A Survey
With the awareness created by various communities, tour organizers, social groups and even amongst friends a lot more women are taking interest and scaling up to their passion or want to hike even if it is a day trek of smaller altitudes. I recently conducted a survey on women above the age of 40 who started hiking/trekking after 40 or are keen on starting one.
The survey included a lawyer, entrepreneurs, teachers, journalist, travel designers, homemakers, Image Consultant, Digital Consultant, Financial Analyst, IT Professional etc. The questions asked were related to the personal interest and what do they look forward to in trekking. Majority of the women surveyed were from Bangalore and rest from other cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Pune.
It was encouraging to see women above the age 50 want to start trekking without any inhibitions as they say the pressure of home and work responsibilities is slighter now. Interestingly women of this age group are fitness freaks and are ready for any kind of trek or are gearing themselves up by making fitness as part of their routine. Like me, quite a few of other respondents said that they got inspired by friends and family of similar age who started trekking after the age of 40, few were inspired by friends of younger age. Social Media plays an important role in creating awareness about these adventures. Presence of various Trek Operators on social media inspires women to take that first step and bring in the confidence of doing it.
Away from the hustle and bustle of city life and chores, the majority of the women find mountains magical and motivates them for trekking, while others believe that trekking gives them happiness and relaxes their mind and for few, they see it as a great workout. As the number of women trekkers are increasing, safety is the key issue. To be on a safer side majority of women trekkers like to trek in a group with family and friends while others want to travel with Trek Companies and make new friends. A very small percentage want to travel with only women groups or solo.
View Comments
So well written.very helpful and motivating
Beautifully written.... I am getting motivated to start trekking more often
Would love to trek as part of a group in Karnataka - Day treks to start with
Yes, Srilakshmi you should start with a day trek.
Wow... That's so motivating and much needed piece of advise... Trekking is just on my mind since so many years!! I am 42 now. And Due to busy family and work life I could not start till now. But will surely make a start in 2024!! Thanks again!!
Its never too late. The day you start is the right time. Have fun! Keep Trekking! Keep reading !