Welcome to aakanksharathorblog! I share my passion for strength training, mountain hiking, and living a fit, adventurous life. Its a space dedicated to the intersection of physical strength and outdoor exploration. Here you’ll find personal hiking stories, detailed training routines to prepare for treks, and inspiration to push your limits in both fitness and nature.
Let’s explore trails and boost our fitness together.
An eight-mile hike on a Sunol Ridge trail on Saturday was truly a delightful experience! It was a cloudy and slightly chilly morning, a refreshing change from the scorching heat I’d faced on spring hikes on the same trail before. This trail is quite exposed, and the scenery is stunning compared to those warmer hikes.
Through the cloudy ridge trail
As the drizzle started, we happily pulled out our puffers and rain jackets while the clouds rolled over the Tyler Ranch Staging Area. Catching up with my group and feeling that warm welcome on a chilly morning made my day. We tackled the first two miles uphill, chatting away and soaking in the breathtaking views around us. The trail was bursting with wildflowers and lush green grass, making it all the more enjoyable. It’s a challenging hike and a great workout for the heart! As we continued along the well-maintained trail, the clouds rolled in and made visibility a bit tricky.
Cold and gusty winds on trail
After a few miles, we reached the gate for Sunol’s Peak, and while the winds picked up and it felt a little anticlimactic, my enthusiastic group was excited to push on to the peak. The wind intensified, and rather than making the hike challenging, it became more adventurous. The deafening sound of the wind created a more immersive experience. We spotted a few little birds that were struggling to maintain the direction of their flight in the winds. With no other hikers around, we relished the quiet moments and the solitude. The trail climbed the ridge and followed the ridgeline past Sunol Peak, allowing us to experience the ever-changing moods of Mother Nature. As we reached Sunol’s peak, a sense of achievement washed over us all, with revelations of the towers amidst the clouds.
The towers revealed thru cloudscape
It was mostly cloudy with some gusty winds uphill, but as we started our return in the afternoon, the clouds began to clear, and we were treated to beautiful views! The sound of cows grazing and the scent of horses filled the air, and the sound of a train felt like a balm to our senses. We could see the gushing Almeda Creek. It really was a wonderful day spent outdoors.
After flying across the globe and getting over the jet lag, I was excited to get back into my routine, especially my workouts. Instead of jumping right into intense exercise, I opted for a gentler start with hiking. With the joy of fresh air and the beauty of spring around us, we decided to spend the evening hiking through Wunderlich Park.
Wunderlich Park features a picturesque hillside area filled with redwood forests, open meadows, and beautiful oak and madrone trees, all connected by lovely trails. We chose to tackle a 4.6-mile loop that included the Bear Gulch and Alambique trails, which took us nearly two hours to complete. Despite being a popular location for hiking and walking, we enjoyed a quiet evening and encountered very few other people.
We set off in an anticlockwise direction, starting at the end of Alambique Road. Spring was in full bloom, with luscious green grass and a refreshing breeze enhancing the experience. At the trailhead, to the right, we passed the Folger Stable Historic Site, which features the Carriage Room Museum.
The trail winds through beautiful forests of redwood, oak, and madrone, along with meadows that offer lovely views. Evening sunlight filters through the dense trees on the shaded path, featuring some steady inclines. The aromas of the foliage and wildflowers were delightful. Some sections of the trail are also used by horses, so we encountered horse dung along the way.
I was born and spent part of my early childhood in a place where horse stables and carriages were common. The smell of horses and the sound of their distant hinnies evoke a sense of nostalgia for me.
The trail meanders and is adorned with wildflowers such as Hound’s Tongue, Forget-me-nots, Violets, and Milkmaids. Colorful flowers blanket the ground, and the lush green trees above, along with the filtering sunlight, create a spectacular view.
After a final steep incline to the highest point, an open meadow reveals itself under a clear blue sky.
As we made our way back, we passed the massive trunks of ancient redwoods, some of which have endured the ravages of fire but still stand tall and strong. It was a refreshing hike for us!
Nangkartshang Peak in Nepal rises to an impressive height of 16,677 feet. It’s a popular destination for acclimatization hikes in the Khumbu region, but during my exploration, I felt it deserved special attention rather than being overshadowed by the itinerary of the Everest Base Camp trek. It stands tall as a peak of a higher ridge than it is an independent mountain.
