Why A Special Trek For Seniors?
For several years at Indiahikes, we have wanted to open special treks for Seniors. We have wanted our own parents to go on treks.
“For me it is very personal," says Arjun Majumdar, founder-CEO of Indiahikes. "My parents are in their 80s and no longer able to trek. Yet, I know how much it would mean to them if they could. They are the ones who introduced me to trekking.
"When I see a senior trek I see them going home with a sense of rejuvenation much beyond what a younger person experiences. The entire experience makes them add on more years to their life — at least 4-5 years more. They go home more joyous and with a strong sense of accomplishment.
"They discover they have more strength than they thought; that they are capable of a lot more than they imagined. They find more purpose in their life.
"I’ve also seen seniors connecting with other trekkers who are just like them. From a distance I see bonds forming that are likely to stay for the rest of their lives.
For me, to see our parents trekking is the biggest gift that I can give them," says Arjun.
But not every trek is suitable for seniors.
This trek will not follow the regular schedule of regular trek but will follow a pace that will match the strength and stamina of seniors.
However, seniors will enjoy all the privileges and goodness that the treks has to offer.
Why A Special Trek For Seniors?
For several years at Indiahikes, we have wanted to open special treks for Seniors. We have wanted our own parents to go on treks.
“For me it is very personal," says Arjun Majumdar, founder-CEO of Indiahikes. "My parents are in their 80s and no longer able to trek. Yet, I know how much it would mean to them if they could. They are the ones who introduced me to trekking.
"When I see a senior trek I see them going home with a sense of rejuvenation much beyond what a younger person experiences. The entire experience makes them add on more years to their life — at least 4-5 years more. They go home more joyous and with a strong sense of accomplishment.
"They discover they have more strength than they thought; that they are capable of a lot more than they imagined. They find more purpose in their life.
"I’ve also seen seniors connecting with other trekkers who are just like them. From a distance I see bonds forming that are likely to stay for the rest of their lives.
For me, to see our parents trekking is the biggest gift that I can give them," says Arjun.
But not every trek is suitable for seniors.
This trek will not follow the regular schedule of regular trek but will follow a pace that will match the strength and stamina of seniors.
However, seniors will enjoy all the privileges and goodness that the treks has to offer.
How A Special Seniors Trek Is Different From A Regular Trek
Even though we want our parents to trek, not every trek is suited to seniors.
We needed to specially design treks that can match a senior's age and strength. This is why we have opened special groups for treks with easier gradients for this purpose. This is not our regular trek, but a specially designed one for seniors.
On this special trek, the pace of the trek is different. We do the trek at an easier pace. The distances covered or the route may be altered to suit seniors.
We have also scheduled the treks keeping in mind pleasant weather. It will not be very cold on the trek.
How A Special Seniors Trek Is Different From A Regular Trek
Even though we want our parents to trek, not every trek is suited to seniors.
We needed to specially design treks that can match a senior's age and strength. This is why we have opened special groups for treks with easier gradients for this purpose. This is not our regular trek, but a specially designed one for seniors.
On this special trek, the pace of the trek is different. We do the trek at an easier pace. The distances covered or the route may be altered to suit seniors.
We have also scheduled the treks keeping in mind pleasant weather. It will not be very cold on the trek.
Treks Where We Have The Special Seniors Trek Groups
These are treks which are suitable for a senior's age and strength. The fee for this special trek would be Rs 3000 more than the usual trek fee.
6 Days
.
Moderate | Level 2
Valley of Flowers
6 days
.
Easy-Moderate | Level 1
Dayara Bugyal Trek
4 Days
.
Moderate | Level 2
CHHATTISGARH JUNGLE TREK
Frequently Asked Questions
We have opened this trek specially for trekkers who are older in age. To do this trek you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Age: 58 to 65 years. If you are older, please write to nandana@indiahikes.com. We’ll talk to you and assess your physical condition before taking you in.
- You must lead an active lifestyle. You exercise regularly.
- For preparation, you must be able to walk 5 km in 60 minutes by the time the trek starts
- You must clear a Treadmill Test
We take certain steps to ensure a seamless experience on this trek for Seniors. The steps are as below:
- A dedicated Experience Coordinator will hand-hold you throughout your trek preparation.
- There will also be a Virtual Meet with your group and Indiahikes expert. This meet would be conducted to address all your questions and to come together as a team.
We have specially designed a fitness schedule for our seniors. We recommend you follow a fitness routine 5 times a week (combination of walks, stair climbing and stretching).
By the time your trek starts, you should be able to walk 5 km between 50-60 minutes comfortably. Ideally, closer to 50 minutes.
Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, your core, and your lower body. To reach this fitness, there are just two things to work on - your cardiovascular endurance and your muscle strength. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe. Follow this simple schedule and you will be trek-fit:
Weeks 1 - 4:
- Walking
- Week 1: Keep the distance of your walk to just 2 km
- Week 2: Keep the distance of your walk to just 3 km
- Week 3: Keep the distance of your walk to just 4 km
- Week 4: Keep the distance of your walk to 5 km
- Stair Climbing: When you climb stairs, target for at least 10 floors (20 stairs per floor), and repeat it for 2 sets.
- Stretching: Keep stretching everyday. This video will help you with stretching: https://youtu.be/IDjWoSPV6ok
Take your rest days seriously, and rest. Your body recovers quickly when you rest.
Weeks 5 - 8:
- Once you can comfortably walk 5 km, the following weeks are focused on building speed.
- Everyday, walk 5 km with an intention to finish within 50-60 minutes. Do not worry if you are not there yet. You will get there by the end of Week 8.
- Once a week, go for 10 km walk at a stretch. This will help build your endurance. Do not worry about the time you take to cover this distance.
- Continue with stair climbing and stretching.
Important Note: If you are not a regular runner, do not start running all of a sudden.
Three things happen when you are not fit:
- You do not enjoy the trek
- You struggle to be a part of the team
- You miss out on a deep transformative experience that trekking can offer
Good part is, it’s not difficult. All you need to do is start following the fitness routine 45-60 days before the trek begins.
We are here to help you in this fitness journey. Just start slow and as long as you are committed and consistent with your routine, you are in for an unforgettable trek experience :)
Trekkers share their experiences
Punam Uppal
Dayara Bugyal, May 2023
I have done Dayara Bugyal, Uttrakhand trek which was specially designed for seniors .the trek was from 4th may to 9th May 2023. But real journey started from 5th of May. Those 4 days of our trek we...
Anita De Rakshit
Dayara Bugyal, May 2023
I recently had the amazing opportunity to do the Dayara Bugyal trek in Uttarakhand from 4-9 th May 2023, and it was an experience that will forever remain etched in my heart. As I ventured from The ...
Rashid Jamal
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, January 2022
It was a beautiful experience. It is difficult to explain the experience in few words . We were 18 senior boys & girls young at heart, we enjoyed & learned a lot.the best part & our privilege was that...
Punam Uppal
Dayara Bugyal, May 2023
I have done Dayara Bugyal, Uttrakhand trek which was specially designed for seniors .the trek was from 4th may to 9th May 2023. But real journey started from 5th of May. Those 4 days of our trek we...
Anita De Rakshit
Dayara Bugyal, May 2023
I recently had the amazing opportunity to do the Dayara Bugyal trek in Uttarakhand from 4-9 th May 2023, and it was an experience that will forever remain etched in my heart. As I ventured from The ...
Rashid Jamal
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, January 2022
It was a beautiful experience. It is difficult to explain the experience in few words . We were 18 senior boys & girls young at heart, we enjoyed & learned a lot.the best part & our privilege was that...
Sunita Arora
Dayara Bugyal, May 2023
The Majestic mountains welcomed us at Raithal. The ascent on the first day was a little challenging but the encouraging words of our trek leader Diptarka egged us on. The warm-up excercise of Jacuz...
Visweswara Rao
Dayara Bugyal, April 2023
Thoughtfully sharing my experience of Himalayan Trek specially conducted for Seniors, a first for & by IndiaHikes. As a near 64 year old, with no trekking experience, was quite apprehensive. I am...
Nawal Singh
Dayara Bugyal, May 2023
Trek offered bounty full of nature so bewildered I was how to hold it. Credit of completion of trek goes to wife who opted to stay back after hailstorm. First time I did not make any comment. Later in...
VK Sundararaman
Dayara Bugyal, April 2023
* Seniors signing up for a trek with IndiaHikes are assured of excellent guidance throughout pre-trek preparation (fitness, equipment including rental option, packing etc.). Add to this IndiaHikes'...
Kiran Sanghvi
Dayara Bugyal, April 2023
Our trek was exceptionally well-organized. The team leader, coordinator, and staff were incredible, providing excellent care and always being prepared for everything. They guided and motivated us in...
Ajay Thakar
Dayara Bugyal, May 2023
Experience was really good, food, management, staff was really good and commandable, The way your were providing care to each and every trekkers, was really apriciated .. . Really Happy by your ser...
Vijay Kulkarni
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, January 2022
Seniors must Trek. It will instill a sense of being more disciplined in life. Discipline only will help enjoy the Trek and ultimately life. A small thing like I forgot to pack my coffee mug, even aft...
Murli Sundrani
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, January 2022
Seniors must also trek , it helps them get out of their daily routine and get connected with nature and in the company of several other such people . It helped me be "comfortable" in the "uncomfortabl...
Dawoodi Rupawala
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, January 2022
The trek was rejuvenating and refreshing, break from routine, bonding with unknown persons is satisfying and enjoyable. The simple and without any luxury on trip is equally enjoyable The whole trek i...
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Seniors Trek Experience in Pictures
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