By: Nandita Nanda
In essence, Overlanding represents freedom!
Freedom from rigid plans, freedom to travel at your own pace, freedom to stop and sleep almost anywhere, freedom to explore in solitude, freedom from being dependent, freedom to endlessly wander, freedom to chase sunsets and freedom to wake up to countless sunrises in the most picturesque of settings.
Overlanding is about finding your spirit of adventure in the most self-reliant and fulfilling way. It involves discovering remote corners of this pristine planet;rarely with a rigid plan; often lasting for longer durations (months to years); and frequently traversing international borders.
Regardless of the mode – vans (of all sizes), cycles, motorbikes or walking/ hitch-hiking, Overlanding is about scaling land slowly with the primary form of lodging being camping and staying connected with nature. It allows you to truly immerse yourself in a culture and integrate with its people and fellow like-minded travellers.
At its core, Overlanding is about exploration where the beauty lies in the journey. It is a lifestyle that takes a unique mindset to achieve and is minimalistic at its crux. Detached from capitalistic ways of life, living with only the essentials is crucial.
However, make no mistake: Overlanding is a roller coaster ride with its fair share of ebbs and flows. It takes substantial effort and hardship. At times, your life resembles that of an ancient forager: back to the roots, you seek basic answers – where to fill water? where to restock food or catch fish? where to sleep? are we safe? should we bathe… if so, where? Which way is the sun rising/ setting or wind blowing? Where to next?
But, that’s the entire point.
One of the greatest teachers and every bit worth it!
Overlanding is freedom, adventure, and a lifestyle.