The climb to Nangkartshang Peak begins at Dingboche, a quaint village situated at an altitude similar to that of Mount Whitney’s summit. This scenic village is accessible only by trails, and we had the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals, a spectacular destination through a very difficult hike.
We reached Dingboche on the sixth day of our EBC trek. The next morning, we planned to summit this astounding peak while enjoying the picturesque surrounding mountain ranges and ridges.
The trail commences with prayer flags fluttering in the soft breeze
The Southwest Ridge Route is the only commonly used route to climb the peak with a well defined trail. Elevation gain above Dingboche is about 2300 feet, and the climb can be done in few hours from Dingboche.
The trek was leisurely, as there was no time constraint to start or rush for a turnaround. The intention was to absorb the natural beauty and acclimatize for the next day. What a wonderful way to start the morning!
Dingboche village seen from the trail to Nangkartshang PeakQuite a busy trail with stupas, views and offcourse all the enthusiastic hikers!The trail is adorned with Stupas throughout upto 15,000 feet elevation
Along the path, the Stupas marked the trail. They visually represent the Buddhist cosmos, the journey to enlightenment, and the mind of the Buddha, providing spiritual solace and inspiration.
The clouds rolling in from Valley!
The scenic views of the mountains surrounding us were breathtaking. In the distance, we saw clouds rolling towards us, and nature seemed to be in perfect harmony. We were eager to summit the mountain before a whiteout occurred, as we wanted to see the valley from that vantage point. The trail was well-maintained, and the panoramic views became more stunning as the sun shone brighter.
White river in Pheriche Valley adorning a majestic mountain
The river, with its milky white water, flowed far down in the Pheriche valley, appearing immense. I couldn’t help but wonder how vast it must look up close. The sense of cleansing it provided brought me back to the present moment. Isn’t it a form of spiritual solace in itself?
Cairns marking the trail throughout
It is a well-marked trail with cairns, making navigation easy and allowing for a more relaxing experience focused on the surrounding nature rather than on finding the route.
Beautiful lake in background at 16,000 feet
We spotted helicopters continuously landing, and every hiker would pause, like children, to point them out. There was a thrilling sense of camaraderie among those who appreciated the beauty of nature. As we reached 16,000 feet, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy; it was my first time at such a high elevation. In the distance, we could see the stunning, deep blue lake.
Fall color and wild flowers
I took few breaks to snack on fruit gummies while enjoying the refreshing, cool air. Our guide led us and shared stories about other mountains and passes he had traversed.while I also looked at tiny little plants and wild flowers growing at such an elevation, and making the trail more scenic.
Hikers acclimatizing and enjoying
Suddenly, I heard someone singing an old and popular Bollywood song, “Tu hi meri shab hai…” from the movie *Gangster*. I turned around and saw a Sherpa singing. It brought us happiness to hear a Hindi song on a mountain in a foreign land. I joined to sing along and duet lasted a couple of minutes, and it reminded me of the time I spent in India, growing up watching movies.
Once we reached the summit, I felt a great sense of accomplishment! The summit was adorned with prayer flags and surrounded by ridges. We took pictures to capture how far we had come. The giants Kangtega, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Taboche were all visible and demanded awe from us the mortal beings!
My first 16,670 feet summit at Nangkartshang Peak
Our guide then took a break to enjoy some alone time and have a smoke, which pleasantly surprised us. Here we were, struggling for breath, while his VO2 max seemed to be remarkable! Later we came to know it’s quite common and has inspired memes and paintings! Meanwhile we explored the summit for various vantage points and much needed photo shoots!
Breathtaking backdrop from summit
Every spot on the summit acts like a photo booth, providing breathtaking backdrops. The summit features a 360-degree view of majestic, snow-covered mountains, with stunning blue glacial lakes nestled at their bases. After spending some time in reflection, we began our descent. I didn’t expect the descent to be as scenic yet different from the ascent!
Dreamy life walking through the clouds
Meanwhile, distant clouds had rolled in, and we were hiking through the clouds! As the clouds shifted, a window would open up, revealing the mighty mountains and giving us a sneak peek at their beauty. Everyone on the trail would exclaim “wow!” in unison, mesmerized by the mischievous acts of nature! The dreamy walk has been etched in my mind forever!
