of it. I know you wont drop Green Trails and same case here.” Ramesh Emani 

There are 337 replies on this thread, most of them requesting to continue checking fitness approvals. This was quite revealing. 

Yet our compulsions were high. Our difficulties in checking fitness were increasing beyond our capabilities. We decided to experiment with an alternate approach for six months. 

In October 2022, we stopped fitness checks for easy-moderate treks.

This experiment was specifically for treks that climbed to around 12,000 ft. It was our safest category. 

These treks have gradual gradients and easily accessible exits. This provided a safety-net while we experimented with stepping back with fitness checks. 

Initially, our teams on the slope reported a negligible difference between the two periods. 

But the unfortunate effects started showing up a few months later. 

These effects were not in favour of the experiment. 

Trek leaders started reporting gross delays in the trek. For example, even on easier treks like the Dayara Bugyal, trekkers who were expected to reach Gui, our first camp, by 11.30 am were reaching only by 1.30 pm. 

“This toppled the entire trek plan. Lunch was getting delayed, trekkers were not getting enough rest, and instead of focusing on experiences, our trek leaders were more worried about giving rest and maintaining timings,” says Arjun Majumdar, Founder-CEO, Indiahikes. The entire focus shifted from enjoying the trek to just struggling to stay on time. 

“Trekkers who had previously trekked with Indiahikes were unhappy. They blamed the absence of fitness checks on the delays. They were not wrong,” says Nandana Kamasani, Head of Experience Coordination at Indiahikes. 

Six months of experimenting have now come to an end. 

3 things we learned from this experiment:

1. Fitness checks are integral to the brand identity of Indiahikes. 

During these six months, we had many Indiahikes trekkers musing about how these fitness checks set Indiahikes apart. There’s a strong impression within the trekking community that Indiahikes trekkers always take fitness seriously. This was a strong brand identity for Indiahikes. 

But over the course of this experiment, the brand identity took a hit. In the absence of fitness checks, there were groups of trekkers who made it to the mountains without preparing for the trek. This affected the quality of the treks and also their Indiahikes experience. They were beginning to question the values of Indiahikes. 

2. Lack of fitness deeply affects the trek experience of the group

We knew about this. But we underestimated how much of the trek would be affected. The growing number of unprepared trekkers in the group started having a domino effect. Trek time, lunch, experiences, and group dynamics took a hit. 

3. Fitness checks keep trekkers motivated.

We realised there were many trekkers who were able to stay on track because of the fitness checks. Sending a fitness screenshot was a conversation starter with an expert. It helped them stay motivated to prepare for the trek. It also helped beyond the trek. They continued on their fitness journey and thanked Indiahikes for it. 

The most important lesson we learned was that we had to bring back our fitness checks. 

Being fit changes the way you trek. It enables you to enjoy the trek. The design of Indiahikes Experience is based on this observation. And over the past six months, we’ve witnessed how deeply fitness (or the lack of it) affects the experience for the entire group. 

Even though it is going to be a big organisational challenge, we are reverting back to our stringent fitness checks. We have brought in new IT systems that will help us screen people faster and more accurately. 

But the truth is, there is no getting away from what we are known for, what identifies us, and what is good for trekking. It is our fitness check to see if you are prepared for the trek. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this update. Drop a comment below. 

Getting fit for a trek is intimidating. You might not know what goals to set and how to reach them. That is why we designed three trek-specific workout guides for you.

Complete the guide over the course of one month. With each week your muscles will shape up and get ready for the steep ascents and descents of the Himalayas!

Save these images for easy access when you’re working out.

Before we get into the schedule you should follow, once you start your trek fitness, it’s easy to just focus on the runs. This happens with many trekkers. Many times, strength training gets sidelined. This is why we have consciously incorporated strength training into your trek fitness routine.

Stretching and strengthening exercises for your trek

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises for Your Trek

The key to avoiding injuries on your fitness journey is to start by stretching. Here are some videos to help you get started.

Fitness plan for easy-moderate treks

5-6 km each day | Gradual ascents and descents | Max. altitude about 12,500 ft.

There are no technical sections on these treks, but there could be small sections of steep gradients or tricky patches that require you to be surefooted.

Refer this chart to plan your fitness routine for easy-moderate treks

- Keep the distance of your run/walk to just 2 km (Week 1), 3 km (Week 2), 4 km (Week 3), and 5 km (Week 4) on running days. Do not increase the distance.

