Tag: adventure

Both inspiring and intimidating, a mountain marathon can be a great way to find your stride.

Everyone has a different connection with the mountains. Some find it by slowing down and picking up a book while others prefer to get their soles dirty and scale its heights. There is something elemental about scaling a mountain on foot.

While the tribe of trekkers and campers keep spiralling every year, one can also see a steady rise of athletes and marathoners taking to such unforgiving terrain and lung-searing attitude. When, and how, did the call of the wild green terrain become so irresistible?

Mountains are unpredictable. Even the same run twice won’t give you the same experience.

The weather might suddenly change, the track might disappear.
It is this lure of seeing more, experiencing more which is pulling people towards these runs

~ Akshay Appu, digital media professional who has done runs in Manali, Bir Billing, and Mawkrywat, says city runs do not offer much in terms of views, challenges, different routes or terrains.

Call of the wild

All runs in the city are done on tar roads. Mountain runs on the other hand, come with the promise of a new challenge with every run, different topography, beautiful views, no pollution, and peace and quiet. No marathon in the hills is the same. Even the same run twice won’t give you the same experience, “

~ Appu.

Humbling experience

The world of trial and ultra-running is becoming big because it’s not just athletes but track and road runners and even amateurs- after a good training- are signing up for these races to test their body and mind.

run up a mountain Image by skeeze from Pixabay

“Many a time you may be faced with situations that you can’t really train for a wild animal crossing your trail or a sharp incline that will make you dig into every little bit of strength and energy you have left. And just when you think you can take no more, you go ahead and do it.”

~ Gauri Jayaram, founder of a leading marathon touring company, such marathons give you the chance to connect with nature at a personal level

A lot like real life, except that we have forgotten these most simple lessons.

Our age of excess and 24*7 connected lives has pushed us far from nature- not just physical nature but our own inner selves. We have forgotten to tap our own potential and push our boundaries because we live and think in tiny little boxes. A run in the mountain is a perfect therapy for our tired souls. You are stripped to the barest of essentials- good running shoes, minimal clothing, a bottle of water, just enough food to get you through a day on the ridges, and a clear mind that sees the glory of nature.

Climb every mountain

Hills are all about incline, elevation, altitude. Priti Zaveri, a Pinkathon ambassador, believes mountain running teaches us that the obstacles we face everyday must not dampen our spirits or deter us from moving forward.

“Running up there is all about conquering the distance, and let me tell you, every distance is a challenge. It is all about endurance.”

Mountain climbing — Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Experiences like these teach us humility- and the fact that everything is competing, but the real battle is to conquer our own fears and compete with our own selves.

What mountain marathons and trekking teach us about life

There is no finish line:

Somewhere while going up and down the slopes, you realise life is much like that. It is not about getting there, it is about reaching new heights with each step, because when you get to the top of any mountain, you are simply at the bottom of another greater climb.

Inhale the present:

Being out there in the wilderness of mountains tells you that things happen in their own time. There is a time to let go, time to shut off the phone, turn away from the computer and leave the camera at home. All we ever own is the inhalation of the present.

Best things in life are free–

Clean air and water, unfiltered views, abundant greens and nature’s produce.

You can’t control everything:

You can’t predict nature’s moods, the challenges of the terrain, the supply of food and the night you spend in a tent. You are at the mountains’ disposal and they overpower you. The best you can do is be humble.

*/ The above article was written by Supriya Sharma and was published in Times Life…rev up your life dated May 26, 2019. */

The Prerequisites Of Planning An Adventurous Ski Trip

April 11, 2019

Kash Pals

Adventure 1 Comment

Planning a trip requires a lot of attention to detail in terms of what all will you be doing there and what all arrangements are to be done in advance. The issue is significant especially when it comes to planning adventurous trips. The refusal of many leads to cancellation but mostly the reasons are not known. Some people are afraid to experience the event, and some are afraid of spending more than their ability. There might be other problems according to a particular situation but the most common are the two mentioned above.

Skiing has been the most preferred adventure sport many dreams of experiencing. But not everyone has the luck to do it even for once in their life. This article has all the prerequisites to have a trip skiing exactly according to your considerations and what all you must know and carry to make it successful according to the plan made in advance. Go through each and every point to know in details what all prerequisites you must have to conduct an adventure like skiing at an exotic location like Breckenridge.

A Place To Stay

Any adventurous trip will require a place to stay. It should be comfortable and affordable having all the basic amenities you require and not go beyond your budget.

