With goodwill to increase enthusiasm among adventure lovers, those who are keen to undertake different types of challenges, Kolkata Trekkers Youth has extensively explored the different regions of the Greater Thar Desert. We are probably one of the very few organizations that have not only explored desert in such a manner but also collected valuable data and local information. For the past few years, we have provided statistical support, maps, and program report to different organizations and individuals related to Desert Trekking. The contributions of Shri Maloy Krishna Roy, Shri Manjul Krishna Dey Sarkar, and Ajay Kumar Singh are invaluable.

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If we can divert our gaze to the history of Trekking/Exploration in India Pilgrimage has taken its place much before the present trekking boom. It may be the quest for Nature’s Lore or a thirst for the places of historical interest, or maybe an urge to know to unknown drove a man out of his/her comfort zone and made him walk into a world of exploration. The idea of exploration which started with the concept of Pilgrimage later converted into Trekking/Exploration, or better to say the influence of religion faded with time. Nowadays Trekking/Exploration is conducted in all spheres of the globe, even 'Hang Gliding' through in the air is also a part of the adventurous activities. As usual trekking in the desert has taken its place in the field of exploration and adventure sports.

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In the world around we find 'Ejid' to trek in the desert of 'Karbala' on the martial march, 'Marcopolo' to cross desert 'Gobi' on his way to China and 'Humayun' to cross over the desert 'Thar' in 1540 for  'Parassya' (Persia). Even after the Independence of India, the major part of the Thor desert remained unexplored, and very limited reports and resources were available for the adventure enthusiasts.

 

In September 1967, a Desert Scout Group organized a desert training cum trekking camp at 'Devikund Sagar' near Bikaner, Rajashthan, India. 12 years later, a 5 (five) members team of Delhi Mountaineering Association, New Delhi completed a Desert Trekking over 'Thar desert' starting from Jaisalmer on 3.10.79. They have traversed 190 km in 10 days and reached Gadra Road, Barmer District. 8 members of another organization of Delhi subsequently organized a 'Camel Safari' in the Thar Desert on 18.2.86. Those very few steps towards a new horizon of Desert Trekking, induce a huge quest among the adventure lovers in different cities in India. Different organization in India expressed their interest to organize Desert Trekking We are proud to say that our organization, Kolkata Trekker Youth, has left a valuable impression in the history of desert trekking in India since 1989. Till today Kolkata Trekkers Youth has organized 8 desert treks in Thar Desert, India.