The Importance Of Hiking

Being sede ntary can take a hike: Explore the outdoors with your child / Hike your way to family bonding / Take a break from Tech – Go for a trek!

Jayanth Sharma

Strap: Our modern lifestyle puts distance between us and nature – and between us and our loved ones. Hiking can bridge the generation gap and bring you closer to your tween or teen.

“This is a brief life, but in its brevity, it offers us some splendid moments, some meaningful adventures”, wrote Rudyard Kipling in Kim – one of his greatest works which explores the natural beauty of India through the eyes of a curious child traversing its beautiful lands.

There’s a reason why one of the strongest memories adults have of their childhood is travelling with their families – their wide-eyed

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Remember the basics

Location

Find a charming spot with a majestic landscape that is easily accessible and safe. The length of the hiking route must match your family’s interests and abilities – including the terrain.

Water and Snacks

Pack enough water; many experts recommend one litre per person per hour of hiking. If you’re aware of a stop in the middle, consider replenishing your stocks there instead of lugging water throughout. Make sure to carry enough snacks and food.

Clothing

Wear hiking boots or comfortable shoes and tie your laces tightly – loose laces can be an annoyance and cause you to slip and get injured. Since you will be in your shoes a long time, make sure that they are comfortable, with thick, supportive soles, and that the socks are appropriate. Don’t forget comfortable clothing, hats and sunglasses, if required

Other essentials

Depending on the terrain and vegetation, consider carrying gloves or a stick. Carry a basic first aid kit and medical supplies for emergencies. Don’t forget your camera – capturing some of the beautiful sights you see and saving them for posterity is a great

A family of average fitness who love nature deeply will find this an enchanting experience. There are also many wonderful birding and picnic spots around.

Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

Situated in the Western Himalayas 300 km north of Rishikesh, near the Badrinath temple, this trekking route lies in a splendid national park. The valley is covered in a thick blanket of snow in winter, but the melting waters and warmer weather of August bring the valley to full bloom. Vibrant alpine flowers in a variety of shades create a colourful blanket that is an absolute treat for your eyes and for some stunning pictures. The pristine beauty and mystical surroundings are bound to make a strong impression on your children.

Chembra Peak, Kerala

Situated at 290 km from Bangalore, the Chembra Peak trekking trail takes four hours to complete. The trek begins at the edge of a beautiful tea estate and takes you through the bright green cultivated slopes interspersed with rough forests and peaks engulfed by clouds. You also get to enjoy the highest summit of the misty Wayanad range. Your child can’t miss this magical