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A Day of Adventure, Learning, and Reflection for students from Jain International

July 15, 2024 Bangalore - Despite it being a Sunday, 37 spirited 12th graders from Jain International Residential School woke up bright and early for a day hike to Harihara Betta near Bangalore.

The students enjoyed moments of silence at the summit, soaking in the views without their phones. As part of Indiahikes’ Green Trails initiative, the students enthusiastically joined in cleaning up trails and leaving the hills better than they found them.

A student who was celebrating his birthday ended up collecting the most trash, making the day even more special. On the way down, the students' sense of responsibility shone as they continued to collect trash voluntarily.

We were happy to hear that the short day hike had sparked students’ interest in trekking. Many of them were eager to try challenging Himalayan treks. May this mark the beginning of a lifelong love for adventure, learning, and the mountains.

Budding Trekkers for Life: DPS Bangalore West's Youngest Students Explore Karnataka's Trekking Trails

July 12, 2024 Bangalore - In an exciting series of adventures last week, DPS West's youngest students (some as young as 2) experienced the joy of the outdoors with Indiahikes.

Our tiny trekkers from Nursery to Grade 2 explored the beautiful trekking trails around Bangalore.

The school feels strongly about inspiring children's love for nature and adventure from a young age. What's more, students also had their parents and grandparents join them on the trek.

Some of the most fearless trekkers we've ever seen

Quality family time away from screens and obligations

Engaging with nature and appreciating all creatures, big and small

Adventure, friendships, and memories for life

As always, our deepest thanks to Renu Dimri, Principal DPS Bangalore West for her support and enthusiasm. For being among the visionary educators leading a powerful shift in education - bringing nature back to the fore of children's learning and holistic development.

Students from DPS Bangalore West have been going on day-hikes with Indiahikes every day since June 25th, 2024. Thirteen groups have completed various treks to Yathi Raja Betta, Skandagiri, and Kunagalu Betta. The final group trekked on Friday, 12th July, wrapping up the adventure.

Life and Entrepreneurship Lessons in the Mountains for Webveda by Ankur Warikoo

July 11, 2024 Himachal Pradesh - Webveda - a fully-remote team led by renowned entrepreneur, author, and content creator Ankur Warikoo - recently went on a trek to Bhrigu Lake with Indiahikes.

Typically meeting for an offsite every three months to bond, this time the team chose a trek - a minimalist Experiential Learning adventure to connect deeply with nature and themselves.

"The previous offsites have been full of pampering and luxury. We stay in fancy places. We dine well. We eat well. While all of that is also appreciated, we’ve never had a connect with nature the way we did over the last four days. What I found was a surreal feeling of the team coming together in a way they have never done before...Every entrepreneur should mandatorily trek, it should be a national government policy," shares Ankur Warikoo.

What happened on the four-day trek to bring forth such profound takeaways? Hear it from the orator extraordinaire himself.

National University of Singapore Students Experience the Majestic Indian Himalayas with Indiahikes

June 30, 2024 Uttarakhand - Two groups from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have returned from their action-packed treks in the Indian Himalayas.

NUS Mountaineering Club

Fourteen trekkers from the NUS Mountaineering Club took on the stunning Buran Ghati trek. As the longest-running student mountaineering club in Singapore, NUS Mountaineering regularly organises overseas hiking trips and technical mountaineering courses.

On this trek, the group was looking to push personal limits and enhance teamwork and leadership skills. Additionally, the breathtaking Indian Himalayas were the ideal backdrop to build environmental awareness and witness first-hand the impacts of climate change.

The group also immersed themselves in local culture as they walked through quaint hamlets and villages enroute.

What you probably didn't know? This is NUS Mountaineering's third trek with us. Read more about their previous experiences here - What Brings NUS Mountaineering Club Back to the Indian Himalayas And Indiahikes

NUS Rovers Club

Meanwhile, on another Uttarakhand slope, ten trekkers from the NUS Rovers Club went on the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek. With a motto of exploring friendship through adventure and adventure through friendship, the Rovers thrive on challenges that test them both physically and mentally. Their expeditions during college breaks include treks in Nepal's Langtang Valley and Vietnam's Sapa.

This is NUS Rovers' first trek with Indiahikes. "I had such a great time and keep learning new things and getting new perspectives every single trek that I go. We are all tired, dirty, but very very happy and very very well," shared Aswin Alagappan from NUS Rovers. Music to our ears at Indiahikes. Few things bring us more joy than being able to share our love for the Indian Himalayas with more people.

