When was the last time you did something for the first time?

For my birthday this year, as a ritual I decided to level up my trekking journey- something that would push my limits both physically and mentally. I chose a backpacking trip to Warwan Valley (Trek from Ladakh to Kashmir), one of India’s most challenging treks. Unlike regular treks, backpacking means you carry everything yourself-rations, sleeping bag, tent, and other essentials. The objective? To be self-sustainable and better prepared in "The Great Outdoors."

As I started on this journey through rugged terrains, glaciers, and rivers, I realized that the lessons learned were far deeper than physical endurance or mental resilience. These insights have transformed how I approach life and work.

Here are my key learnings from this experience:

1. The Concept of "Base Weight"

Backpacking teaches you to carry only what is essential. The lighter your load, the farther and faster you go. This resonates with life ,cutting down on non-essentials allows us to focus on what truly matters. By simplifying, we make room for what brings joy and meaning to our journey, both personally and professionally.

2. Planning and Preparation Are Everything

Opting for this trek required thorough preparation, right from fitness training & equipment planning to visualizing the challenges ahead. In both life and business, preparation is key. Being ready not only mentally but also physically enables us to face challenges with confidence.

3. The Art of Not Giving Up

At several points, my mind wanted to give up but my heart was pushing forward. From taking out time from a busy schedule to braving the most demanding parts of the trek, there were moments of doubt. Yet, pushing through these thoughts taught me that perseverance is often the only way forward. In both my personal and professional life, this lesson of resilience will stay with me.

4. Self-Sustainability

From cooking and pitching tents to navigating and firecrafting , I learned how to be truly self-sufficient. These skills have built my confidence in tackling challenges independently, a valuable trait in today’s fast-paced world.

5. The Strength of Collaboration

During the trek, teamwork was essential to cheer up and boost each other towards the common goal. We learned to rely on each other’s strengths to accomplish collective goals. Whether in the mountains or in the workplace, collaboration amplifies success and strengthens bonds.

6. Overcoming Pain Is All in the Mind

Crossing freezing glacier streams was one of the most painful physical experiences I’ve encountered. But once I shifted my mindset, I realised that much of the pain was mental. This understanding can be applied to both small and large challenges in life - We are way stronger than we think.

7. Problem-Solving in Real-Time

In the wilderness, when the trail disappears, we improvise and create new ways. This problem-solving mindset is critical in both life and work. Being flexible and creative in the face of obstacles is key to growth.

This backpacking trek was much more than a physical adventure, it was a transformative life experience that reminded me of the importance of simplicity, resilience, collaboration, and adaptability. These are lessons I will carry forward, not just in the outdoors, but in every aspect of my personal and professional journey.

Hence documenting this transformative experience !!

#OutdoorLeadership #SelfSustainability #Resilience #LifeLessons #Collaboration #ProblemSolving #GrowthMindset