My Story:
Few months
back....I read it Online... We are
looking for “Trek Leaders”… Being an active trekker I was aware about the word
"Trek" and born to a father who is serving and leading the nation
from many decades I didn’t take much time to understand word
"Leader"… Out of curiosity, I applied for it…!! Few days later I
received an email saying “You have been shortlisted for further rounds of
interview to become a trek leader”…!!
From other sources
I got to know that 200+ candidates had applied for the same and 29 have been
shortlisted for further interview process. After 2 rounds of grilling interview
(Group discussion and PI) and 45 “situation reaction test” there were 7 of us
who made it to becoming “Trek
Leaders”...!!
By no way, I
wanted to quit my stable corporate job… hence chose trek leading as part time
option. After 2 days of basic training I started leading treks during weekends
and on holidays.
It has just been a
few months since I started my journey and have led around hundreds of trekkers
so far… I get an opportunity to meet new people every weekend who directly or
indirectly teach me a lot… It has transformed me from a young boy to a responsible
leader… It has taught me to be humble, calm and respectful of others. !! It has
given me a platform to stand in front of a group and deliver speeches...!! This
indirectly gives me courage to do better in my corporate job and become more
responsible...!!
My answer remains
the same- This is my passion and I love it. I know mountains and adventures are not
at all predictable… they both require a man with stamina, guts and a lot of
courage...!!!
For the Readers/ New Trekkers:
Who is a trek leader???
When a Major (an army
officer) goes for war he ensures the safety of his soldiers. In the same way a trek leader is the one
who ensures the safety of trekkers. He is the one who puts his dedicated effort
to bring the best days of trekkers life that can be cherished for entire life.
Skills of trek leader:
With natural
leadership, knowledge of safety skills, management competency, interpersonal
skills, they are the ones who know mountains very well and can carry out a
rescue single handed. They are not only good listeners, they are also a good
story teller. They meet strangers all the time who have an impact and leave
some story for them. They are not doctors by education but most of the trek
leaders are certified first aid professionals and hold good knowledge about
medicines.
Dos and don’ts:
•
My
personal experience, several times I found trekkers asking trek leader to carry
their bag and other stuff. Please avoid doing same. They are leaders who is meant to lead event, treks and trekkers.
•
Love
can happen anywhere and obviously with person who has stamina, leadership and
courage. They are smart and they know their responsibilities and importance. Still in such cases make sure you connect
with him/her offline after trek.
•
While
trekking to Himalayas, I found few of the trekkers appreciating trek leaders
with money. Avoid it. Most of the trek leaders do it for passion. They are
happy with what they earn. Appreciate them with your words. Invite them once
for dinner if you reside in same city. Meet them next time if you visit same
place. They are people who can be your
friends for lifetime.
“God Bless Trek leaders” :)
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