Skybags Mirage Polycarbonate 47.7 cms Orange Hardsided Check-in Luggage (MIRAGE69MOG)

All your luggage has to be kept there without any stress of losing it so that the purpose for which you have come to the trip is fulfilled. Look for places to stay in advance to avoid paying on the spot premium. The stress-free environment for you is very important so that you don’t have to think about anything else while encountering the adventure which might hinder your performance.

Arranging Equipment in Advance

In this case, when you go out for skiing, you need to look for some ski rentals in Breckenridge and pay more than the appropriate amount to carry out the adventure. This is because you didn’t have any prior knowledge about the material and these businessmen know that you won’t be leaving the place without undergoing something fresh. Many platforms provide you with an option of not having to alter any of your plans in order to have that quality equipment kit. Everything is taken care of by them right from delivery to considerations until the returns. There is an option of having ski rental delivery in Breckenridge at your place of stay which makes it even more flexible for you to explore more. Only after sales are to be considered by you because some safety measures have to be taken to keep the equipment as you accepted them.

The Mode of Transport

Planning a trip requires you to travel from one place to another in order to hunt the location appropriate for carrying out that particular adventure sport. In this case, Breckenridge is covered with snow for the most part of the year with terrains appropriate for skiing and people from far away places come to Ski and snowboard. One thing is for sure that people have started to take their comfort while travelling seriously and this is the main reason why you must book your mode of transport well in advance of the dates decided.

In conclusion, it is always recommended to plan everything in priority and organize it accordingly which provides you with a stress-free experience. Whether you are planning for the place of stay for the equipment or even for the mode of transport, everything planned in advance will give you a better experience when compared to taking decisions on the spot. In order to cut down the ski rental prices in Breckenridge, hotel prices, etc. while maintaining the desired quality, planning through trusted sources is recommended to prepare yourself for any uncertainty that may come your way.

Julie has a travel website tripoutside.com having comparison tools for various sports and adventures trips for rentals.

10 Adventure Activities in Kashmir

July 18, 2016

Kash Pals

Adventure 5 Comments

While for rest of the wanderers, Kashmir is a dewdrop in the ocean of otherwise monotony, for rest this gorgeous piece of land is an opportunity to explore the adventure bug residing in them!

If you are looking forward to feeding your adventure bug, get ready for some of the amazing sports, thrilling treks and exhilarating activities that will get you packing your stuff as soon as you complete reading this piece!

Trekking – make your way through the wilderness:

While there is an array of adventure things to do in Kashmir, there is one activity that one certainly cannot miss here! Indulge in exciting trekking trails, trek through the snow kissed mountain ranges, make your way through streaming waterfalls, ascend-descend through luxuriant valleys and stay captivated within the stunning landscapes of this region.

Treks in Kashmir are well-known among trekkers from all over the globe. While some treks can be undertaken only in summers as compared to rest which provides a joyous experience only in winters. Thus, it might not be wrong as honouring this place as the ‘Trek Capital of the India’.

Skiing – slide, tumble, balance on the thick blanket of snow:

Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Thanjiwas glaciers in Sonmarg valley are well acclaimed for their idyllic conditions that make them ideal for the skiing enthusiasts. Annually, a number of national, as well as international skiing competitions, are organized in order to arouse traveller’s interest in the provided adventure activities in Kashmir.

Whether you are an amateur or an expert, you will always find these places provoking the adventure bug in you! Also to add here, for the novice skiers, they can learn basic tips and tricks of skiing in any of the skiing training camps within these regions.

Mountain Biking – ride through rugged terrains of Leh-Ladakh:

Adventure comes in different forms and ways! While some find trekking as the best way to pump up their adrenaline, others find the thrill in mountain biking in Kashmir! And for these adventure junkies, no other destinations can satiate their yearnings like Leh-Ladakh can!

Known for their rugged and challenging terrains, mountain biking in Leh-Ladakh region in one of the best adventure things to do in Kashmir. The fascinating slopes, tricky trails, the enchanting beauty around, and the thrill quotient in these valleys make mountain biking an amazing and must to have experience in Kashmir.

Paragliding – embark on your wings of adventure:

Sonamarg is undoubtedly one of the best adventure destinations that provide visitors with an array of thrilling experience in Kashmir! This is the place to fulfil your dreams of gliding through the clear blue sky, enjoy the mesmeric beauty of the enchanting valleys and give wings to the childhood dream of flying like birds!

With an increase in Kashmir adventure tour packages in the recent years, the state has put extra efforts on glorifying these adventure sports by providing all the required amenities such as accommodation and meal facilities to allure people from all over the world for this enticing sport.

Fishing – a taste of the real holiday life:

With an array of cascading streams, waterfalls, lakes and streams, Kashmir has become one of the best places to sit and relax on the banks of gushing water-bodies. Winter adventure in Kashmir might keep the cash registers ringing, but activities like angling and fishing that keeps the visitors elated throughout their trip here.

