Trekking is undoubtedly of value to physical fitness but its aim is not to produce athletes. It is an activity which should develop real love for the mountain regions and appreciation of their grandeur. Trekking leads to a closer interest in plants, trees, birds and animals, indeed in all form of nature study. It inculcate the virtue of sacrifice, the value of physical exertion, sometimes to the limit of endurance, and above all, the spirit of comradeship. A sense of adventure adds excitement towards the fulfillment of the goal.

Trekking is an art which any healthy and young minded person can learn at any age. But it is best to start early in life to get the most out of it. Trekking does not demand great strength or immense wealth but merely a desire and willingness to accept certain rough with the smooth. Once initiated into trekking, one soon learns that in order to enjoy one must minimize his wants on the trek. Yet there is no compromise with safety. Mere survival is not the freedom of the hills. There is no greater oppressor than wild nature in the raw.

A sound trekker is mindful of his own minimum needs. Trekking inculcates qualities of self-reliance, keeping fit and willingness to help. A trekker therefore, carries on his back-in miniature-his entire home, bed, kitchen and other needs on the trek. To achieve a sense of freedom the trekker must give up certain comforts and avoid burdening himself with the non-essentials. For, the trekker has no other power of locomotion but his own legs. He learns the camp craft to make himself comfortable outdoors.

Trekking In Garhwal Himalayas Garhwal Himalayas, famous world over for their picture perfect beauty, are considered amongst the best for trekking. Every year, numerous trekking expeditions and training courses in trekking are conducted by organizations like the Ganga Valley Adventure, an enterprise of Uttarakhand. Garhwal is home to some of the most famous trekking routes such as:

Kumaon, comprising the western hill districts of Uttarakhand, attracts a huge number of trekkers every year. Kumaon offers a host of interesting trekking routes promising thrill and adventure combined with abundant scenic beauty. Like Garhwal, here too, regular treks and courses in trekking are conducted by organizations like Ganga Valley Adventure, Kumaon is home to some of the most famous trekking routes such as: