Trekking to Transformation

Life Lessons from the Himalayan Trails

Hi! I’m Johanna from Germany. For 2 years now, I live in a small village in the Indian Himalayas at an altitude of 2,300 meters. Every day, I trek through the mountains – either on my own or as a trekking guide, leading travellers from around the world through breathtaking trails.

Trekking here is about more than reaching the summit or taking in stunning views. The Himalayan trails often lead us through small, colourful villages that offer something far more valuable: a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people who call these mountains home: The villagers of the Himalayas.

Especially interacting and observing the local women, has taught me lessons that have transformed how I approach my life nowadays.

Today, I’d like to share a few of these meaningful lessons with you:

Lesson #1: Strength Comes in Many Forms

Strength is often defined as “The quality or state of being physically strong”. We all love a good trail run or hike because it requires strengths and makes us feel stronger. But the kind of strength I’ve witnessed in the Himalayas is something else entirely.

Here, winters are especially harsh. Temperatures drop far below freezing. All natural (and the only) water sources – creeks and rivers – freeze overnight. Firewood must be gathered daily from the distant forests for cooking and warming the house, and cows need to be fed with leaves that need to be collected by climbing trees. And who does most of this work? Women — often well into their 50s or older!

It isn’t physical strength that gets them out of bed at 4 am during a cold winter day when all bones aches. It isn’t physical strength that enables them to manage the household, raise children whilst also executing hard work in the fields. It is their mental strength!

Mental strength is what makes these women show up every day, even when they feel tired. They are present for their families and the community, because they know that their efforts make a difference and are substantial, no matter how small they may seem.

In a world that glorifies fast results, visible and measurable achievements, these women are our reminder that strength is often quiet, persistent, sometimes invisible at first glance and can go unnoticed by others.

I would redefine strength as “The quality or state of being mentally strong. To take on responsibility and to get things done, regardless of the circumstances”.

Lesson #2: Less Is Indeed More

When we embark on a multi-day hike, we pack only the essentials to keep our luggage light — and often realize how little we need. Surrounded only by trees and birds, nature doesn’t judge us. It doesn’t care about our makeup-free faces, wrinkles, messy hair, or sweaty armpits. Although this goes against the common beauty standard, I always feel amazingly empowered about myself – I am sure, so do you! We don’t judge our legs by their skinniness, but by their ability to carry us over the next mountain peak. It’s all so raw and real!

Imagine applying this mindset not only to your trek but to your entire life: keeping it minimalist, raw, and real — just like the villagers of the Indian Himalayas. The people here live simply, focusing on what truly matters: food, shelter, family, and community. They don’t have overflowing wardrobes or shiny gadgets. They aren’t choosing to be “Minimalists” or “Natural Beauties” — it’s simply who they are because they don’t need to be anything else.

On treks, we meet women walking rugged paths in worn plastic sandals, carrying heavy loads of wood. Yet they greet us with bright smiles and glowing cheeks. There’s no complaining, just resilience and grace.

Why is it that these people are so content, even though they have far less than we have?
I don’t want to go down the rabbit hole on capitalism but let me briefly explain: You probably live or were raised in a capitalistic society – just like me. Capitalism is an expert at creating unnecessary desires within you by subtly making you feel that you are not good enough just the way you are. Because only a person who is dissatisfied with themselves is a good consumer. And consumption is necessary for the economy to keep growing.

I am sure this is part of why we feel so alive when we hike! The trail washes away all those pressures and expectations. We stop obsessing over how we should be, should look or what we should have achieved by now. Instead, we just accept us and things as they are. It is crucial that we don’t leave this mindset on the trail but carry it with us, every day.

I’m not saying we should abandon modern comforts or stop caring about how we look. But isn’t it that we all experience that when we’re out in nature, stripped of all the excess, we feel freer and good about yourself!

Time on Himalayan trails shows happiness isn’t in having more, looking perfect, or chasing goals. It’s found in appreciating the basics, being present, and embracing who you are. Less is More.

Lesson #3: Build Your Circle, Strengthen Your Community

I met an old friend over coffee the other day, and she shared with me how hard the past few years have been for her — raising her first child, working part-time, and managing the household. She lost herself in the process because all these responsibilities are simply too much for one couple to handle alone. Yet somehow, this has become the norm in modern cultures — we’re expected to “fight” on our own.

The Himalayan trails we trek lead us not only through mountains and villages but also through dense forests and agricultural fields. Here, we often see groups of people working together. Every person’s life in the Himalayas is deeply interconnected with others. People rely on each other for support, whether it’s through shared meals, helping with the harvest, collecting firewood together, or simply checking in on one another. No one here walks their path alone — and neither should we!

Witnessing the strength of these communities made me reflect on my own life and relationships. Too often, we rely solely on a few people — our parents, partners, or even just ourselves — to get through life’s challenges. But that isn’t enough. We need to build a wider, supportive circle of people we can trust and lean on when things get hard.

For women especially, it’s essential to create a network of supportive female friends. These connections won’t magically appear — we need to take proactive steps to build them. Prioritize time with your friends, visit your neighbour, or meet up with a colleague after work. We must reach out to others and be open and vulnerable about our experiences and hardships. Life becomes lighter and easier when shared.

I do love trekking on my own, but it’s a much more fulfilling and richer experience when I walk alongside others — when we can be grumpy together about the muddy, slippery trails, and when we share the excitement of reaching the peak.

Final Thoughts

The Himalayan trails have been a transformative experience for me. The local people I’ve met along the way have taught me about resilience, simplicity, and the power of community. I’ve learned to take on life’s responsibilities with a lighter heart (showing strength) I’ve made time to nurture friendships — both old and new (embracing community). And I’ve let go of stuff, expectations and societal pressures (simplifying life).

I know for certain, that your next trail run, or hike will provide you with valuable insights as well – so pay attention! The mountains always have something to teach us. But the real transformation happens when we take those lessons home with us and apply them to our everyday lives.