It might be surprising for a lot, but apart from Shikharas, Dal Lake also provides fishing opportunities to wandering tourists. The water-bodies here are rich in trout’s; owing to this, the state tourism industry permits people to take and enjoy their catch. However, government permit is still allowed before indulging in this adventure activity in Kashmir.

Rafting – balance yourself over the raging waves:

Perennial river sources that originate from glaciers provide idyllic conditions for rafting. Visit the Ladakh region of the state, and hop onto your raft to challenge and cruise through the gruesome rapids of the Zanskar River!

Get your drenched while struggling to keep your raft balanced! Feel the splashes when the rapids break down against your face and pumps up your adrenaline! Believe it or not, once you step into the freezing water of Zanskar River, you will get infected with its thrill and allurement!

Wildlife Spotting – the land where the wild cats roam freely:

Hemis National Park; one of the most stunning national parks in India, serves as the natural home to the charismatic Snow Leopards! It is in this wildlife reserved area, you can spot these full-of-life species and have a tryst with them.

Whether you are a nature lover, an avid shutterbug or an adventure junky, a visit to the Hemis National Park is a must for you. During your visit to this park, you can also spot other exotic and endangered wildlife species like Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Marmot, Red Fox, Musk Deer, Golden Eagles, Griffon Vultures, Lammergeyers and MonalPheasants that are some of the native species of the region.

8. Ice Skating – slide your way through the snow blanket:

Adventure activities in Kashmir — Ice skating

For the snow lovers, no other destination can beat the charm and allurement of Kashmir! Known for some of the most enthralling and adventurous activities, this paradise on earth also offers livelier options to the ice skating enthusiasts!
During your Kashmir visit, make it to tourist places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Yusmarg. In addition to admiring and embracing their celestial beauty, you will also get ample of opportunities to glide over the fascinating layers of ice and satiate the adventure bug in you!

9. Horse Riding – witness the serene landscapes accompanying you:

There is no better way of enjoying the picturesque landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir like the locals do!To overcome and access the rugged terrains, the locals rely on horses and continue with their daily activities.

On your next visit to this magical state, do not miss the opportunity to traverse the stunning valleys and their hidden corners while riding on a horseback. Enjoy the serenity that exists in these valleys, discover some of the remote villages, and add another achievement in your bucket list of adventure things to do in Kashmir.

10. Mountaineering – scale the heights and beat your fear:

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayan Ranges, Jammu and Kashmir offers a series of fascinating mountain ranges that require ardent skills and technique to conquer! To name a few, there are challenging ranges like Harmukh, Tattakutti, Sunset and Kolahoi in Kashmir Valley; White Needle, Z-1, Z-8, Bobang, Nun – Kun of Zanskar Range and Stok Kangri and several others.
Embark on a voyage to conquer these towering mountains, get soaked in the fun, thrill, and excitement of scaling them and beat the fear out of you!

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Opposites

July 2, 2016

Kash Pals

Adventure Weekly photo challenge 3 Comments

Opposites. weekly photo challenge — Hot air balloon in the air

Being in a hot air balloon is a wonderful feeling, floating among the clouds.

A hot air balloon is a balloon bag or “envelope” which is made of reinforced nylon fabric. The envelope is treated with a polyurethane coating to make it more airtight and to assist the fabric in bearing the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The pilot and passengers ride in a gondola (or basket) that is made of woven wicker, which is both strong and flexible. The gondola is connected to the envelope by stainless steel suspension cables.

The balloon envelope is stretched on the ground and the gondola rested on its side and attached to the envelope cables. A portable (gasoline powered) fan thrusts cold air into the envelope. When the envelope is about half inflated with outside (ambient) air, a propane burner is ignited until the air inside is heated enough for the balloon to rise to an upright position. With a small amount of additional heat, the balloon becomes buoyant.

Deflating a hot air balloon Image credit: — Deflating a hot air balloon
Image credit: Neuroxic

Once the pilot brings the balloon down the crew helps the pilot deflate and disassemble the balloon and return passengers and equipment back home.

An inflated balloon symbolizes pride in a person for his achievements and goals in his life. Whereas a deflated balloon symbolizes shame in a person due to various circumstances in his life. Pride and shame are two Opposites of the same person or two sides of the same coin.

*/ This post has been inspired by Weekly Photo Challenge Opposites.Two opposite elements come together -old vs. new, big vs. small, dark vs. light, or in how you frame and design your shot./*

References : FAQ of Hot air balloon