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Cover Story

Meet Ajinder Mangat

Dikshita Nahar Darpan, 20 Jul, 2022
  • Meet Ajinder Mangat

"The hike to Berg Lake, which is a 21-kilometre hike, is the most memorable hike I've done to date. The view was to die for and it stays fresh in my memory even today."- Ajinder Mangat.

Meet Ajinder Mangat - An insurance and mortgage broker by profession and hiker by passion. He has hiked the Angel's landing trail which is one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. 

Nature heals and is therapeutic is what Ajinder Mangat truly believes. An insurance agent and mortgage by profession, Mangat is an outdoor enthusiast who has been living in Surrey since 1994 with his family. He is a part of BC Tigers, a soccer club based in Surrey as President and he is passionate about soccer. Apart from soccer, he indulges in kayaking or hiking every week. During the winters, he loves snowshoeing and skiing. He experienced his first hike back in 2013 and towards 2018 this turned into his passion.

Till date, he has done almost every hike there is in British Columbia and even enjoys road trips across the country as well as the US to explore different hiking spots. He has also added Angel's Landing (Utah), which is one of the most dangerous hikes in the world to his kitty. He has done hikes with his friends, and family as well as solo where he just likes to experience nature at its best. Post the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions, he is glad to be able to travel to the States again and connect with nature.

"It is the journey and the glorious views that I chase", quotes Mangat.

He often records his journey and his hiking experiences through TikTok and they give us a glimpse of his wonderful and inspiring journey experiencing the outdoors.

What motivated you to start your hiking journey?

My love for nature and the quest to find the best views that nature has to offer was the primary motivation for me to start hiking. As I started travelling to hike, I even travelled to Hong Kong for a hike, and my love for it just grew deeper.

What has been the most memorable hike that you've done so far?

The hike to Berg Lake, which is a 21-kilometre hike, is the most memorable hike I've done to date. The view was to die for and it stays fresh in my memory even today.

Do you have any advice for people who are looking to start their outdoor adventure journey?

My advice would be simple - just go for it but with the right preparation. It is important to educate yourself and learn about the outdoors. Always make sure to carry your essentials and take care of your personal safety. Safety and preparation make the journey more enjoyable. Don't treat this as a competition. Hike at your own pace and just enjoy what nature has to offer along the way.

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