A Trek to the Phulara Ridge, Uttarakhand Suman K Sharma The approaching summer had revived our itch for the mountains. One fine April morning, my friend, Tek Chand, and I went to the tried-and-tested Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) headquarters at Chankayapuri, New Delhi, to get registered for a trek to the Phulara Ridge in Uttarakhand.   Afterwards, we got a thorough medical checkup, a mandatory requirement of the venerable organization and more so to assure ourselves that all was well with our old bones. Considering our advanced age, we had also to give an undertaking that YHAI didn’t have any liability if anything ‘untoward’ (read, an injury or worse) happened to us during the trek.   But that legal formality could wait till we reported at the base-camp, Sankari.   Our immediate concern was to reach Sankari (altitude: 6,400 ft or 1,950 meters) on the appointed date. And that too, without any fuss.   Sankari is an important hamlet.   231 km from ...

It began like all ordinary things do—quietly, without announcement. One evening, as the office lights dimmed and screens began to shut one by one, a colleague turned to me and said, almost casually, “Come with us for a trek.” A trek. The word meant nothing to me then. No images of mountains, no sense of distance, no understanding of what it demands or what it gives. It was just a word—light, harmless, almost forgettable. And yet, something in me said yes. That same evening, we found ourselves walking into the YHAI office in Ahmedabad. It felt like stepping into a place filled with stories I had not yet lived. Walls spoke of mountains. Brochures carried glimpses of distant valleys. Names of places I had never heard of suddenly felt like invitations. We asked questions—endless questions. Which trek is best? How difficult is it? What should we expect? The volunteer smiled, as if he had seen this curiosity a thousand times before. And then we chose it. Har Ki Doon. I didn...

   1. Distance Training (Beat Your Own Record) Pick a 3–5 km route. Walk fast or jog—your call. Time yourself and try to get faster every week. Once you feel stuck (no more speed gains), level up: → Add a weighted vest → Try controlled breathing or mask training  Goal: Better stamina + stronger lungs 💨 💪 2. Strength & Flex (Get That Power) Mix in: → Stair climbing 🏃 ‍♂️ → Squats (alternate days) Start with bodyweight squats (perfect your form first!) Then slowly add weights as you get stronger. 🧘 ‍♀️ 3. Stretch = No Injury Zone Don’t skip this! → Stretch before = warm-up mode → Stretch after = recovery mode Keeps you flexible + injury-free ✅ 💧 4. Recovery & Hydration (Don’t Burn Out) Train hard, but recover smarter: → Take a break after every 2 – 3 days OR at least 2 rest days/week And hydrate like it’s your job 💦 Your body needs it to perform + recover. ⚡ Pro Tip: Consistency > Intensi...

Trading Screens for Sunrises GenZ spends most of their time on digital platforms and yet they demonstrate an unexpected preference for offline activities. People need to leave city sounds behind by going into actual forests and mountains, clouds and snow, tents and long winding trail spaces. Young people have discovered trekking as a new exciting way to escape their daily lives. The Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) serves as the starting point for many of these adventures which take place throughout India. YHAI has been organizing treks throughout India for more than twenty years. The organization experienced its first major transformation during the past five years. College students and young professionals now make up the majority of campers who visit the site while GenZ trekkers arrive with their backpacks and preloaded playlists and mountain exploration curiosity. The First Trek is Always Special I remember my first time, it was a small one-day monsoon trek to a waterfall, ...

  At Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI), our mission extends far beyond travel, adventure, and youth engagement. We strongly believe in giving back to society and contributing meaningfully to nation-building through consistent and impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Over the years, YHAI has actively responded to national needs, emergencies, and community welfare through a wide range of initiatives. Our CSR efforts reflect compassion, responsibility, and a deep commitment to social well-being. Key CSR Initiatives 1. Strengthening Healthcare Support YHAI has contributed to improving healthcare infrastructure by donating oxygen concentrators and other essential medical equipment to government hospitals, especially during times of critical need. 2. Support to Nation’s Heroes In the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, YHAI extended its solidarity by contributing ₹5 lakhs to the Bharat Ke Veer fund, supporting the families of our brave martyrs. ...