- For Strength Training, do at least 10 repetitions and 3 sets of all the exercises mentioned.

- Take your rest days seriously, and rest. Your body recovers quickly when you rest.

- When you climb stairs, target for at least 15 floors (20 stairs per floor), and repeat it for 3 sets.

- Once you can comfortably run 5 km, the following weeks are focused on building speed.

- On every run day except when you run easy, run 5 km with an intention to finish within 38 minutes. Do not worry if you are not there yet. You will get there by the end of Week 8.

- Strength Training days will be the same as the previous 4 weeks. If you can easily do 10 repetitions and 3 sets of each exercise, increase your repetitions to 15 or 20 in each set.

- For stair climbing, add an 8-10 kg backpack and climb for the next 4 weeks.

What is a repetition and a set? Repetition is the number of times you repeat the workout. A Set is a combination of repetitions, usually performed three or more times during the workout session. For example, doing 10 push-ups, 3 times (10x3=30 push-ups) will constitute 10 repetitions and 3 sets.

Fitness plan for moderate treks

6-8 km each day | The ascents and descents could get steep | Max. between 13,000 ft to 14,000 ft.

You’ll come across tricky patches frequently (like snow or scree), which require you to navigate with a certain amount of caution. There might also be small stream/river crossings.

Refer this chart to plan your fitness routine for moderate treks

To elaborate further, here is an easy plan for you to follow:

- On every run day except when you run easy, run 5 km with an intention to finish within 35 minutes. Do not worry if you are not there yet. You will get there by the end of Week 8.

Fitness plan for moderate-difficult treks

Fitness Plan for Moderate-Difficult Treks

8-12 km each day | Gradual to steep ascents and descents | Max. altitudes of 15,000+ ft.

Expect technical sections (such as rockfall zones, near-vertical sections, glacier walks), which our technical teams will help you navigate.

Refer this chart to plan your fitness routine for moderate-difficult treks

- Keep the distance of your run/walk to just 3 km (Week 1), 4 km (Week 2), and 5 km (Week 3 onwards) on running days. Do not increase the distance.

- On every run day except when you run easy, run 5 km with an intention to finish within 32 minutes. Do not worry if you are not there yet. You will get there by the end of Week 8.

Fitness plan for difficult treks

12-20 km each day | Extremely steep ascents and descents | Max. altitudes till 19,000+ ft.

Technical sections (such as rockfall zones, near-vertical sections, glacier walks, boulder and scree sections) are an everyday affair. Some sections can only be crossed with the help of our Technical Staff.

Difficult treks are the most demanding, which is why we take only those trekkers with prior trekking experience on them. 

To do a difficult trek, target running 10 km within 60 minutes consistently. This will be possible only if you can run 5 km within 30 minutes comfortably before signing up for a difficult trek.

This fitness chart will help you get there by following the plan for 8 weeks (or 2 months) before the start of your trek.

You will receive a questionnaire asking for your current fitness level and high altitude experience. Only those who have prior high altitude trekking experience will be allowed to sign up for difficult treks.

Refer this chart to plan your fitness routine for difficult treks

- Keep the distance of your run/walk to just 5 km (Week 1), 7 km (Week 2), 10 km (Week 3 onwards) on running days. Do not increase the distance.

- Once you can comfortably run 10 km, the following weeks are focused on building speed.

- On every run day except when you run easy, run 10 km with an intention to finish within 60 minutes. Do not worry if you are not there yet. You will get there by the end of Week 8.

Sometimes you may join a trekking group late — less than 30 days to the trek start date. This puts enormous pressure on the training schedule.

In such a situation, start training without losing a day’s delay. You need to compress the training schedule so that it can quickly get you to the cardiovascular threshold of being able to cover 5 km in 40 minutes.

Increase the jogging distance by 0.5 km everyday instead of the 0.25 suggested earlier.

Start by the slowest jog possible by you. Look to see the maximum distance that you can cover without feeling overly fatigued.

The next day, look to increase 0.50 km over the starting distance. Do not worry about the time being taken.

The subsequent day, add another 0.50 km over the last distance covered. Again, do not worry about the time being taken.

Continue the incremental increase of distance for 4 days in a row. On the 5th day take a break. Allow your muscles to recover.

