The Longtale Blog

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Running Through History: My First SRT Ultra Experience (25K)

Running Through History: My First SRT Ultra Experience (25K)

I have always wanted to do the SRT Ultra. Partly because it’s one of the oldest trail races in the country, and partly because of what the route stands for. The...
— Rohan Khanduja
Tagged: Hiking sinhagad ultra SRT Ultra trail running
Winter Trekking Layering System: Learn from 10 Years of Himalayan Experience

Winter Trekking Layering System: Learn from 10 Years of Himalayan Experience

by Kamakshi Pal I still remember my first winter trek. I was 25, overconfident, and wearing a cotton t-shirt under my jacket because "it was soft and comfortable." By evening,...
— Santosh Kardak
Tagged: adventure blog kamakshi pal layering Trekking Trekking Gear winter layering winter trek
Kedarkantha Solo Winter Trek (Feb 2025): A Certified Mountaineer’s Experience & Beginner Tips

Kedarkantha Solo Winter Trek (Feb 2025): A Certified Mountaineer’s Experience & Beginner Tips

by Kamakshi Pal Kedarkantha in winter is a snow-globe of pine forests, golden sunrises, and a summit that humbles you at 12,500 ft. In February 2025, I did this trek...
— Santosh Kardak
The Ultimate Everest Base Camp & Island Peak Expedition Blueprint

The Ultimate Everest Base Camp & Island Peak Expedition Blueprint

Island Peak is 20,305 feet high. It’s not just a climb, it’s a test of endurance, preparation and determination. For trekkers who have trekked before and now want a higher...
— Santosh Kardak
Tagged: adventure blog EBC everest base camp Himalayas Island Peak Nepal Trekking Trekking Gear
Frozen Trails & Fierce Heights: 7 Winter Treks in India You Shouldn’t Miss

Frozen Trails & Fierce Heights: 7 Winter Treks in India You Shouldn’t Miss

Most people think of winter as a time to stay indoors. But the Himalayas tell a different story. When the snow falls, the mountains don’t sleep — they transform. Forests...
— Santosh Kardak
Tagged: adventure blog Hiking Himalayas Mountains nature Trekking tripole
Where Clouds Meet Blossoms – My Journey Through Dzukou, The Valley of Flowers of the East

Where Clouds Meet Blossoms – My Journey Through Dzukou, The Valley of Flowers of the East

by Arnam Bordoloi In the heart of the valley Dreaming about travel from a small town where most people can’t imagine how far wanderlust can take you is a feeling...
— Santosh Kardak
Tagged: adventure blog Dzukou Valley explore Hiking Mountains Nagaland nature North East travel Trekking Trekking Gear tripole
Beyond Cardio: A Comprehensive Fitness Plan for Trekking Success

Beyond Cardio: A Comprehensive Fitness Plan for Trekking Success

Embarking on a trek, whether in the Sahyadris or the Himalayas, is a rewarding experience. However, it demands a level of physical and mental preparedness that goes beyond simple cardio....
— Rohan Khanduja
Tagged: adventure blog fitness Hiking training Trekking
tripole hiking gear checklist

The Ultimate Trekking Gear Checklist: What You Really Need

Embarking on your first trek? Preparation is key. This beginner-friendly guide covers essential trekking gear—from choosing the right backpack and footwear to hydration strategies and layering tips—backed by insights from experienced trekkers Santosh Kardak and Rinu Rachel Joy. Discover practical advice on what to pack, how to stay safe, and beginner-friendly treks across India. Whether you're heading to the Himalayas or the Western Ghats, this checklist will help ensure your adventure is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.

— Rohan Khanduja
Tagged: Hiking Hiking Gear Trekking Trekking Gear tripole
Running Through the Coffee Plantations at Chikmaglur: A Journey Through Hills, Trails, and Endurance

Running Through the Coffee Plantations at Chikmaglur: A Journey Through Hills, Trails, and Endurance

"Lost in the misty trails of Chikmagalur, surrounded by endless coffee plantations, I felt the thrill of the Malnad Ultra—until a wrong turn changed everything. What happens when endurance meets the unexpected? This is a story of running, resilience, and the magic of the trails." Read on to know more about Saumya's adventure at Malnad 

— Rohan Khanduja
Tagged: endurance malnad running trail running
Grand Meadows Trek of Maharashtra - A Trekking Journey for the Bold and the Curious - by Santosh Kardak

Grand Meadows Trek of Maharashtra - A Trekking Journey for the Bold and the Curious - by Santosh Kardak

by Santosh Kardak   If you’ve ever dreamed of an epic journey that combines raw nature with a hint of spirituality, the Lonavala to Bhimashankar Range Trek (famously now known...
— Rohan Khanduja
Tagged: adventure bhimashankar Hiking lonavala nature sahyadris Trekking
Triathlon on a Budget: Bergman Mysore 2024 Race Report - By Udayan Anand

Triathlon on a Budget: Bergman Mysore 2024 Race Report - By Udayan Anand

by Udayan Anand  Well, I am not even sure if I can call it a race report, for it is more a journal — a diary entry of my first...
— Rohan Khanduja
Tagged: cycling endurance fitness iron man running swimming triathlon
Kareri, Lam Dal and Chamba

Kareri, Lam Dal and Chamba

October 2021 Listening to Jasleen Aulakh singing “Chamba” unplugged on one of my travel trips strung a few chords in my heart to actually visit Chamba some day! And what...
— Rohan Khanduja
Tagged: chamba dhauladhar explore Hiking himachal Himalayas kareri kareri lake lam dal lam dal lake minkiani minkiani pass Mountains naggar campsite Trekking tripole