Triathlete Sam Suresh Chandi was in search of a trekking accomplice to Agastiardam, the second highest peak in South India in Thiruvananthapuram in 2020. Ultimately there have been 40 individuals prepared to affix him on this tough climb.
This assortment finally led to the formation of Itrek, a mountaineering group with 500 members, ages 18 to 75. The group contains civil servants, company managers, journalists, entrepreneurs and college students. Their motto: Discover the outside and embrace the group. It focuses on sustainable journey, environmental accountability and supporting forest-based communities.
“We’re a promotional engine for individuals who prefer to trek. Many individuals do not know the way or the place to go to the trek. Some haven’t got anybody to go along with, whereas others are apprehensive about whether or not they can bodily face up to the trek.”
Sam Sash Candi | Photograph Credit score: Particular Preparations
Itrek focuses on three points of exploring the outside to advertise a wholesome way of life, selling dedication to sustaining nature, forest dependence and loyalty to tribal communities.
Itrek with Avittam Thirunal Adithya Varma throughout emblem launch | Photograph credit score: Particular association
“On every trek, we’re contributing to our group. As they’re a part of the Indigenous group within the forest, if we attain out to us on well being and different points, we’ll mobilize funds for our information,” says Sam. “They welcome us and communicate to us about their lifestyle inside the window of obtainable time.”
Well being is wealth
Sam says the membership is a supporter of a wholesome way of life. He factors out that individuals with an curiosity in trekking practice most frequently day by day.
“This group is just not restricted to trekking. We additionally sometimes do seawater. Thiruvananthapuram has the Western Ghats on one facet and the Arabian Sea on the opposite. It is a chance to expertise each,” says Sam.
Ittrek throughout a hike in Krismara | Photograph Credit score: Particular association
He stated, “Even when it is an aged particular person, she or he ought to match to some extent. Happily, these are individuals who select to trek. For instance, over the last trek to Alippa within the column, we assure that we’ll maintain a retired banker Veeramoni sankaranarayana, 7 kilometers. “In lots of instances, older individuals have needed to trek to peaks like Agastyarkodam for a few years, and Itrek has been capable of understand their many desires.
On the final journey to Agastyarkodam, 75 individuals from all around the state joined the group, turning into the most important group to broaden its peak, says Sam. In December 2025, Itrek will as soon as once more broaden its peak.
The workforce deliberate 4 treks. The primary is the Vazhvanthol waterfall, positioned 40 km from Thiruvananthapuram on September twenty first. Idukki is scheduled for November and could have trekking in Munnar and Meesapulimala.
“I hope to trek the Himalayas subsequent 12 months,” says Sam.
Printed – September 17, 2025, 05:00 pm