From the sixth day onward, jog for 4 days continuing to increase your distance by 0.5 km every day. Take a break every 5th day. Do not worry about the time being taken.

When you are able to get to a distance of 5 km, note the time taken to cover the distance. This is your starting time.

Over the next few days maintain this distance until your trek starting day. Allow your body to get used to the stress of jogging. This preparation is crucial for the success of your trek.

An ideal benchmark is to cover 5 km in 40 minutes (averaging 8 minutes per kilometer). If you are above 40 years old, then 5 km in 45 minutes would be your benchmark (avg of 9 minutes per km)

The minimum you must aim to do if you are short on time is be able to jog for 4 km in 32 minutes. This is minimum but not ideal. The longer distance you cover, the more endurance you get.

How children can get fit for a high-altitude trek

How Children Can Get Fit for a High-Altitude Trek

We've noticed that many families have started stepping out on high altitude treks with their children. It's a heartening trend! 

But if your child has not trekked in the Himalayas, or locally, or has not been physically very active then you must watch these videos.

Preparing for a trek can be intimidating. We have designed three trek specific guides to help you with your trek fitness.

Trek Fitness Guide for Himalayan High Altitude Treks by Indiahikes

A Complete Trek Fitness Guide for Himalayan High Altitude Treks - From Easy to Difficult Treks

Since a few treks, we are noticing a disturbing pattern of struggle in trekkers because of lack of fitness. Due to this, they miss out on experiencing the joy of finishing the trek. We have always discussed the benefits and the ways you can practice fitness, so in this article, we share the consequences of lack of preparation. 

Following are the repercussions noticed by a few of our experienced trek leaders:

The inability to enjoy the process of trekking and falling behind from your trek mates hampers your confidence. We want you to take home a good experience, but all you will remember is the suffering you had to go through in the process of reaching there. It impacts your thought process, and your interest in trekking will eventually fade you take back self-doubt instead of memorable moments.

When you halt to catch your breath often, it impacts your speed, and you will always be on the lookout for chasing your trek mates. During this, you miss out on enjoying the process of trekking, it becomes a race, and trekking is not about covering the distance. So, a lack of fitness can change the purpose of your trek, which is to enjoy the serenity of the mountains, and for that, you need to be calm and peaceful. 

Rupin Pass and Sandakphu are some of the most extended treks, so you have to cover 10-12 kilometers each day, and it will take seven to eight hours of walking, including many ascending and descending. The duration exhausts people, and the level of impact will be high if you are underprepared, it will be visible through your body language and face. 

Lack of fitness also could be one of the reasons for AMS, we have seen many people going through that once they reach the highest point of the trek. They had to give up after completing more than half of the trek because of the sickness. 

Like any other sport, you are prone to injury while trekking, especially if you are not physically fit. However, the difference here is you will be far away from the network area, city, dispensary, and hospital. The situation can be under control with the help of trek leaders as they are trained to tackle these issues. Still, incidents like this can ruin your entire trek, and the only thing you will remember is the pain, and that's because you did not put extra effort into getting ready for the trek.

Trekking is more about the journey than the destination. Physical fitness is very important to enjoy the journey so that you can return with lots of learnings and memories and discover something new about yourself. So, put a little effort because it's worth 

In the end, fitness is critical for the success of your trek. You sacrifice a lot to sign up for a trek — money, time, so much thought and planning. You do it to enjoy trekking, to enjoy being in nature.

But just putting thought, money and time into registering is not enough. Reality is — you won’t enjoy the trek if you are not fit. 

Check out this article to start with your fitness preparation. Also check out this video by Dushyant Sharma, our senior most trek leader on how to get fit for a trek. 

If you have any question or opinions about fitness, you can head to the Indiahikes community page and write. It is an active community forum where a lot of trekkers share their thoughts. We launched it just last week. (You’ll find several other interesting conversations there too.)

What Happens If You Are Not Fit For A Trek?

A jacket is an extremely important piece of trekking gear everyone must have on a Himalayan Trek. It forms an essential layer not only to keep you warm in the intense cold but also protects you from rain or snow. 

Today we’re sharing with you some of the best jackets trekkers are using. We’ve put this post together because there is a certain confusion among trekkers on which jacket to use for a trek.

Last week, we conducted a survey asking trekkers about the jackets they have found particularly good on a trek. And we got quite a lot of responses. 

