Living in a bubble-wrapped world makes for a safe but boring existence. Taking risks and the road less travelled can teach valuable life lessons like resilience and character building. It seems that today’s youngsters are willing to explore life to the fullest. Recently, Californian teen Abby Sunderland created ripples when he sailed across the sea solo. Similarly, Jordan Romeo, 13, became the youngest to conquer the mighty Everest. Even Delhi-boy Arjun Vhajpai, 16, created history when he made it to Mt. Everest.
Many are hoping for self-exploration through treks, paragliding and river rafting, away from the chaos and stressful routine full of restrictions, and they return as different people each time.
Rashi Walia, 21, used to be a shy person, but only till she took a trek to Barsu village in Uttarkashi. “Trekking alone for hours with a heavy backpack was something I had never done before. I got a chance to mix with the locals. I saw how lives are different there, and how mentally and physically strong they are. I stayed in a cattle shed. I must admit, it was scary staying alone there. There was a small lake, which the locals told me was haunted. Yes, I did freak out, but I wanted to continue exploring. Next day, I trekked some more to enjoy the snow which was the most beautiful thing I ever experienced,” she narrates.
But she found herself a changed person when she came home. “I became independent and almost fearless. I came from there as a fighter surviving without water and food, still wanting more,” says Rashi. Willam Richman, who just returned from Indrahar Mountain Pass, which is at an attitude of 4300m, says, “For me, conquering a tough terrain is a great getaway from the mad rat race of the concrete jungle. It is just about enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Without prejudice, everyone is equal, no one cares who you are and where you come from,” he says. For some, it’s the sheer thrill of doing things on your own without any help from anyone.
“There’s no competition there, you are in the lap of nature, and everything is just perfect,” says Haris Jabeer, 18, who’s just going to Sonamarg for river rafting.
Don’t parents panic on these random trips? “I make sure I keep them updated, but I don’t reveal everything just bits and pieces of my experience and when I am back home I see a sigh of relief on their face,” says 19-year-old Aseem Sachdeva from Chandigarh, who’s just back from a trip to Kasauli.
Rashi is now planning a road trip to Leh. “Being a girl it’s not easy to ride so many kilometres on a bike or car, but who cares? We all get one life so why waste it working 9 to 5?”
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