The First of Many Adventures - Students from DPS Bangalore (West) complete trek to Yetiraja Betta

June 24, 2024 Bangalore -The first group of DPS West students completed their trek to Yetiraja Betta last weekend.

The journey began months ago when Indiahikes designed a special "Camp in Campus" experience at DPS West Bangalore, to introduce students to the joys of overnight camping. The idea was to take baby steps and camp on school grounds to begin with.

Building on this enthusiasm, students from all grades - Nursery to Grade 9 - are going one step further- exciting day hikes around the hills of Bangalore. Students of Grade 6 kicked off the fun last weekend. Here’s to the beginning of a lifelong love of adventure and learning.

You might be interested in reading: An Educator Explains Why Everyone In Her School Treks, From Toddlers to Teachers

Grade 11 Students from Ekya Schools take to the Hills

June 23, 2024 Bangalore - It was the turn of Grade 11 students from Ekya School for a fun outdoor adventure of “learning by doing," this time at Nandi Hills.

Following the excitement from Grade 9’s trek last week, the Grade 11 students set out to Nandi Hills to connect with friends, reflect on the year ahead, and dream big.

The Experiential Learning trek aimed to encouraged students to think about their goals for the next year and beyond through engaging activities and reflection sessions.

Exploring the scenic Nandi Hills also gave them a refreshing break from routine and see the world in new ways.

How inspiring it is to work with schools like Ekya that are dedicated to nurturing not just minds, but hearts and spirits too. No better place than the outdoors for it to happen.

Ekya School's Weekend Adventure: Strengthening Friendships and Embracing New Beginnings through Trekking

June 15 to 16, 2024 Bangalore - Two groups of students from grade 9 of the Ekya Schools set off to explore the scenic trails on the outskirts of Bangalore with Indiahikes.

This adventure was part of Ekya's Transitional Outbound Programme, aimed at helping students reflect on their new roles as seniors, build bonds with classmates, and meet the new academic year with renewed purpose.

Their destination? The stunning Bananthimari Betta trek. As students walked through forests and made their way to the gorgeous summit, they engaged in specially-designed activities to encourage self-reflection and personal growth.

Few spaces are more ideal than the outdoors for self-discovery. Unstructured, outdoor settings that inspire awe provided the perfect backdrop for students to connect with classmates and re-connect with themselves in meaningful ways.

After a weekend of reflection, adventure, and bonding, we hope the students have carried back with them not just memories of the trek, but greater energy and determination for the year ahead.

Abhi Study Circle Completes its 4th Experiential Learning Trek with Indiahikes

June 16, 2024 Himachal Pradesh - Seventeen students from Abhi Study Circle, a Delhi-based tutorial and coaching centre, have completed their Himalayan Expeditioners Program on the Bhrigu Lake trek.

The most advanced Outdoor Leadership Program Indiahikes offers for schools, Himalayan Expeditioners is an immersive experience, pushing students out of comfort zones. The beauty and challenges of trekking, along with specifically-designed activities help students imbibe attitudes and behaviours for success in life.

Sahil Arora, founder of Abhi Study Circle and an avid trekker, is an advocate of the joys of trekking and how transformative it can be. This is Abhi Study Circle's fourth trek with Indiahikes.

IIT Delhi Students and Alumni Complete Unforgettable Trek to Benog Tibba

June 1 to 2, 2024 Dehradun - The students and alumni of IIT Delhi have returned from an unforgettable two-day trek to Benog Tibba. This special adventure brought together past and present students, offering a unique opportunity to forge deeper personal connections and strengthen bonds within the IIT Delhi community.

Christ University Students Complete Indiahikes Social Immersion Programme

June 1 to 4, 2024 - Himachal Pradesh: Students of Christ University completed the Indiahikes Social Immersion Programme - a programme enabling first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by communities living in rural India.

The Indiahikes Social Immersion Programme is designed to immerse students in real-world learning experiences beyond the classroom. The students' commitment to broadening their horizons and contribute positively to society is truly commendable.