I realized that there were quite steep sections and gravel on the trail that required more focus. Lost in my thoughts and concentrating on my steps, I noticed a few passersby exclaimed with pleasant surprise that I wasn’t using trekking poles on this terrain. I felt glad that I had made the choice not to use them and was able to rely on my natural balance and strength during this day hike as an experienced hiker!
Back to Dingboche village!
As the three of us approached the tea house from a distance, the thought of hot tea and a warm meal excited me just as much as the anticipation of sharing our adventure with our two friends, who were waiting eagerly for our stories to unfold!
In the fall of 2024, we successfully reached Kala Patthar. We combined this achievement with the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek, which is accessible from Gorakshep, situated at approximately 16,942 feet (5,164 meters) above sea level. This high-altitude settlement serves as a base for trekkers who aim to summit Kala Patthar, which stands at about 18,192 feet (5,545 meters).
After a challenging day of trekking to EBC on our way to Gorakshep, we noticed a marker indicating an adventure trek along the left side of the route to EBC.
We spent our last night of the EBC trek at the tea house Snowland Highest Inn in Gorakshep, to rest well. Out of our team of four, two of us decided to make the final ascent to Kala Patthar the next day before the end of our long days on trek, and an experienced porter, who has become a good friend, enthusiastically volunteered to accompany us.
We woke up in the pitch dark at two o’clock the next morning. I had prepared much-loved chai, which was already kept in a thermos from the previous night. Dressed in layers, we got out of the tea house past the still-sleeping guides and porters in a common area, three of us stepped out into a pitch-dark and soothing silence of no yak bells. The sky was clear, and the stars were twinkling. One of the best places for sky gazing at high altitude. I anticipated that it would be a lot of fun.
We began our hike early at a quarter past three using headlamps for visibility. Our destination was situated on the south ridge of Pumori, above Gorak Shep.
Although the distance from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar is only about 0.75 miles, we hiked slowly due to the thin air, high altitude, and steep ascents. The cold added to our fatigue, as we had already been trekking to EBC for several days. We chatted and took breaks to snack and hydrate as we continued our journey.
We began our ascent of the south face of Kala Patthar from Gorakshep, following a well-trodden but somewhat unclear path. The headlamps of sunrise enthusiasts dotted the dark landscape, resembling moving stars and marking the route up the mountain, while our porter guided us along.
After about thirty minutes of hiking, I started to feel exhausted since I hadn’t eaten anything, and my fingers were cold. I kept my gloves on, but my hands still felt icy. My companions kindly rubbed my hands to warm them, and I noticed my nose was turning blue. Not wanting to risk frostbite, I covered my nose with my woolen buff.
It’s a long way up, and I was growing mentally and physically frustrated at the thought of covering the last ~400 feet of elevation, but I was determined to watch the sunrise. It felt like forever to reach the summit.
The longer I stopped, the more I feared freezing. My seemingly hopeless struggle was now fueled by the enthusiasm of my companions. My porter friend encouraged me to follow his pace and match his steps. We left the main trail and hopped from rock to rock, racing against time to reach the summit of Kala Patthar before dawn.
To my surprise, this spot is quite popular for watching the sunrise. A queue of motivated early risers and summit baggers, fighting the urge to surrender to the cold, slowly crawled toward the summit, rubbing each other’s frozen hands and hugging to beat the bone-chilling temperatures.
As dawn broke, the darkness of night gave way to glowing silhouettes of majestic mountains, with a pinkish hue spreading across the sky and unveiling the gorgeous peaks surrounding us. The hike from Gorakshep to the summit of Kala Patthar took about two hours.
Once at the top of Kala Patthar, we had an incredible view of the entire EBC and the Khumbu Glacier below.
The sight of Mount Everest from Kala Patthar was particularly breathtaking, as it provided a close-up perspective of the majestic peak. The mountain was topped with a lenticular cloud, revealing its distinctive triangular summit along with the ridges and valleys of its massive south face.