We studied the jackets, the specifications, and the reviews. As expected, most of the trekkers' picks turned out to be from Decathlon. Trekking jackets from Decathlon seem to be the most popular among trekkers, especially for their quality and relatively reasonable prices.

This is why this article focuses on trekking jackets to buy and not to buy from Decathlon. 

We do have a bonus section in the end, which covers a couple of other jackets recommended by trekkers using other brands. 

In fact, despite this list of trekking shoes to buy, we would still recommend renting gear. You’ll get high quality jackets at 1/20th of the cost.  

Before we get into the models, please keep in 3 things in mind: 

These jackets have been recommended by trekkers who have used them. This is not a sponsored post.

These are snow jackets that will be suitable for Himalayan winters as well. However, they are not rain jackets. While they may withstand rain for a few minutes, they will not last in heavy rain. 

These jackets are available for both men and women. We have included buying links to all the jackets.

Also, before seeing this article, check out this article and video by Swathi on the type of jacket to invest in - Padded Jacket or Down Jacket. It will help you make a more informed decision

Padded Jackets To Buy From Decathlon For Himalayan Treks

The MT 100 Padded jacket is one of the more popular down jackets among our trekkers. They are perfect for any trek at temperatures below even zero degrees.

 The MT 100 padded jacket is at par with the MT 100 down jackets in terms of weight, warmth and compactness. At Rs 3000, it is also less expensive than the down jacket. 

“We recommend most of our trekkers to invest in a padded jacket rather than a down jacket. Not only is a padded jacket less expensive but also provides the same features a down jacket does”, says Swathi, Head of Digital Content.

Trekker Review: (1) It was very warm (2) Performance in snow and negative temperatures (3) Compact when folded (4) Good fit (5) Nice colour options - Ruchir 

The Trek 500 is an upgrade to the MT 100 padded jacket. It gives more warmth and can withstand temperatures up to -10 degrees.  

At Rs 5500, they are a little more expensive though. “A lot of our trek leaders wear this jacket. Once you get your hands on them, you won’t need any other winter jacket! “, says Aditya Bodke, Slope Manager at Indiahikes.   

Padded Jackets Not To Buy From Decathlon For Himalayan Treks

The MT 50 padded jacket is simply not suitable for Himalayan Treks. It can withstand temperatures up to zero degrees. Temperatures on treks usually fall below that at night.

| Protip: Check out this article on Tips to maintain your padded jacket

Down Jackets To Buy From Decathlon For Himalayan Treks

The MT 100 down jacket is one of the more popular down jackets among our trekkers. They are perfect for any winter himalayan trek like Kedarkantha even when temperatures go below zero degrees.

Down jackets are usually in the range of around Rs. 5,000 to 6,000. You do get more expensive ones with higher fill power which will keep you extra warm. But this jacket has a considerably high fill power as well making  it warm and at Rs 4500, gives you the bang for your buck. They also have multiple colour options. 

Trekker Review: (1) It was very warm (2) Compact when folded (3) Good fit (4) Nice colour options - Vidhyadhara

The MT 500 is an upgraded version of the MT100 jacket. By this we mean that it provides higher fill power and added warmth upto -10 degrees.

We see a lot of trekkers and trek leaders use this jacket. They are extremely effective on all winter treks. At Rs 6000, they might be on the higher end of the budget. But if you are going to use it extensively, they are a great investment to make. 

Trekker Review: (1) It was very warm (2) Performance in snow and negative temperatures (3) Water resistance (4) Compact when folded (5) Good fit - Atharva

We see trekkers and trek leaders alike use the Simon Down Jacket. It is identical to the MT500 in specifications and cost as well. We specifically like the blue & orange colour of this Jacket. 

If you are going to use this jacket extensively, they are a great option to consider. 

Trekker Review: (1) It was very warm (2) Performance in snow and negative temperatures (3) Water resistance (4) Compact when folded (5) Good fit - Sourav

Down Jackets Not To Buy From Decathlon For Himalayan Treks

The MT900 Jacket is an upgrade to the MT500 down jacket. Don't get us wrong, this jacket has all the right features - Warmth, compactness, fit and performance. 

| Protip: Check out this article on Things you must not do to your Down Jacket

Trekking Jackets By Other Brands Recommended By Trekkers

This is a good jacket within a budget of Rs 5,000. It’s not a brand that’s very well-known, yet a few trekkers have vouched for the quality on high altitude treks.

