TREKKING SPECIAL .....Trekking is the new fitness mantra

TREKKING SPECIAL Trekking is the new fitness mantra



Amidst nature lies the secret to good health.
Tushar Biliye narrates the `Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek'

What's in a name...

The Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek

Which lakes are included in this Kashmir trek?

1. Vishansar Lake 2. Kishansar Lake 3. Gadsar Lake 4. Satsar (twin lakes) 5. Gangbal Lake 6. Nandkol Lake.

Best time to undertake this trek.

July to August

Preparations required for this trek are:

This trek is categorised as `Moderate'. So on the as `Moderate'. So on the fitness front, if you are a regular walker it would not be sufficient. You will need to start working on your fitness regime at least three months prior to your trek. This is important if you really want to enjoy the trek. The workout schedule should include climbing staircase, jogging, etc. You must invest in a good pair of all-terrain shoes and one should break into them during the practice phase in the three months leading to the trek time.

Top tips when travelling for this trek.

Travel light (like a monk -just carry absolute essential belongings that you would require as this not a regular leisure trip. Here you will be living close to nature in tents with no shower facilities and not even basic amenities).

Carry energy bars as you may lose appetite for regular cooked food.

Safety standards to be taken care of during this trek.

Need to carry Pulse and Oxygen meter to measure pulse rate and blood oxygen level. Oxygen cylinder to be carried in case of emergency .

Exhilarating Trek indeed!

`Will I survive' is a question that often crosses a trekker's mind. Narrating his experience, writer Tushar Biliye says, “This trek too was not an exception. On the last day there was a stretch where we had to climb and cross a mountain made of boulders. That was the most difficult and scary part.“In a nutshell, the mighty mountains make you feel humble regardless of the endurance you demonstrate. The treacherous climbs, the boulders on the path make you stronger with each step. And from the summit, when you look back, you are only too amazed to see the sight and mazed to see the sight and path you have climbed.

Every ridge that you cross makes you feel prouder. There are prouder. There are many Army posts on the trekking path. When you meet the soldiers and chat with them, you chat with them, you realise how brave they are during their duties round the clock.

It also makes one feel proud as an Indian.

Visual appeal moments

The Gangabal and Nadikol twin lakes seen on the way down is a heavenly sight. Any number of pictures that you take, cannot match the imagery of the lakes that you carry with you in your mind.

Satsar Lake and the fog around removes all the tiredness instantly.

Gadsar Lake has the most majestic view from the highest point of the trek. Trekkers often wish they could fly over it and take a plunge and swim in the crystal clear waters.

Top Tips to curious trekkers.

Every trek needs a lot of preparation. The trekking club or the travel partner takes care of many things like tents, porters, guide etc. Yet, the major part lies on oneself.

Foremost, one needs to be mentally prepared to face hardships and be strong enough to overcome those.Mental preparedness can help overcome any challenge, it works better than any other motivating factors or physical fitness.

Noteworthy mention must be made to physical fitness standards required to walk for long hours. One must have the ability to climb 1,000 to 2,000 ft in a day. High on recommendation is Yoga and Pranayaam. This will improve the ability to breathe in low oxygen conditions. Trek in smart gear and enjoy the climb with josh.

Tushar Biliye