Take a hike!

No seriously, do. Go on a hike. Hiking is the small brother of rock climbing. It is not as difficult, and it is an immensely invigorating and enlightening adventure sport. Not many Indians actually enjoy such activities, and even fewer consider it a sport! But the truth is, not only is it a sport but a challenging one at that.

India is not devoid of places to go hiking. But India is devoid of people passionate about it. Now I know, climbing mount Everest isn’t exactly a hike, but we have read the news of a woman in prosthetic legs climbing it. That is passion, and it is rare. Everyone knows football, cricket, up to a certain extent even hockey. But hiking? No.

What challenges do you face while hiking? None, if you are careful. Death itself if you act like an oversmart idiot. So the challenge is simple, yet tough. Hiking is also physically demanding. You need not only a lot of strength but also considerable stamina. It is a total workout for the body.

But sports also must impact the mind right? Hiking does. Only one who has climbed a high summit and looked down upon the valley and the jungles below can understand how it feels. I cannot put it into words. It is just impossible. Even awesome is an understatement.

You get a good leg workout and plenty of cardio. You learn things, see things, hear things, smell things. It is tiring yes, but it is worth the efforts.

I encourage every person to try hiking. It is a brilliant adventure sport, and it is a milder version of the harsher and more challenging rock climbing. Do try it. Take a hike. It is worth it.