Hiking, in a general sense, means a walk done outdoors, usually into nature through the rocky terrain, bush path, ups and downs in the countryside within a day. It involves active physical participants that have a handful of health benefits and is also the best exercise for cardio. In the ancient days, humans might have walked at least 7-8 miles in a day to forage, migration and for finding a shelter which, used to fortify our muscles, skeletal system and trigger more physical power of the movement with enough oxygen to operate the proper function of our body. Whereas in the context of our country we have almost left the act of agronomy and incline towards consuming foods that are packed, ready to ingest. This lack of movement and inactive lifestyle of ours are being the cause for major non-communicable diseases and premature deaths. For instance, you may have seen grandparents, ancestors have lived long with liveliness and still are physically engaged in work in their elderly stage of life, have you asked yourself how?

It is because they have chosen to be physically active instead of the sedentary lifestyle. It does not mean that we must go back to work in the field, carry fodder, start farming or any activities. Regardless of your weight, an inactive lifestyle like using electronic devices for a long period, watching television, desk-bound jobs can be the root cause for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes including emotional problems anxiety, depression, mental fatigue, and stress. Hiking is the best alternative for those who are unable to engage in a high-intensity workout plan. It is distinctive because you can set up your target with the remarkable health benefits that can be obtained by spending time in a natural environment, friends and family which also makes one sociable and also decreases the healthcare cost. Being able to connect with the earthly elements bring positive psychological and physiological change as well as restores mental and emotional health.

Like Dalai Lama mentioned “Man sacrifices his health to make money. Then he sacrifices his money to gain his health”. Likewise, our modern lifestyle seems a bit prodigal where we feel comfortable to spend it on accessories, gadgets, clothes, party and alcohol. The inactive, partying lifestyle, pollution and sanitization of ours are being the major reason for our soundness and still, peoples seem to be choosing a hangover weekend rather than the walk-in nature. Do you know? 1 can of beer contains 154 calories whereas a day hike burns approximately 430 calories of an adult in an hour. These days the major hubs like Thamel, Jhamsikhel have been entertaining a flock of people during the weekend and in other weekdays as well. In a single night, almost three municipality vans carry the waste produced from one major place to the dumping area. In comparison with the cost of a beverage in pubs and restaurants, it almost cost 35% more than the actual price.

Pictures depict a waste collected within a single night from Thamel.

Now, as you are aware of the hiking benefits compared to an overnight party. Let us enlighten how much you can get in NRs 1050 in an entire day with Hike for Nepal Holidays.

• Entire day recreation
• Mesmerizing walk in nature.
• Connect with earthly elements.
• Branded quick-dry T-shirt.
• Explore the outskirts of Kathmandu.
• Philanthropist work.
• Being a part of a campaign (Cleaning the trails, one library in a year)
• Meet new people.
• Practice sustainable tourism.
• Develop a hiking culture to your offsprings &
• Gain a healthy lifestyle.

Who else is not willing to be fit and fine. Everyone right? The situation of the valley is itself undependable with a few parks and even our six days working policy rarely gives us time to go for an overnight trek. However, we are privileged that we belong to such an exquisite nation full of an abundance of natural beauty. Kathmandu is surrounded by an enormous hill which is appropriate for a day hike and covers 600 km2 of land. 

Accordingly, hiking is the best healthcare plan of action to withstand the inactive and stagnant lifestyle of ours. The result of active physical participation and spending time in nature is the best way to get fit and fine. By frequently spending time in nature you can enrich your health by inhaling rich air free from dust and pollution, make social bonding, be free from stress, anxiety, and overcome depression too.

So, this is the right time to step aside and take in what is sustainable for you. Are you going to choose a hangover Saturday or are you going to explore, meet new people, practice something new? Hike for Nepal Holidays organises hiking events on a fortnightly basis around the rim of the valley which is followed by a simple registration process. For which you will need to do a bank deposit or pay at the office for a blissful weekend.

And do you still think spending thousands is beneficial overspending only a thousand, the choice is yours.