Scaling new heights: personal transformation through high altitude trekking in the Himalayas
subject: Himalayas; Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis; Nature; Psychological benefits; Travel; Trekking; Well-being
description: In recent times, the human-nature continuum is being explored and studies have shown different kinds of terrains and nature evoke different emotional responses in individuals. Trekking in high-altitude mountains is one kind of nature and is special in terms of the height, the extent of naturalness and the experience of living in the wilderness that is involved. The current study focuses on understanding the experience of high-altitude trekking for novice Indian trekkers. The semi-structured interview data from eight participants who had gone on four different treks in the Himalayas was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The following themes- motivational factors, preparation, environmental shift, social relationships, psychological impact and physical impact- emerged with personal transformation being the essence of the experience. The themes bring forth the various psychological benefits of interacting with nature whilst facilitating social connection. The research emphasises the psychosocial benefits of the trekking experience and paves the way for a holistic approach towards health and well-being in theoretical and therapeutic approaches in the Indian scenario. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Outdoor Education Australia 2025.
creator: Hussain, Batul; Kumar, Aneesh
source: Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education;Volume;29;Issue;1;pp.53-71
publisher: Springer
date: 01-01-2026
rights: Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
relation: ISSN: 22063110;
format: online
language: English
type: Article
coverage: Hussain B., Counselling Psychology, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, India; Kumar A., Department of Psychology, Christ University, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India