Takes two to go on

I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them,” said Mark Twain once.

True to these words, travelling with a partner can prove to be a window to a new world.
With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, where couples barely get to spend time with each other, the new bonding formula is ‘a family that treks together, stays together’. 

Travelling has always proved to be a good break for many Bengalureans as it opens one to new perspectives. Abhijith Damodar and wife Priyanka Nagesh are happy that they could get back to trekking after a lull.

“After our child was born, we weren’t able to head out much. But our recent trip to Leh Ladakh did wonders for our relationship. While we have always felt refreshed after every trek, this one made us appreciate our personal space even more,” says Abhijith.

Such expeditions often help one to get away from one’s mundane life.“Nature is an unpredictable space. When one faces hardships together, it brings them closer. Situations that do not happen in everyday life often startle one and make them rely on the other for comfort or solutions,” says Abhijith.

The journey brings with it beautiful memories and life lessons. Gautham C B, an
associate general manager (administration) with a hospital, loves trekking with wife Bhashini.

“In fact we owe the foundation of our relationship to this common interest. These trips have taught us many things,” he says.

The duo love going for exploratory treks. “These have made us understand the need for a team effort. When on a trek or outdoor activity together, one learns to be punctual and shares responsibilities and chores. Even after the trip is done, you begin to adopt this practice in one’s lifestyle which helps you to handle things better on the personal front,” he says.

“Whenever we face difficulties, we remind ourselves that we have come this far and the summit is near,” he adds.

Corporate coach and professional mountaineer Sunand Sampath takes many couples on treks and helps them plan their journey better.

He treks with his wife Dhanalakshmi S often and says that all his treks, including a recent one to Bhutan, taught him to work as a team with his partner, even when they didn’t agree on things.

“In the city, with so many distractions around, you rarely spend quality time with your loved one. A trek always brings out the best and worst in people,” he says.

Relationship counsellor Akshatha Purohit, who also loves trekking, says that it changes one’s outlook to real-life situations.

“Though travelling is not an official therapy form, it makes people think beyond their comfort zone,” she says.

Imagine being pushed into a forest with your partner and all you can do is trek through the heights and find your way out?

“This leads to an increased level of trust and combined decision making. You begin to respect your partner’s views more,” she adds.

She travels with her fiance Karthikeyan Samudri often. Of all their trips, the one to Solang Valley remains close to her heart.

“I almost fractured my ankle when we were trekking. While he was helping me out, he proposed to me. This is how magical trekking together can be,” she says with a smile.