The Mapusa-based trekking group Eco Treks Goa is releasing its first book on trekking titled Hills to Himalayas on November 5, 2022, at 4 pm at Nalanda Hall, EDC House, Panaji.
The book will be released by filmmaker, theatre artist and chief guest of the evening Dnyanesh Moghe; guest of honour, environmentalist and writer Rajendra Kerkar; and corporate trainer and writer Pravin Sabnis, who will also speak on the book.
This book is an exercise in visual story-telling by 36 trekkers as they narrate their wonderful trekking experiences. The trekkers have captured the beauty of the mighty Himalayas, the hidden gems of the Western Ghats, enchanting beaches under the moonlight, and the historical forts at Raigadh, Pratapgadh and Torna, to name a few.
The first-hand documentation of various places and the wonders of nature, Hills to Himalayas most importantly shows how the simple activity of trekking has helped trekkers physically, mentally and emotionally.
The book also speaks about the locals, mostly villagers, who help the group by providing catering and logistics while conducting a local trek. This conscious decision by Eco Treks to involve locals extends the feeling of inclusivity among them.
Conceptualised during the COVID-19 pandemic to motivate trekkers, and to recollect and remember the times spent together, this book has made trekkers realise the bonding they shared with fellow trekkers and why they love trekking with Eco Treks Goa.
This book provides quick information regarding trekking activities conducted by Eco Treks Goa and their commitment to conducting treks which are sustainable and sensitive towards ecology, and that bring people and communities together.
Eco Treks Goa was started in 2008 by avid Himalayan trekker Durgadas Parab, cartoonist Alexyz and other like-minded people. From October 2008 until October 2022, 148 treks have been conducted in different parts of Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka and, most importantly, the Himalayas, in association with the Indian Mountaineering Federation (IMF).
An important motivation of the group is to create awareness about our ecology and conduct treks in an eco-sensitive way. Trekker safety is the cornerstone of every Eco Treks endeavour, ensuring it is a pleasurable outdoor activity without any mishaps.
At Eco Treks, there is one trek every month in Goa that unearths the sheer allure of Goa’s hidden spots, bedecked with green splendour, where nature overwhelms as mist drapes the lofty and emerald peaks nestling in a vast panoramic expanse.
Himalaya treks to Deo Tibba base, Sour Taal Lake and Shirigan Tungu base, to name a few, are an excellent medium to explore quaint rural habitations, pine forests and high mountains, and a rare chance to be up close and personal with the Himalayas.