2. Wildcraft - Men HYPAWARM™ Down Innovation Hiking And Trekking Jacket 

Wildcraft is known for its clothing and accessories. This jacket is one of those that justifies its legacy. It comes with a unique HYPAWARM™ technology that will keep you toasty even at below-zero temperatures, of up to -10°C. The 500-fill-power Down Jacket is designed for trekking through winter and monsoon. 

3. Columbia Whirlibird IV Interchange Jacket

Columbia is another brand known for good trekking jackets, although on the pricey side. This one here is recommended by a few trekkers. At Indiahikes, we have been a bit hesitant about 3 in 1 jackets of this kind, since they tend to be heavier. But this one has been used for trekkers who vouch for it. 

That brings us to the end of this buying guide on which trekking jackets to buy in India.

As you saw, most of the trekking jackets were from Decathlon. But we would love to hear about more brands and models that you have used. If you have used any trekking jackets and loved using them, please share your experience in the form below. 

A guide on which trekking jackets and winter snow jackets to buy from Decathlon - Includes down jackets and padded jackets

Which Trekking Jackets To Buy (And Not To Buy) From Decathlon - The Ultimate Guide 2022

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Which Trekking Jackets To Buy (And Not To Buy) From Decathlon

From November 6th till November 17th 2021, Indiahikes conducted its annual training program at Barsu, Uttarkashi. The focus of the training program was to upskill the trek leaders and the local staff who work with Indiahikes. At the end of the training program, they gained hard and soft skills that make them better in their respective roles and in taking the Indiahikes trek experience forward. 

“Indiahikes is a very value-based organisation. At every such training, apart from upskilling team members, one of our goals is to always help them understand the values and the culture of the organisation. The more they feel closer to the organisation, the more they grow” says Lakshmi Selvakumaran, the head of the Experience Team at Indiahikes. 

There were totally 153 participants in the training programs of which 40 were trek leaders from across the country, the rest were local staff from Uttarakhand comprising 31 guides, 26 cooks, 45 helpers, 6 trek managers and 5 store incharges.

The entire Indiahikes team which was present at the training caught in one frame on the last day.

40 trek leaders went through the training program in two groups.  The trek leaders were trained on the experiential learning cycle and to use the method of experiential learning in the outdoors.  Their training was led by Gerrit Onstein, our visiting resource faculty from The Netherlands, who has over 30 years of expertise in the field of Experiential Learning. Through this process, the trek leaders learnt to become strong facilitators of transformation. 

31 guides went through the training program in two groups. They were trained in first aid training. Outside this they also learnt soft skills related to providing trekkers experience on culture and regional knowledge. They also picked up key skills to communicate and facilitate the thought of Green Trails strongly with trekkers. 

Gerrit Onstein conducted training session which helped trek leaders learnt to become strong facilitators of transformation.

71 cooks and helpers went through 3-day programs where they went through extensive training on the technicalities of cooking along with understanding the trekking world a bit more. We also wanted them to understand the roles and responsibilities they have in impacting trekkers’ lives by creating memorable experiences. 

6 trek managers and 5 store in charges improved in their hard and soft skills of managing the backend and assisting the slope managers.

We also had special sessions for the slope managers who overlook all human resources and processes at our base camps to ensure the best experience for the trekkers.

The slope managers being trained by Gerrit Onstein, our visiting resource faculty from The Netherlands.

These trainings provide an opportunity for all the staff to improve their skills and knowledge and raise their standards and capacity in the trekking industry. 

“Aside from the regular training all the team members go through, these group trainings help bring the entire organisation together. Given that Indiahikes is spread out across the mountains throughout the year, it’s very difficult to bring everyone together physically. It means closing down treks for nearly 1-2 weeks. But the sense of community and face to face interaction is something we value deeply, which is why we do such training regularly,” shares Arjun Majumdar, founder of Indiahikes. 

143 Trek Leaders and Staff from Indiahikes Undergo Training at Uttarkashi - Nov 2021

The Indiahikes Weekly Digest brings you the latest news, updates, articles, and videos from the trekking world.

It takes you through everything new in the trekking world. You will find that you cannot ignore any of the sections in this digest.

We hope you find this digest useful, and at some point in time, contribute to it too!

