Hiking- An Adventure Sport

Hiking is originally a soft-adventure sport; everyone who is in reasonable physical condition can try out hiking as it doesn’t need much of a strength or stamina or any specific technique, it just require some basic things and common technicalities.

To get started into hiking it basically begins with day hikes, returning to your starting point in the evening. Move on to a multi-day hike which is relatively easy, in order to get to know your ability and aptitude. Hiking means walking mountains on a trail, or off trail, for recreational purposes. Hiking is knows by different words in different parts of the world like hillwalking or rambling in United Kingdom, mountain walks in England, tramping in New Zealand whereas trekking in India including various parts of Asia. The idea of taking a walk on the mountains for adventure and pleasure developed in the 18th century, and arose because of changing scenario to the surroundings and nature associated with the recreational romantic attitude. Hiking in India started when the land was feeling the Independence in the prehistoric era. In India there are as many hiking routes in as there are Indians due to the large belt of mountains. It was in the 1970’s and 1980’s that hiking started gaining in popularity as a recreational/adventure sport. A number of religious sites and shrines across the country, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, and in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand – such as Badrinath, Amarnath, Gangotri, Hemkund, Joshimath, Kedarnath, Vaishno Devi and Yamunotri – entail hiking for a couple of days in the mountains for adventure purpose to lure young and dynamic people of the country and outside. India has some of the most adventurous hiking routes in the world – many of the mountain belts are in the Ladakh and Zanskar Himalayas which are above 5000m of the sea level. A basic knowledge of camp craft, map reading and first aid is essential before you go hiking. It’s a good idea to do an adventure course from one of the mountaineering/ adventure institutes in India. Hiking and being out in nature can give your mental state a much needed rest as well. Getting away from your daily grind and relaxing is suggested by psychologists. Hiking is mostly recommended in groups rather than alone or as a couple. The great thing about being out in nature with a group of people is that there is safety in numbers in case you see dangerous wildlife, get injured or get lost. Additionally, walking and chatting can be great fun and even a pleasant way to meet people and make new friends. Some famous destinations for hiking in India are Jammu and Kashmir (Ladakh, Zanskar) Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (Garhwal, Kumaon), Sikkim and Darjeeling, Northeast states (Arunachal Pradesh), Western Ghats and South India (Nilgiris, Coorg) which is basically recommended in the month of May-June or September-October.

By: Anuja Arora

Content: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiking