SHERPAS – THE MIGHTY TRIBE

Trekkers are a weird clan of people who find exhilaration and pleasure from an arduous task of scaling mighty mountains, which, others find gruelling and punishing. They are generally diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, as you will spot them in a more challenging trekking trail, having soothed their aching muscles from the previous venture. And, when you find yourself buying some peculiar camping gear or checking out the latest trekkers backpack, be assured that, you are addicted to mountains.

Every trekker dreams of treading the tough and challenging trails of the Himalayas, at least once in their lifetime. The elation felt after summiting, makes them come back for more, with an added dose of zeal and vigour.

Himalayan terrains are known for their unrelenting weather, harsh wilderness, sub zero temperatures and slippery slopes, specially in winters. Sherpas or local guides, as they are called, are a group of efficient mountain guides, who work behind the scenes to help us accomplish our aspiration of conquering the unconquerable.

The remote villages dotted on the slopes of the Himalayas, depend heavily on the trekkers who land on their soil, season after season, looking forward to a rendez- vous with the mighty Himalayan peaks. These villagers are walking encyclopedias on mountaineering, gained, not by any certification course, but, by experience. While we huff and puff to carry ourselves, they carry grocery, fuel, camping equipment, pots-pans-cutlery and medical aids, accompanied by their beasts of burden.

While the Covid-19 situation has affected every industry in the world, my heart goes out to these hardcore mountaineers, whose livelihoods are dependent on us, trekkers, so very completely, that I wonder, what other choice do they have to make a living. Their homes are so faraway and cut off from buzzling towns, I ponder, how any help could even reach them.

As my mind kept chewing about their plight, all I could source out was, let me be generous towards them, when I land in their quaint village for my next adventure, when the majestic and magnificent mountains summon me.

Click on here to read about Kedarkantha Winter Trek, Day at Dehradun and more, to help you plan your trip. Thanks!