Ali-Bedni Bugyal Trek Now Open for January

We recently opened groups for the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek. But unlike other winter treks, which have groups running in December, Ali-Bedni Bugyal trek has groups opening only from January 10.

This is because of all the winter treks, Ali Bedni has the most beautiful snow covers. As snow cover in December is thin, to make the most of the winter feels on this trek, the best time to trek is from around mid-January.

Brahmatal trek is also in the region. What makes it more special on the Ali Bedni trek is that the slope faces the west. Early in the morning when you are trekking up the slope, the sun slants through the trees hitting the snow at magical angles.

Trekking closer to Ali we get into lovely clearings where the snow sits in vast playing fields. The snow creates a landscape that resembles a land from the story books.

From our camp at Abin Kharak, climbing to the ridge of Ali Bugyal and catching the sunset on Mt Trishul is perhaps one of the best trekking moments that you will have.

Yet, for us it is the way snow settles on the twin meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal that makes us come back to the trek again and again.

The grand face of Mt. Trishul, lighting up at sunset. Photo by Slope Manager Ravi Ranjan

Indiahikes Annual Training Kicks Off at Barsu

Trekkers find it intriguing that each member of the Indiahikes Team is so deeply involved with the vision of the organisation. Right from the local staff to cooks to Experience Coordinators to Trek Leaders, all are working towards one clear goal — Everyone Must Trek, because Trekking Transforms Lives.

Every year, the Indiahikes team comes together for a special annual training (aside from the regular training that occurs). During this time, Trek Leaders, core team members, and all team members on the slope sit together to re-align with the vision and core values of the organisation.

But it isn’t limited just to realigning team members.

Co-Founders Arjun Majumdar and Sandhya Chandrashekharayya taking a session with Guides at Indiahikes. Photo by Swathi Chatrapathy.

There’s also a lot of skill and knowledge building involved. For instance, we have an external trainer, Gerrit Onstein, from the Netherlands training our Trek Leaders. With experience in outdoor training for the past 30 years, Gerrit is helping improve the experience facilitation skills of our Trek Leaders. On the other hand, our team had a session with a physiotherapist to understand how to get stronger and also help in aiding trekkers.

“A Trek Leader (TL), providing transformative experience to trekkers from all walks of life, requires a certain set of skills or the right facilitation strategies. These facilitation strategies are essentially the ability of a TL to direct self-learning in a trekker. With the right facilitation skills, a TL can mold any moment on a trek into an everlasting memory, for their trekker,” shares Syama Krishna Trek Leader turned into a trainer in his blog How A Training Program At Indiahikes Changed My Perspective Of Trek Leading.

Among our cooks, they’re learning interesting methods to reduce fuel consumption while cooking. They’re also learning to bring in more flavours and cuisines into their menu. Our guides, on the other hand, are learning to use soft skills that can help take their careers forward, beyond the technicalities of high altitude trekking.

It’s an experience to be a part of such an intense training program. Especially when it is set against the stunning backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas.

A recommended read on this topic: Last year, after coming back from one such training program, Swathi Chatrapathy, Chief Editor, Indiahikes, penned a blog on the culture of training at Indiahikes and how it sets Indiahikes apart from other trekking organisations.

Our Mountain Lovers Gold Calendar 2022 is here!

Just like every year, this is a large wall calendar, 19 inches in width and 14 inches in height. So the calendar bursts to life, giving you the wonderful feeling that the mountains are truly in your room.Take a look at it yourself.

We’ve chosen these pictures after sifting through thousands of photos.They have all been taken by trekkers and the Indiahikes team. And what an honour it is for them to be featured in this calendar!

Like every year, it’s truly a calendar for mountain lovers.

12 rare professional pictures of our Himalayan trekking trails. It’s easily a head-turner.

The 220 GSM art paper used ensures you can cut out the pictures at the end of the year to make picture frames out of them. It’s matt finish as well, so the photographs won’t glare from any angle.

The Mountain Lover’s Gold Calendar makes it a very unusual and thoughtful gift in case you want to surprise anyone. We ship it in a wonderful hard case cylinder which keeps the calendar in shape.

So order yours soon. Last year our calendar sold out in 11 days. The calendar costs ₹ 490. This includes all taxes and shipping.

Pre-Order Your Mountain Lovers Gold Calendar 2022

The Brahmatal trail in winter is replete with snow, yet accessible through peak winter. Picture by Vishwas Krishnamurthy

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