Exclusive: Discover Udayy's Trekking Tales and His Passionate Travel Journey

In today's interview, we're thrilled to have Udayy Thakur, the spirit behind the Instagram handle @thakur_udayy, who has turned his passion for travel and trekking into captivating content. Residing in the picturesque Mukteshwar near Nainital, budding travel influencer Udayy has amassed a following of 47K, all eager to see his journey through treks, unique places, and budget-friendly travel ideas. His 243 posts are not just pictures but stories of adventure and exploration. Let's discover him and his journey as a travel content creator.

Starting the Journey

Udayy, what inspired you to start documenting your travel and trekking adventures on Instagram?

I would say “Scrolling through social media” I stumbled upon these incredible travel accounts that practically shouted freedom. The photos were vibrant, the stories were captivating, and something clicked inside me. It was like I want to do this too..

So, I began sharing my travel experiences on Instagram as I wanted people to see the world through my eyes, to understand who I am and what I cherish. Instagram is like my window to showcase my unique perspective and share the beauty, excitement, and stories I encounter on my journeys. It's a way for me to invite others to join me in experiencing the world as I see it.

And for trekking: I share my trekking experiences because I want others to feel the same joy and freedom that trekking brings me. Through my stories and photos, I hope to inspire people to step outside, explore nature, and discover the beauty of trekking. It's more than just sharing adventures; it's about inviting others to experience the thrill, challenge, and serenity of trekking for themselves.

Mukteshwar Guy

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A post shared by Udayy | Travel | Treks (@thakur_udayy)

Residing in Mukteshwar must be unique. How does living near Nainital influence your content and travel choices?

Living in Mukteshwar is special for me, and it greatly influences what I share online and where I choose to travel. Mountains bring me peace, and despite visiting many cities, they remain my favourite. The beautiful landscapes inspire my photos and stories. Being close to Nainital gives me plenty of travel options. Also, I focus a lot on mountains (pahaad) in my content, and I have to say, that Mukteshwar, Nainital, and the entire Uttarakhand state have been crucial in creating it. The diverse landscapes and peaceful beauty of Uttarakhand provide a perfect backdrop for my mountain-themed content. Living here has really influenced how I tell stories and show things in my posts. The state's natural charm and rich culture play a big part in what I share.

Budget Travel Tips

Many of your followers are interested in budget travel. What are your top tips for travelling on a budget?

• Travel Off-Season: Traveling during the off-season can significantly reduce costs for accommodation and transportation. You'll also experience fewer crowds, allowing for a more peaceful journey.
• Use Local Transport: Opt for local transportation like buses and trains, which are budget-friendly.
• Rent scooty/bikes to travel nearby places rather than cabs.
• Consider budget accommodations such as hostels, homestays, or budget hotels.
• Eat like a local: Ask around for affordable and delicious food options.
• Avoid popular markets – Practice some restraint while picking souvenirs.
• You can do volunteer travel also to get free stays and food.

Favourite Trek Memory

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A post shared by Udayy | Travel | Treks (@thakur_udayy)

Of all the treks you've done, which one holds a special place in your heart and why?

Picking a favourite trek is tough—they're all unique in their own way. But if I had to choose one that holds a special place in my heart, it would be the trek to “The Kashmir Great Lakes”

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is unlike anything you've ever seen before. It's a journey through incredibly beautiful lakes and landscapes, covering around 80 kilometres in 7 days. Each day unfolds a new valley and a new lake, making the experience absolutely stunning. The picturesque views are worth every step of the trek, and I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a breathtaking adventure.

Travel Gear Essentials

What are some essential items in your travel and trekking gear that you wouldn't leave home without?

• Comfortable Rucksack and a mini bag pack (for day travel)
• Good Trekking/walking Shoes: Durable and comfortable and if waterproof then the best.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses (Sunscreen is a saviour).
• Headlamp (Sometimes u need both hands during the dark and this helps a lot).
• Portable Power Bank: I usually take 2 power Banks for my treks as there is no electricity available, but they do help in recharging my stuff.
• Quick-Dry T-shirts and Towels: Lightweight and quick-drying for personal hygiene.
• Wet wipes.

Sustainability in Travel

How do you address sustainability in your travels and encourage your followers to be mindful travellers?

In my travels, I prioritize sustainability by adopting several practices and strive to encourage my followers to be mindful travellers as well:

• Ensure that I leave natural environments as I found them, no plastic waste or any waste to be thrown anywhere.
• I make an effort to understand and respect the local customs and cultures of the places I visit
• I am mindful of resource consumption, including water and energy use. Simple practices like turning off lights, conserving water, and reusing towels in accommodations contribute to sustainability efforts.
• I minimize the use of single-use plastics by carrying a reusable water bottle
• I choose to support local businesses, such as eateries, markets, and accommodations. This helps contribute to the local economy and ensures that my travel spending has a positive impact on the community.

Future Travel Plans

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A post shared by Udayy | Travel | Treks (@thakur_udayy)

Do you have any upcoming travel destinations or treks that you're particularly excited about?

I'm looking forward to exploring some exciting destinations in the near future. My upcoming travel destinations include Banaras, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.
Additionally, I'm particularly thrilled about the Everest Base Camp trek. The journey to the base of the world's highest peak promises breathtaking landscapes, challenging trails, and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The Himalayas have always held a special place in my heart.

Advice for Aspiring Travelers

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a travel blog or Instagram page?

For someone aspiring to start a travel blog or Instagram page, here's some advice:

• Find Your Niche: Discover what makes your travel perspective unique.
• Be Authentic: Share genuine experiences to build a real connection with your audience.
• Quality over Quantity: Prioritize high-quality content over a large volume of posts/videos.
• Consistency is Key: Stick to a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged.

The Evolution of @thakur_udayy

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A post shared by Udayy | Travel | Treks (@thakur_udayy)

How do you see your Instagram profile evolving in the future? Are there any new themes or styles you want to explore?

As @thakur_udayy grows, I plan to explore diverse themes and styles. I want to:

• Dive deeper into local cultures, sharing stories of traditions and daily life of all the states, I plan to travel the whole country.
• Engage more with the audience through interactive content like Q&A sessions.
• Showcase behind-the-scenes moments and the real challenges of travel.
• I don't collab much, but this year onwards, I want to collaborate with like-minded brands, influencers, and organizations.
• And the most important one: I want to experiment with documentary-style content.

Udayy, your journey as @thakur_udayy is not just about travel and treks; it's a story of passion, exploration, and inspiring others to embark on their adventures. Your insights today have given us a deeper understanding of the beauty and challenges of travel blogging. Thank you for sharing your experiences and wisdom with us. We look forward to seeing more of your incredible journeys and the stories that you will continue to share with the world.