“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!” (Dr. Seuss)

There is strong connection I feel with the mountains, the wind blowing on my face, the bright sun and glittering sky in the night. It all makes me feel like I am closer to myself. 

I have always enjoyed leisurely trips to mountains but this time it was different. I always wanted to experience this and here it was. three days and four nights without bath or even proper change of clothes, varied temperatures from sun shining bright in the eyes to windy snowfalls which made this Christmas the most memorable one.

We started our journey on 23rd night from Noida in a private bus hired for the trekkers. Everyone was different and special in his or her own ways. It was a long journey of about 16 hours to the trekking place but the enthusiasm of the group never died down. We all were all excited to make it the camp site and begin our adventure. Some came with previous trekking experience and for some it was the first time. Since we ended up reaching late to the camp site, we decided to take rest that evening and start trekking the next day. 

It was a truly international trek as we had participants who travelled down from Kuwait to join us and if this wasn’t enough it was hemant’s honeymoon trip with his gorgeous partner Naveen. They both made us believe is love all over again and how we can overcome all situations and stay happy if the better half is happy too. 

About other participants, I will start with Iqbal khan is an inspirational man who is truly becoming unstoppable. He was able to enjoy this experience the most as he was at the best of his health and been very active lately and the smile and glow on his face said it all. 

Kapil Singh, his passion is photography is exceptional. What’s amusing about adventure trips is not only we get to explore a new place but we explore our own self and what truly gives us happiness. I have met many passionate photographers but kapil is unique. He is never ever tired of clicking someone and the fulfillment of a good shot shows in his smile. 

Bharti Sharma, another mountain girl from Himachal. She was chota packet with big dhamaka. She is a true example to all who feel just scared at the beginning but then come out with flying colours when the journey ends. She was neither tired by hiking nor getting clicked. Whats best was she made sure she collected memories with each member on the trek. I will never forget your cute smile bharti when we caught you clicking selfies.

Binod Bhadri (the patakha)…only if looks could kill. A true adventure enthusiast who loves to push your limits. To top it all, the smile on his face does wonders and you don’t want to say I give up…you keep going on and there you go…you have unlocked another physical limitation in your mind.

Tarun Wadhwa…if you are ever stranded in a strange place and you need a helping hand. He is the one to call to. He can make problems look as if they don’t exist and will always tell you nothing is impossible. Without practice he beats most of us, god help us if he becomes regular with his physical activities. Lastly, anyone who feels they cant do it, just be with him and it will be done in no time.

Gaganmeet Kaur, not only we had same trekking trousers but also same passion for singing (hahaha). Her smile was gorgeous like her. She made the trek look effortless with her classy pictures and beautiful songs. Next time, I too will try that.

Hari Awasthi, my secret santa, naïve human being. He travelled all the way from Bangalore to come and join us for this trek. He was mostly silent but very supportive to anyone in need participated in all activities and did a wonderful job. Dance was amazing too.

Sandeep & Sumit…the duo was humorous, loads of fun to be with. Desi jokes and mast punch lines made the conversations full of joy. I think it was their first trekking experience and I am hoping they left with great memories and experience of a kind with them.

Apoorva Nigam our very own cute appu. She is a fighter who never gives up. If you want to know how it feels to push you limits then she is the one to go to. With not such good health and doctors telling her not to be on such adventure trips, she not only joined us but inspired so many of us that its all in the mind and giving up is not an option. She is also our selfie queen and cutie pie when it comes to getting clicked. Her beautiful voice made us aww struck when she starts singing those lovely songs.

Jyoti, a silent observer and avid reader. She was shy and reserved bur her confidence and strength was there for all to see. Her shoes gave up but she didn’t and she made it to the end without help & support. What was transformational in her was the smile and willingness to come up and talk to everyone by the end of the trek. Adventure brings out the best in us and she is a true example of that.

Abhishek, who wasn’t sure until he joined whether to be here or not. He had lots of fun with the group and his witty jokes made it a great fun. His acting in the video made by gagan is just awesome and the highlight of the trip.

Jatin Singh Rajput, no filter guy and will say whatever comes up in his mind. He is absolutely funny and makes you smile all the time. He is very genuine at heart and someone you can look upto when you need a helping hand. You will either love him or hate him…nothing in between.

Loki Singh…Ram Ram ji….an adventure seeker, I haven’t met anyone else so crazy in my life yet. Loki can transform an embarrassing situation into humour in no time. You can never be angry with him. If you want to learn how to love yourself then be like loki. His foreigner looks can be decieveing….wait till u hear him say ram ram ji…. 

Sonika Sharma…she is one amazing human I have met. Nothing seems impossible for her and neither she takes too long to decide whether she will do it or not. As long as there is company, she is ready for all kinds of adventure. Her jokes and dance moves will make you her fan. She is the jaan of the trip and I absolutely love her company.

Pragya Malviya…A sister from another mother holds so true for her. We just met a few days ago. She is an awesome human being. Calm yet fun. Our fitness goal makes our talks come alive and we loved sharing and making targets around fitness during the trek.

Harsh ….a witty charmer, passionate photographer too. Talks of his work gave us more exciting and adventurous goals in life. His one liners made us all laugh and his photography left us with some great memories for lifetime.

Shashank …if anyone can compete with bharti its our shashank when it comes to getting clicked. The duo just loves to get clicked and gives some amazing shots. Kapil’s favourite when it comes to clicking the best shots.

Richa Gandhi…a very shy but beautiful girl. She is comfortable in her own zone and takes time to open up. However once she accepts you, you have a friend for life who is funny and full of life. Her soft hands needs a special mention….as soft as the snow we saw during the trek.

Lastly, my experience of all the adventure so far.

It’s not the number of experiences that counts but how much you gained from even one of those experiences that count. From being a very shy reserved girl…adventure & sports have made me more talkative, confident and selfless. We all have just one life and only we can choose what to make of it….I strongly recommend to live an adventurous life and you will forget all your troubles and become a more humble & will accept all human beings as they are. No one is perfect but we can find our own perfect life through adventure….three cheers to dare2gear to give us this opportunity to meet such incredible people and make this trek truly awesome