Changing the definition of Trekking: An Interview with Indranil Kar of Ongoz Escapades - Part II

Indranil Kar, traveller, trekker, photographer and founder of Ongoz Escapades lives by the adage " The mountains are calling and I must go.” Indranil’s first love and home are the Greater Himalayan Mountains. On any given day, Indranil can be seen leading a merry group of intrepid trekkers into the mountains, and curating experiences and memories that will last a life time. 

In Part II of our Interview with Indranil, we talk about how COVID has impacted the trekking sector, what needs to be done to revive the sector and his advice for someone who wants to start a trekking operation post COVID.

How has trekking been impacted by COVID?

Its not just the trekking industry but the travel and tourism sector as a whole that has been impacted. Adventure tour operators and trekking outfit like mine have been impacted, but in essence its those who work in the tourism industry that have been affected the most are those who work on ground as guides, porters and ancillary staff. I have had to cancel many treks because of the pandemic and the people who have suffered the most are my staff who are locals. They are dependent on the seasonal work and it has made a huge dent in their earnings.

For me personally, it has been difficult because I have for the first time not been able to travel to the mountains and I have had serious withdrawal symptoms. I have personally dipped into my savings to support my staff and it hasn’t been easy. Between waves, we were able to take a few clients on treks but business did decrease substantially. I am keeping my fingers crossed that COVID will now become endemic in the population and we can slowly pick up the pieces.

Will the trekking industry be able to recover and attain pre COVID levels of success?

I do see a renewed boom in trekking.  Trekking as an activity has an inbuilt social distancing component. Trekkers in a trekking group as you will know, never travel together. The groups split into smaller sub groups of single trekkers or a group of two or three. There is limited conversation and people are trying to focus on conserving energy. It is a meditative activity, that gives you time to reflect on various issues.

How do you ensure that your treks are COVID compliant?

I primarily customized treks for homogenous groups of people who know each other – primarily consisting of family members and /or friends. I therefore ensure that people in the group are comfortable with each other and have no hesitancy in interacting with each other.

In addition, I am absolutely strict about all my trekking clients having double vaccination certificates and a COVID negative certificate (if the destination state mandates it). I am very particular and ensure that all staff including guides, drivers, cooks, horsemen, porters, and other ancillary staff are double vaccinated and test negative before a trek as well.  All COVID protocols are followed as per Government regulations of the state in which trek is located.

How can we as trekkers help to revive the industry? 

Avid trekkers and those who have been trekking pre COVID need no incentive to start trekking again. They are waiting for the third wave to recede and are already planning their trek.  To ensure that we encourage beginner trekkers to start on treks, we need to use social media as a tool to talk about the benefits of trekking in a post COVID scenario. We as trekkers and influencers need to write blog post and share visuals (images and YouTube videos) of the magnificent mountains. It is important to motivate people to do small treks even in the outskirts of their cities and towns as it may not always be easy to travel to Himalayas. 

How can trekking be a sustainable operation? 

There is no doubt that tourism as such brings in a tremendous amount of revenue and earnings. It is therefore very important that when the ecosystem is impacted, that the Government and other stakeholders’ step in and provide support.  

 My suggestions would be 

1. An insurance scheme for those who are seasonally employed in the tourism and trekking sector to ensure that they receive a fixed remuneration in the event of a climate induced calamity or pandemic.  

2. Provision of a fund to ensure that local operators and entrepreneurs are compensated in case of loss

3.   3. Ensure that all guides and associated staff who provide support on treks have a high school degree

4.    4. All guides and ancillary staff must be registered and have a bank account.

5.   5.  Capacity building workshops and free training in trekking and mountaineering and high-altitude rescue should be provided to locals in the Himalayan regions, so that trekking and other mountain related activities can be a viable income and livelihood opportunity

What would be your advice to a someone who wants to run a trekking and adventure tour operation?

I started a business from nothing and with no experience or knowledge of how to start a business. But I was lucky as there was very little competition at that time. Today, even during COVID times, there is plenty of competition. So, it is very important for a novice tour operator to study and understand the market, identify a strategy that is unique, raise resources. Getting into trekking apparel is also an attractive proposition.  Also, it is important that one is social media savvy or have the resource to hire someone who can take care of branding, packaging and market. These of course are general and pertain to any business. With trekking, it is particularly important that you understand the various trekking options on offer and how we can best curate these in accordance with client’s needs.

