Can hiking really help you heal?

You know how anytime you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or just gloomy, the first thing people suggest is to go get some fresh air or take a walk. It’s not just a cliché. When you live in the city, navigating the hustle, taking a walk and getting some fresh air is perhaps the only way to decompress, because it’s genuinely therapeutic. Walking often helps take your mind off whatever is troubling you, even if it is only for a while. Now imagine taking that walk in a quieter, more tranquil setting—yes, we’re talking about taking a hike (quite literally). Imagine the peaceful impact of nature on your chaotic mind. The physical activity of walking long stretches, climbing terrains, and strolling through dense forests can be quite soothing. It’s one of the many reasons why people associate travel with therapy. Escaping the city life and just being a part of nature is rejuvenating in itself. While one might argue that travelling and enjoying a quiet day on a beach far away is much more relaxing and therapeutic, people have come to agree that the physical challenges of going on hiking trails can offer a unique kind of healing.

Psychologist Sophia Peermohideen, director of Mind Wellness Center, explains that hiking is a unique blend of physical exercise and a deep connection to nature, both of which are highly therapeutic. “The rhythm of walking, the fresh air, and natural surroundings promote relaxation and mindfulness, often leading to a sense of peace and rejuvenation,” she notes.

She further elucidates how hiking offers numerous health benefits including reducing anxiety and depression. “Hiking can help lower cortisol levels and boost mood, to enhance cognitive function through improved focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It also promotes social connection by strengthening bonds and providing emotional support when done with others. Additionally, completing a hike can boost self-esteem by fostering confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Regular hiking can even improve sleep quality, thanks to the physical activity and time spent in nature,” Peermohideen says. 

The Michinoku Coastal Trail in Japan might have sparked this conversation around hiking as a form of healing. After the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami devastated the region, the 9km hiking trail was developed as a project to promote healing and recovery for the communities affected by the disaster, while also helping people outside the region embrace the peace and beauty of nature.

Now one need not travel to Japan to reap the healing benefits of hiking (unless you really want to). India has some of the best hiking trails that offer just enough of a challenge for your mind and body, while also allowing you to appreciate picturesque views in the safest setting. 

Rajmachi Trek, Maharashtra

Located near Lonavala, Maharashtra, this trail offers scenic views of lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and the historic Rajmachi Fort. It’s a safe choice for beginners, with a relatively easy and well-marked path. Even during the monsoon season, while the trail can be wet, it remains manageable and not overly slippery.

Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand

The Valley of Flowers Trek in Uttarakhand, located in the Chamoli District, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning vistas of blooming flowers, lush meadows, and snow-capped peaks. This trail is considered safe during the monsoon season as it is well-maintained, frequently travelled, and equipped with adequate facilities, making it a moderate yet accessible adventure for trekkers.

Kudremukh Trek, Karnataka

Located in Chikkamagaluru District, Karnataka, this hiking spot is known for its rolling hills, dense forests, and panoramic views of the Western Ghats. The grassy terrain is less prone to landslides, making it a safer option during the monsoon season. With moderate difficulty and the availability of guides, it’s a great choice for a secure and scenic hike.

Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra

Satara, Maharashtra, is home to a stunning plateau often referred to as the “Valley of Flowers of Maharashtra.” During the monsoon season, the area is blanketed with vibrant wildflowers, creating a picturesque landscape. The trail is relatively flat and easy, making it suitable for beginners. Additionally, the plateau is a protected area with well-maintained paths, ensuring a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.

Trek to Dzongri, Sikkim

West Sikkim offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range, lush rhododendron forests, and serene landscapes. The well-marked trail is popular among trekkers and features several rest stops along the way. While it’s a moderate to challenging trek, it remains safe even during the monsoon season with proper preparation.

Chembra Peak Trek, Kerala

Wayanad, Kerala, is home to a trail that promises an unforgettable experience with its heart-shaped lake, misty hills, and lush tea plantations. The trail, managed by the forest department, is not only scenic but also safe, with regulated entry and shelter points along the moderately challenging path.

A trail to recovery

The connection between hiking and healing may seem like a stretch to some—and why not? We all have questions, like whether hiking really can help you heal from all those years of trauma. Can one climb really erase every trace of anxiety from your body? Of course not. Healing, much like the hike itself, is a journey and it can take more than a few hikes to help you heal. However, the tranquillity of being in nature, combined with the rhythm of your steps, can really open your mind and help you think more clearly.

For popular travel influencer, Shenaz Treasury, walking a trail can truly aid in one’s healing process. “There’s something about walking alongside that river, with the pine trees towering above you that just calms the nerves. I remember one time, my anxiety was through the roof, and I couldn’t stop overthinking. I took that trail, and somewhere along the way, the rhythm of my footsteps and the sound of the river worked their magic. By the time I reached Lidderwat, my mind had quieted down. It’s not that my problems disappeared, but the hike gave me space to breathe and the strength to face whatever was waiting back home.

So, what is it about hiking that makes it such a powerful tool for healing? The list of benefits seems endless. For Treasury, it’s the solitude—the quiet moments away from the noise and distractions of daily life—that allows her to truly listen to her thoughts and recognise her own strengths. “Every hike feels like a journey inward as much as it is a journey up a mountain. And nature makes every problem feel small!” she shares.

Treasury emphasises the mental and emotional release that hiking offers. “Sure, my legs get stronger and I feel fitter, but for me, hiking is about much more than that. It’s a way to work through the mental stuff. After a long hike, I’m usually exhausted, but I also feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. The trail helps me shed whatever’s been weighing me down, step by step.”

At the end of the day, hiking offers more than just a physical challenge; it’s a holistic experience that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re seeking solitude, a mental reset, or simply a way to reconnect with nature, the trail provides a path to healing that’s as unique as the journey itself. 

Lead image credit: Unsplash 

Also read: These new-age luxe rejuvenation hotspots are raising the bar

Also read: A beginner’s guide to trekking during monsoon