We spent almost forty-five minutes soaking in the stunning scenery, including the visually strikingly beautiful Ama Dablam which transformed from darkness to a pink shroud as the sun began to rise. This Himalayan trek offered breathtaking panoramic views, with Mount Lhotse and Mount Nuptse to the east providing an unparalleled spectacle at sunrise, as the sun bathed the mountains of the Khumbu Region in a warm glow.
The sunrise was spectacular, with the sun rising directly behind Everest and bathing us in the crisp morning light. After taking in the breathtaking views, we began our descent, which took one hour and fifteen minutes to reach Gorakshep. The temperature had risen significantly as the sun emerged behind Mount Nuptse.
As we descended the mountain, we felt energized by the sunlight, the clear visibility of the scenery, and the thickening air. I was excited to share our adventure story with our two teammates waiting at Gorakshep.
While the Kala Patthar trek offers stunning views of the world’s highest mountain, Everest, it also promises incredible memories and thrilling adventures. To date, this has been the most challenging and highest trek I have ever completed!
I felt river hiking is an experience I must try, especially in Zion National Park, which is truly a natural marvel. Water is the very thing that created Zion Canyon. One of its most unique features is the Narrows, the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, where the walls rise a thousand feet high. The Virgin River can be as narrow as twenty to thirty feet across. Exploring this gorge by wading through the waters adds an element of challenge and adventure. Unlike conventional hikes, the trail here is always changing!
I was thrilled to have this unique experience. The day before the hike, we gathered all the necessary information about the dos and don’ts, precautions, and checked our cold-weather gear to ensure that the adventure would be drama-free.
The following day, we rechecked the weather for clear skies and the forecast of the water level in the Narrows, an area known for its susceptibility to flash floods. Dressed in my beanie and North Face puffer jacket, with a daypack containing essentials like water and snacks, we boarded the classic shuttle and arrived at the Temple of Sinawava.
Once there, we visited a nearby shop to rent dry pants. To keep our feet dry and warm, we also equipped ourselves with canyoneering shoes and neoprene socks. A hiking stick was essential for navigating the uneven, slippery rocky river bed and providing support along the way.
Hiking upstream as far as Big Spring does not require a wilderness permit, so we were all set with our gears and daypacks, ready to embrace the adventure ahead! This hike is an out-and-back route that begins along the paved Riverside Walk, which extends for one mile from the Temple of Sinawava.
The trail is known as the Bottom-Up Hike towards Wall Street. Crowds typically begin to thin out after fall break, but it was still quite popular during our visit. The first half mile was filled with tourists, but as we continued, we found ourselves among fellow hikers. At this point we left the pavement and started hiking in the river.
This day hike offered me the chance to explore some of the most spectacular and narrow areas of the canyon. Fall is a beautiful time in Zion, and The Narrows was particularly breathtaking. The slanting sunlight created an amazing atmosphere, and the colorful leaves complemented the vibrant canyon walls. Although I had previously hiked through Antelope Canyon in Arizona and appreciated its stunning walls, I couldn’t help but compare with this while walking along the riverbed and taking in the vast sandstone formations was unparalleled.
As soon as the water trail began, we had opportunities to walk through the river. The water level was low, making hiking in the river quite easy. The water was cold, with a flow rate between 30 and 60 cubic feet per second, reaching from our ankles to our knees. Using Narrow’s gear allowed us to enjoy our hike and navigate the river more efficiently. I often stopped to marvel at how million years of river erosion have carved 1500-foot walls. While mesmerized by the magnificent canyon and the unique experience of walking in the water, we also paid close attention to any changes in water flow and clarity. Even a slight increase in flow, a shift to murky, silt-laden water, a roaring sound from upstream, or a rapid increase in vegetation in the water could indicate a potential flood. However, at this time of year, with clear skies, flooding was unlikely.
The weather throughout the fall remained mostly mild, with average highs in the 60s and 70s. The air within the canyon was a cool breeze with whiffs of a mix of earthy and natural scents of sandstone walls.
We crossed the river and then hiked along the bank for a while. Throughout the hike, we alternated between walking along the bank, crossing the river, and walking directly in the river. There were little pools with stagnant water around boulders, adding more noticeable smell of decaying vegetation to the air. As we splashed through the gentle and rushing currents, we could hear distant voices echoing in the background.