Polaris India Pvt. Ltd. Team Completes Memorable Day Hike to Channarayana Durga

June 1, 2024 Bangalore - An enthusiastic team of 28 from Polaris India Pvt. Ltd. went on a memorable day hike to Channarayana Durga, on the outskirts of Bangalore. Beyond enjoying the great outdoors; the team was looking to bond deeper and encourage healthy, sustainable living.

You might be interested in reading: Why Short Treks Can Make A Big Difference To Team Synergy

Prakriti School Students return from two Experiential Learning treks with Indiahikes

May 7-10, 2024 Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh - Students from Prakriti School, Noida, recently participated in two Experiential Learning treks with Indiahikes. Grades 5-7 went on the Bijli Mahadev trek in Manali, while the older students set off for an adventure to Deoriatal Chandrashila.

"The contrasting experiences of the Deoriatal Chandrashila and Bijli Mahadev treks offered something valuable for all students. The older learners pushed their physical and mental limits on a challenging trek, while the younger learners gained confidence and appreciation for magic that unfolds in groups. Ultimately, both groups returned home with a newfound respect for nature’s grandeur and a sense of accomplishment that will stay with them for years to come," writes the school.

Read more about their experience here

Indiahikes Organises Workshop on Outdoor Experiential Learning for MG School for Excellence

May 22, 2024 Bangalore - The Indiahikes team organised an immersive workshop on Experiential Learning for the teachers of MG School for Excellence. Led by our facilitators Ramon Dharma Rajan and Spoorthi Shetty, the workshop dove deep into the what, why, and how of Experiential Learning to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Here's a list of some of the teachers' takeaways:

• Understanding Emotions: Teachers now see students' emotions more clearly and appreciate their individuality.
• Redefining Leadership: Everyone has leadership potential, and it can be nurtured through specific activities.
• Reflective Learning: Emphasising reflection through daily diary periods for deeper insights.
• Kolb's Learning Cycle: Enhanced reflection and team performance in sports and beyond.
• Fun Ice Breakers: Boosting classroom engagement and rapport.
• Modern Learning Solutions: Tackling boredom and short attention spans through Experiential learning.
• Collaborative Growth: Strengthening bonds and understanding diverse teaching methodologies.

We're happy that the workshop offered new perspectives into how educators can help students learn. Write to learning@indiahikes.com if you would like to introduce Outdoor Experiential Learning in your school.

La Martiniere Girls College Lucknow completes 2nd IAYP Adventurous Journey with Indiahikes

May 18, 2024 Uttarakhand - The wonderful students from La Martiniere Girls College Lucknow have completed their 2nd IAYP Adventurous Journey with Indiahikes. Well done, girls!

They trekked to beautiful Dayara Bugyal in Uttarakhand which is at 11,830 ft, and no mean feat. With nature and adventure as backdrops for learning, each student discovered the leader in them.

From resilience and teamwork, to self-reliance and compassion – learning unfolded at every point in the trek. Students engaged in purposeful activities trekking, cooking, tent pitching, and nature-related tasks each day.

As always, our deepest appreciation to Priya Daultani, IAYP Coordinator at LMGC, for her drive, energy, and working with us closely to create memorable Adventurous Journeys for her students. We're proud to partner with schools as a Trained Activity Provider for the IAYP Adventurous Journey.

Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya Students complete IAYP Adventurous Journey with Indiahikes

April 5, 2024 Uttarakhand - 31 bright and eager students from Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya (SKV), Gwalior have completed their IAYP Adventurous Journey with Indiahikes.  A fantastic group of children - always open to learning and working together as a team. 

It was an absolute pleasure collaborating with SKV in making this a memorable experience under the encouraging support of Suman Choudhary, IAYP coordinator - SKV, Gwalior.

How often do we wonder and worry about children’s potential? Are they ready for the world? Will they grow up to make a difference to their lives and others? The Indiahikes answer to this is constant - take children outdoors often, and prepare to be amazed. The students from SKV were a testament to this.

The Gift of the Outdoors: KPMG India's CSR Wing Takes Children from NGOs on a Mindful Trek

April 2024 Bangalore - Corporate social responsibility and philanthropy are familiar concepts, but workplace giving took an extraordinary turn recently.

KPMG’s CSR wing partnered with Indiahikes to offer a meaningful outdoor experience to children from two NGOs - Shishu Mandir and Samriddhi Trust.

It brings us great joy to partner with companies like KPMG India who share our belief in the transformative power of the outdoors on young people.

Read more about their experience here