How Three Trekkers Came Back With Distinct Learnings From the Same Trek

Three trekkers - Baljot, Pranay and Priyam - who did the Bhrigu Lake trek with Indiahikes, returned with particular takeaways from the expedition.

For Baljot, the trek brought an internal transformation to look at nature in a completely different manner.

“When we were on this trek something unexpected happened.

I remember we did an activity where they asked us to hug a tree. That was the tipping point for me. I felt a strong rush within me. After that point, the way I connect with nature has completely changed. It’s stronger and much deeper.

When I came back to my city I became aware that I always carry a backpack along with me and there is good enough space to carry a dabba with me. So I have been taking a dabba wherever I go. Because of this, I have been able to avoid disposables whenever I go to eat some street snacks.

This inspires me to take many more such small steps. I don’t think that I am going to stop now because when the true love for nature is felt there’s no going back.”

For Pranay, it was the first Himalayan trek ever.

He had just finished his 12th standard and wanted to go for a trek.

However, he had surgery a few years back due to which he was not able to focus on his fitness and gained a lot of weight. The trek challenged him a lot in terms of the terrain and physical fitness.

“I remember the day when we were going to visit Bhrigu Lake. I was the last one to reach the final point and there I saw Ayushi didi (Indiahikes Trek Leader) waiting for me to welcome me. Then she walked along with me towards Bhrigu Lake.

Throughout the trek, I was constantly touched by this act of care by our trek leaders and fellow trekkers.

Being an introvert, it is difficult for me to express myself. But this trek has changed that for me.

I felt the beauty of talking to people and getting to know them - how it helps you build good relationships. The trek brought an emotional transformation within me to be more open to talking to people and genuinely care for people around me.”

For Priyam, the transformation happened with a big disappointment.

While he was at the Rola Kholi campsite looking at the lush greenery and the panoramic view of the white-capped mountains, suddenly dropping his eyes to heaps of garbage around was upsetting.

“I remember Ayushi di telling us that we should consider ourselves as invaders to the beauty of nature if we’re not taking responsibility for the waste we generate here.

That line and that heap of garbage in the middle of that beautiful setting hit me really hard!

After coming back from my trek I decided to quit using packaged products. Only when I decided this I realised how many unnecessary products I was consuming all this while.

I have also started carrying a cloth bag with me inspired by an eco bag. So when I go on smaller hikes around I carry it with me and do the same act of picking up trash.

I know this is a long journey, however, I am doing this so that when I come back next time I do not see any heap of garbage in the middle of the mountains."