HIKE FOR HEALTH

More in Singapore are heading overseas for hikes and treks, activities that benefit the body, soul and community

- Akshita Nanda

Less than six months after her first mountain trek, Ms Irina Karpova dreams of returning to the high passes of Kyrgyzstan.

"You can't believe how different the air is there," says the 50-year-old housewife. She was born in Kazakhstan and moved to Singapore in late 2019 with her husband, who works in a construction company, and their two children.

"You almost want to eat the air, it's so crisp and fresh."

Ms Karpova, who is on a dependant's pass, enjoys a regular exercise regimen of pilates, yoga and dragon boat paddling. She became a trekking enthusiast when she replaced a friend who could not make it for an outdoor adventure in July 2024.

Like her, more in Singapore are heading overseas for hikes and treks. Travel companies report at least 10 per cent more travellers taking to the trails in the past year, choosing locations from nearby South-east Asia to faraway South America.

Sports goods retailer Decathlon has also seen sales of hiking and trekking products growing 10 per cent year on year. "This is driven by more people who are keen to explore the great outdoors," says Mr Ashwin Gowrishankar, its country commercial director.

Hiking enthusiasts and newbies say that such walks outdoors are about more than fitness and thrills. The experience recharges body and soul, and can also be a way to give back to the community.

Ms Karpova, a breast cancer survivor, went on her maiden trek to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation.

Though propelled by a good cause, she recalls that on the first day of the eight-day trek, she was so sore that she rethought her decision to participate.

An hour in silent reflection by a nearby river, connecting with nature, rejuvenated her.

"I was able to find calm and peace," she says. "The other seven days of the trek, I didn't complain, I didn't feel any pain. I enjoyed it. I was unstoppable."

SEEKING WELLNESS AFTER THE PANDEMIC