As we continued our hike deeper into the slot canyon, wading through the Virgin River beneath the towering sandstone walls, it felt as though we had entered a cathedral. We crossed the Gateway to the Narrows and made our way to Mystery Falls. After about half a mile of entering the river, we finally arrived at Mystery Falls. This is a beautiful area where the water cascades down the flat canyon wall in a series of small rivulets , as the canyon walls are water-resistant. We walked over to the wall and took a moment to appreciate the micro-waterfalls.
Although crowds typically thin out after fall break, the area still attracted many visitors. The first half-mile was particularly crowded with tourists, but as they began to disperse, there was more space for those of us who were hiking. Many areas off that bank provide opportunities for exploring.
I was pleasantly surprised by how a canyon could showcase such stunning scenery, with its towering red walls and vibrant colors. The crystal-clear water enhanced the breathtaking landscape. As we moved through the canyon, we saw from wide, open sections to narrower, more intimate corridors, offering new vistas around every bend. The towering walls of the canyon evoke a range of powerful emotions, from awe and humility to the realization of our smallness in comparison to the vastness of nature. The intimate relationship of the river and majestic gorge inspired a profound connection to the Mother Earth.
Navigating the shifting riverbed and carefully picking my way over loose, slippery rocks required concentration and physical endurance. The unstable footing made me grip my walking stick like a third leg. The cold weather and the effort of wading through the frigid water dampened my desire to hike longer, even though I enjoyed the views at spots like Narrows Alcove before turning back. I focused on the soothing sound of the gurgling water. It was an easy to moderate day hike, and this route is popular among most Narrows hikers who come to see the famous Wall Street section ahead in the canyon.
The hike back down the Virgin River was similar to the hike up, as we were retracing our steps. We found it a bit easier this time because we were moving down stream in the direction of the water current . The canyon walls appeared different in the midday sun than we started. The increase in temperature was also a welcome relief to the cold we felt.
After walking through the Virgin River, we returned to the paved Riverside Walk. This paved trail was a welcome change for our cold and tired feet and a stable ground for our footing. A highlight on the way back was when people asked about the water temperature or how the shoes felt! It felt like I was walking on jelly! And was the river hike worth it? Definitely!
The Zion Narrows is an extraordinary hike. The trail is unique, and the planning required is different compared to a typical trail hike. No wonder it is a sought after hike in the American West.
Thanksgiving in 2018 was a significant turning point for me. Balancing the demands of family and career had left my mind feeling chaotic. I realized I needed a break, so we planned a trip to Zion National Park. Zion National Park is one of the Mighty 5 national parks in Utah in USA, which also includes Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands.
Once we arrived at Zion National Park and took the classic shuttle to the visitor center, I was amazed by the majestic Zion Canyon. I stood in awe of the massive sandstone cliffs, which displayed shades of cream, pink, and red against the brilliant, blue sky. Although it was quite crowded, my companion suggested to hike a popular trail to have a view of Zion Canyon. Because the trail was a free-for-all when we went and assuming it to be a regular hike, we took the shuttle to the Grotto trailhead, the starting point for Angels Landing. But this was just a nice prelude to the main adventure!
The hike begins by crossing the pedestrian bridge over the Virgin River. The late fall colors highlighted the rich reds of the towering sandstone walls.
To my surprise, the trail quickly gained elevation, leading to the shaded and cool Refrigerator Canyon.
I was grateful to have my North Face puffer jacket with me! While zoning out and sorting through my thoughts, I was on the path to the head of the canyon and began a strenuous ascent up the east wall.
Eventually, I reached Walter’s Wiggles, a series of twenty-one switchbacks.
After two miles of climbing and the top of the switchbacks, the trail continued with a gradual ascent to a sandy area known as Scout Lookout. I felt elated to finally see the aerial views of Zion Canyon, and I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Is that it?”
A couple who were planning to turn back pointed out to their left the final, hair-raising climb of five hundred vertical feet to the top of Angels Landing! They mentioned that many who reached this point shared the same surprise. I had no idea what to expect! The narrow ledge required quite a bit of scrambling. From half a mile away, the already thin trail appeared even narrower. I didn’t want to head back and risk getting stuck in my thoughts again. Physical activity always energizes me and helps me stay focused on the present!
