Chapter 9: Exploring the Experiences of Private Sector Employees in Panch Kedar Treks: A Study on Well-Being and Health Tourism

Despite the increasing popularity of nature-based health tourism, there is limited research exploring its holistic benefits, particularly among private sector employees. Understanding how trekking experiences at Panch Kedar influence their mental, spiritual, and physical well-being can provide valuable insights into coping mechanisms for urban work stress. Building on this idea, the current study interviewed 10 participants using a structured interview schedule. The interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti software. This study identified three major themes related to the effects of trekking: (1) Physical Effects, (2) Mental Effects, and (3) Spiritual Effects. Physically, participants experienced exhaustion lasting 2–10 days yet reported a strong sense of accomplishment after completing the trek. Mentally, trekking contributed to stress relief, mental clarity, and lasting positive memories, highlighting its potential as an effective intervention for mental relaxation. Spiritually, experiences varied; while many reported spiritual transformations, some did not experience any significant spiritual effects. These findings suggest that trekking offers physical challenges, psychological benefits, and potential spiritual growth, making it a holistic activity for well-being.