I have a couple of hobbies, but walking is my number one, and I follow it with genuine passion. For me, walking is more than exercise; it is a way to explore, think, and stay connected with nature. Every walk teaches me something new, refreshes my mind, keeps me fit.

Tell us about your favorite hobby.

I come from the foothills of the Himalayan region, where mountains have always been part of my life. Growing up in their presence shaped my love for nature and my desire to explore. Even today, the sight of distant peaks fills me with a quiet sense of belonging and joy.

For me, walking in the mountains is not just walking but being a nature lover I love stopping by hilly rivers, watching flowers, tall trees or looking at clouds moving close to my head. I mostly walk alone but if it is with companions it has got to be for a purpose.

What is it? How long have you been doing the hobby?

I have been walking for years, and all these walks have become a part of my life. To be exact, the mountains teach me to slow down, detox, remain curious, and appreciate simple pleasures. Whenever life feels hurried, I return to my familiar paths in the Himalayas, where I can breathe, smell differently and walk without watching at my phone or watch.

I have been walking since my teenage years, especially along mountain pathways. Would you believe it all began as an accident and it formed an habit and now became my passion. I enjoy every footstep, the cool breeze against my face, and the ever changing views that's natural in hilly ways where every turn is a fresh discovery.

If it is a creative hobby, show us some examples of your work

My hobby is not just work, it is my passion as well. Walking takes me to places and keeps me fit, both physically and mentally. I have often walked to places where I could have gone by car, bike, or any other transport, but I chose to walk whenever time permitted.

For me, every walk is a small journey of discovery. I notice the changing light, the fragrance of the air, familiar streets, and the quiet details that speed often hides. Walking gives me time to think, observe people, and feel connected to my surroundings. It refreshes my mind after a busy day and strengthens my body gradually.

I do not walk just to reach a destination that I did during my first long distance walk but I walk to experience the practicality of life, to satisfy my passion. I always carry my camera or phone whether exploring a religious place no matter what religion it belongs to, a market, a park, walking turns ordinary travel into a meaningful experience.

I prefer the silence and stay with my own thoughts but there are incidents when I sang in loud voice to overcome my fear for instance during my two accidental walking experiences, the first of them was the one which made me addicted to walking. Let me tell you about my first forced walk.

I was 18 then and during summer vacations I went to Nainital for a 2 week's trip, a hill station in the Himalayas. From Nainital I went to Bhimtal another lake town 14 km away in the same hill range. On the way at Bhuwali where the bus stopped for 10 minutes. Here, I bought a case of 8 kg apples and left it there at the shop to pickup on my return trip.

During that time there was gate system in hills which means a one way traffic for fixed time and the last bus allowed was at 5 pm because the roads were narrow and only one side traffic could move at a time. That evening I was so lost in boating I missed my last bus and was forced to walk that steep rise all the way 7 km to Bhuwali in three hours and then another 7 km to Nainital with that case of apple on my back in about 5 hours. I reached my hotel at around 1 am tired and scared as there was not a single traveler on the road.

But that evening made me believe that walking was fun and I did more a lot of walking in the hills not only in Himalayas but wherever I went. I can tell you the hobby of walking teaches patience, discipline, and gratitude. Above all, it reminds me that the simple hobbies can bring the deepest joy and lasting well-being, yes it has helped me keep me fit and strong.

Do any other members of your family share the same hobby?

Yes, most of my family members have ths habit of walking along with biking, swimming and other hobbies which help keep us fit.

If you have children, have you introduced them to your hobby?

As I said in my previous answer all of us including my children and their children, the all have these hobbies.

What skills are needed for your hobby? How long did it take you to learn? Are you self taught, or did someone teach you the hobby? Did you go on a course to learn?

Actually walking needs no special skills but then I have been part of a special walking team which is known as walking with two sticks known as Nordic walking (pole walking) for fitness and exercise, trekking or hiking when done with specialized poles on walking trails, which is basically used for medical support and stability especially by seniors to help support their posture. I have made videos on this and here I am presenting one for your ready reference.

Is the hobby expensive to do? How much does it cost?

It's not unless someone is doing for charity like I have walked for charity paying for cancer patients, seniors and children's health support. I won't disclose the amount but the amounts for participation in such walks is a challenge as will provides a satisfaction. A few events do not allow to talk during walks so one can't talk to anyone including use of cellphones.

Here is an idea how much charity walks cost depending on the type and length of the event:

• Local and Community Charity Walks: Registration fees generally range from $22.50 to $50 per person (e.g., community fun runs or local memorial walks).

• Major National Events: High-profile walks and fun runs (such as the Mother's Day Classic) cost between $15 and $85 depending on age and how early you register.

• Destination and Multi-Day Charity Treks: Organized multi-day adventure walks (such as the Larapinta Trek with Inspired Adventures) have registration fees around $390, total trip costs around $2,500 to $3,539 (covering accommodation, guides, and meals), plus a separate fundraising target of $2,500+ for the chosen

Here is a link to provide you an idea how much such charity walks cost:

https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/larapinta-openchallenge-2026/

If you do not have a hobby, is there a hobby you would really like to start?

I definitely have a couple of more hobbies such as reading books, watching comic shows and of course traveling long distances.

What is preventing you from getting going?

Yes, right now my illness is preventing me from my walking stints and also from traveling so I am left with just watching comic shows and sports online. But this illness of mine is temporary which I am sure I will recover soon and as I have plan to go back to Australia in February 2027, I will be back to my passion in NSW and ACT, my hobby of walking. But before going back to Australia I will go for a walk in the Himalayas close to my present location.

IPFS Video