Body tenses, soul rests: Why people climb mountains

If you scroll through social media, it seems half your friends have gone to the mountains. They watch the sunrise from a peak, take photos by glaciers, and write that after a few days without cell service they have finally «rebooted.» From the outside, such a vacation looks debatable: a heavy backpack, fatigue, and constant self-overcoming. But why are more and more people choosing this kind of retreat?

A couple of years ago, a resident of Chita, Artyom Kondratyev, asked himself this question. Friends literally «infected» him with mountains. First came photos and stories after hikes, then his own first expedition. Now the climber has several ascents in the Eastern Sayan Mountains, including Munk Sardyk, Ulyabor, and Obzorny Peak, with Elbrus ahead.

— Of course, at first it was unusual. But physically it turned out to be even easier than I expected. I work out regularly, so my body was ready. The most interesting part begins not in the muscles, but in the head, — said Artyom.

According to the climber, mountains rarely appeal to those who dream of spending a vacation without getting off a sun lounger. Here you have to wake up early, walk a long way, and constantly push yourself, but it is in this that many find true relaxation.

— Your body tenses, but your soul rests. No connection, no news, no endless notifications. You are left alone with yourself, nature, and people who came here for the same thing. This is a real reboot, — he says.

To those who are just dreaming of embarking on a similar adventure, the climber advises not to rush and not to overestimate one«s own strength. It is better to start with professional guides who will help choose a route, assess the group»s fitness, and make the right decision if the weather or participants« condition changes. The most dangerous mistake, according to him, is overconfidence.

— In the mountains, you don«t need to prove anything to anyone. If you feel you are not ready to go further today, it»s better to turn back. Here that is absolutely normal, — he is sure.

The climber«s latest expedition was supported by the eco-developer »Priroda«. Together they launched the project »Priroda in the Mountains« — during his ascents, the protagonist films videos from mountain routes and shows the beauty of nature in Zabaykalsky Krai and neighboring regions. The next destination will be Elbrus — the trip will also be supported by the company.

Eco-developer «Priroda»,
phone: +7 (3022) 27-02-67;
sales office: Smolenskaya St., 47;
Telegram (16+);
Max (16+);
website.