We started hiking, stepping carefully on the rocks. I noticed that a chain railing added an element of safety. I felt this adventure was packed with excitement, making it a relatively compact yet daring hike. The other hikers were quite bold, discussing the sheer drops around us. To boost our courage as we aimed for the summit, one hiker jokingly said, “Don’t worry if anyone falls; it won’t hurt, just die!” Phew!
After the first half of the final ascent, we came to a large flat overlook point.
At this stage, the hike became more of a mental challenge than a physical one. I contemplated the fact that I had already covered half of the trail, so why not give it one final push? As we approached the summit, we navigated carved steps along the spine of a knife-edge ridge. We gripped heavy chains attached to the rock as handrails, though these chains were not present along all the drop-offs.
We climbed up a steep scramble to reach the first knob, followed by an unprotected walk across a narrow saddle flanked by sheer drop-offs. On the Angels Landing hike, I truly experienced the exhilarating sensation of walking on the edge. We continued our ascent with the help of some spotty chains and footholds chiseled into the bedrock. Each pull on the chain from behind nudged my fingers against the rock. There were moments when I would grip the chain, focus my gaze on the rock, and then resume my slow pace toward the grand summit. Throughout the climb, I was aware of my heart working!
We followed an experienced hiker who had completed the trail before and was incredibly encouraging the entire way up. Her companions had chosen to turn back, but she kept going! I was grateful for the dry, cold weather, as it provided sturdy footing on the rocks and alleviated the fear of slipping.
I remained vigilant throughout the hike, carefully and deliberately taking each step until I reached the highest point of Angels Landing!
There are no guardrails, and resilient pine trees cling to the rocky edges above the steep drop. The breathtaking views of Zion Canyon, over 1,000 vertical feet below, made the hike worthwhile. The crisp, cool autumn air and the soothing warmth of the afternoon sun felt like a balm for our tired senses. We soaked in the jaw-dropping scenery. At the top of Angels Landing, the path widens, providing plenty of room for us to find our own little resting spot. The aerial view reveals that the summit is at the center of the Big Bend of Zion Canyon. We were greeted with a panorama of rugged spires, towering landscapes, and winding river. In the far distance, across the canyon, we could see the higher Observation Point. These stunning visual rewards made the daunting hike along the challenging trail of Angels Landing an incredible experience. It earned its name because it was said to be so high that only angels could reach the top. It truly lives up to its name!
With a clear mind and flooded with endorphins, I felt a deep connection to Angels Landing. It had truly brought me back to the present and focused my attention on the spectacular views surrounding me. No wonder Angels Landing was previously known as the Temple of Aeolus—it had a special healing effect on me. We spent almost half an hour on the top. Small group was having lunch, some were taking pictures and others were discussing what a raven was doing at such a height! We were also greeted by our little friends, chipmunks! It was fun to spend November afternoon appreciating the meticulous job of nature in rock formation.
Then began the terrifying descent. On the way back, I heard some hikers boasting about their accomplishments on narrow ridges. They chose to scramble down instead of sliding on their butt toward the cliff’s edge to return to the trail and the chains. It made me ponder how easily the human ego can become inflated. We all seemed excited about finishing the hike, and many were overcoming their long-standing fear of heights. A big applause for them! Same trail but each person experienced a sense of achievement, but in their unique and different ways.
One hiker, shocked and overwhelmed, went weak in the knees and declared that this was his first and last hike there. “Never again!” he exclaimed. Once we returned to Scout Landing, the journey back went smoothly, and we were filled with elation and excitement.
We took the shuttle back to the visitor center, and from the windows, we and other passengers gazed at the top of the giant sandstone formation, trying to spot other hikers. The conversation began to flow, and we mentioned that we had been at the top just a few hours earlier. One lady exclaimed, “What? You two are coming from the top of Zion?” That awestruck moment made me realize that although the hike to Angels Landing isn’t technically difficult, it is both physically and mentally strenuous and challenging.
I’m glad I carried my phone, as it allowed me to capture unforgettable moments from my hike and share pictures and experiences with my friends and family. It changed my perspective of strenuous hikes and my motto to “check out the view from up here!”
