“I had signed up for a trek to Kedarkantha during winters in 2019. At that time, I weighed around 103 kgs.

I didn’t prepare much in terms of physical fitness to get ready for the trek. That’s where I made my biggest mistake. I didn’t know what was coming ahead of me. 

The trek was a huge challenge for me. I couldn’t walk for long distances without taking breaks and most importantly, I was barely getting any energy to enjoy the views for which I had come all the way from Mumbai!

My trek leader was Aditya and he noticed how much I was struggling. He was clearly not happy with this. However, the way he managed my whole situation left a very long-lasting impact on my life.

Instead of simply sending me down, he decided to sit with me and have a discussion about how I need to relook at my lifestyle and fitness.

Aditya’s words affected me deeply. I returned midway from Kedarkantha, disappointed but something to look forward to.

After coming back, I made a routine for myself. I kept 3 days a week for cardio where I started with brisk walking and gradually started running for 15 minutes. I also kept 2-3 days for weight training. 

Initially, it was a terrible experience because my body was not supporting me. 

However, every time I thought of giving up I got reminded of my failed attempt at Kedarkantha. 

In 2020, I signed up for my second trek with Indiahikes to Brahmatal and I was 93 kgs.

I was successfully able to complete the entire trek without any difficulties.

It wasn’t just a trek for me. It was a journey of personal transformation.

A moment of rejection due to my own choices in life triggered a lifelong shift in me.

I realised the importance of being fit and having an active lifestyle. 

At present, I weigh around 83 kgs. I honestly didn’t know that being consistent one day at a time could bring me here.

I now plan to go back to Kedarkantha this winter and complete the journey that was left incomplete."

- Gaurav Rumde, Indiahikes Trekker | Kedarkantha Trek and Brahmatal Trek