For more information on Ongoz Escapades go to 

https://www.facebook.com/ongozescapades/

https://www.instagram.com/indranil__kar/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCip1dBWL1NLfe3pGSDHxPgQ

Photo credit: Indranil Kar

 Please check out Indranil’s photographs at www.rovingeyes.com. 

 

 

              

What do you do when COVID derails your treks?

 If you, like me,  haven't been on a trek in the last two years, because COVID has hit the pause button,  it must be a very frustrating and exasperating time. All trekkers have the same question - When is it safe to go trekking again? 

 I do see a light at the end of the tunnel  but you will have to be patient a little longer. Trekking has taken a back seat  for many avid trekkers because of travel restrictions due to COVID or because of adverse climatic conditions ( the rains have played quite a spoiler in the last few months). 

How do you keep the spirt of trekking alive, when you are at home and unable to venture outdoors? How do you retain your connect with the mountains even within the four walls of your house? Here are a few ways to keep the trekking flame alive in your heart even though COVID has derailed your plans.

1. Continue you fitness regimen

Continue your regular fitness program despite not having a trekking goal post in mind. If there has been a break in your exercising due to COVID restrictions or you are recovering from a bout of COVID, ease into exercising through brisk walking for about 20 to 30 minutes. You may then get into a mixed cardio activity which includes gentle jogging and walking. Engaging in functional exercises and yoga are also important. If anything, a daily routine of exercise in some form, will help you retain your health and wellbeing with the knowledge and assurance, that you will be fit to trek when the time comes. Do check out my blog post on 'How do I exercise for a trek?' if you need any tips on trek fitness.

2. Watch trekking videos and documentaries on  You-tube/ social media channels

Watching trekking and mountaineering videos and documentaries has become a regular routine for my husband and me during these trying times of COVID. Post dinner is in front of the TV, watching You-tube videos of some of the toughest treks in India, Nepal and around the world.  Every night we trek the Kalindi Khal trek, (one of the toughest treks in India) or hike the Appalachian trails or climb Mount Aconacagua in Argentina..  I am not going to recommend any one particular you-tube video or channel (just google and you will give several hits), because all of them are interesting.  There is  a mountaineering documentary that deserves a special mention, though - 14 peaks on Netflix which features Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja who climbed the world's fourteen highest peaks within seven months. There are also several 'how to' videos that can help you improve your trekking techniques and help you purchase the right kind of gear for a trek. 

3. Do local hikes

If you cant go to the Himalayas, explore local hikes that are near you city. Do a little research and you will come across several trails  just outside the city limits. Make sure to check if these trails are open and take the necessary permissions and permits from the necessary authorities before you embark on these hikes. 

4. Form a trekkers support group

For all trekkers who suffer from withdrawal symptoms, it is important to be part of a support group. If you regularly trek with others, you already may be part of of  trekking WhatsApp groups. In the last year or so, our  group of trekkers called the Trail Blazers have an active WhatsApp group that regularly  chats and shares stories and visuals and  reminisce about treks we did together. We also occasionally organize virtual  meets that help us connect with each other.

5. Support those employed in the sector

Behind each successful trek is an experienced guide and his support staff consisting of cooks,  horsemen, and the locals who double up as helpers. From serving and managing camp sites, carrying essential loads on their back or managing pack animals, to cooking and serving timely and delicious meals and even serving as a motivators to trekkers when the going gets tough, these support staff serve are lifelines for trekkers.  It wouldn't be a comfortable trek if these "behind the scene" workers weren't around.  The pandemic has derailed the livelihoods of these workers. They deserve our support and help during these trying times. Work with your trekking community to set up a fund or donate to organizations that support community members working in the trekking sector. If you wish to be more personally involved, volunteer your time  and skills to upskill and build the capacities of these support staff, based on their  needs.  

6. Plan your next trek

If you are not able to go on a trek, do the next best thing - PLAN for one. There are many blogs and websites that will provides details on the various treks in India, Nepal and around the world. Identify one that is in keeping with your capabilities and endurance, and discuss it with your trekking  friends and guide. And most importantly, prepare for it.  

So what are you waiting for! its just a matter of months. The best treks are yet to come.