A few months ago, on the Dayara Bugyal trek, we met a young boy who couldn’t reach the top. The biting cold had gotten the better of him. He was crushed.
 
Initially, it seemed like fleeting disappointment. As we continued chatting, the boy shared how his father was upset and disappointed with him. His older daughter had made it to the top. Why couldn’t his son?
 
It was a poignant reminder of how deeply ingrained our idea of success is—reaching the top.
 
On treks, it’s the summit. In life, it’s top grades, top universities, top companies, and accolades. Of course, these milestones are worth celebrating, but are they the only ones?
 
Perhaps life’s pressures has limited our vision; so much, that we can only see visible, socially-celebrated markers of success.
 
What this parent didn’t (or couldn’t) see were the quiet, decisive wins for his son with every tentative step to the top, like:
 
- Resilience: The courage to push forward despite exhaustion and self-doubt.
- Confidence: The realisation that he can do difficult things, and is far more capable than he gives himself credit for.
- Adaptability: Learning to navigate discomfort and unforeseen challenges.
- Managing failure: That things go awry despite the best-laid plans, but you dust yourself off and keep going anyway.

More than lessons on the trail—they form the foundation of a life well-lived.

The value of the learning process over outcomes

On Experiential Learning treks with us, what happens enroute to the summit is as important as reaching it, if not more.

Success in Experiential Learning is measured by transformation—how deeply a learner engages with an experience, reflects on it, and applies that learning to new and evolving challenges.


David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle emphasises this process:

Concrete Experience – Learning by doing something hands-on.

Reflective Observation – Thinking about what happened and why.

Abstract Conceptualisation – Connecting it to broader ideas and principles.

Active Experimentation – Applying that learning in a new setting.

Children trekking in the Himalayas - Photo by Pritish Bhanushali, Senior Video Editor at Indiahikes

“When things go wrong on treks, the learnings can be more impactful than when things go right. It depends on how you approach it, your attitude, and the process you follow of learning - what did not go right, and changes you make in how you do the same thing the next time," shares Izzat Yaganagi Director at Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL).
 
Experiential Learning looks at success differently; where the "process of learning" - experimentation, trial and error, and reflections - form the core of the experience.
 
The view from the top might be incredible, but the strength children gain in getting there? Unmatched and life-changing.

Ideas of what success means through the lens of experiential learning

Why "Success" On An Experiential Learning Trek Is More Than Reaching The Summit

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My name is Prachi, I live and work in Bangalore. Recently, I went for the Minchukallu Betta trek with my 13yo son. This was our third trek with Indiahikes in the last one year.

I want to start by expressing my deepest and most sincere respects to you and your team for creating INDIAHIKES . What you guys are doing is truly commendable and I consider myself fortunate to be associated with this great venture in whatever capacity I can. I have done treks with other organizations as well. The passion, humbleness, expertise, attention to details and the spirit of your team is unmatched.  

"Trekking is transformative..!! it is a life changing experience" This is something I read on your website last year. And what I want to share with you today, is my transformative journey.

Last year, for my son's b'day(Nov),  I registered for the Channarayana Durga Trek. Our experience was phenomenal,  learning to pitch and un-pitch the tents,  about green trails, water conservation, tips on handling steep climbs and descents , the lovely cake at the summit and scrumptious food at the base campus, a delightful and enriching experience. I discovered a whole new side of my son's personality on the trek. A kid who is generally so shy at home was so active, curious and enthusiastic during the trek. 

Kevin, who was our trek leader, inspired us to plan a Himalayan trek . Few other co-trekkers suggested that Dayara Bugyal trek is a good one for beginners and with all the interesting stories and experiences shared over that weeknd, we returned home, smitten by our newfound interest.

I started reading on the internet about longer duration treks, the challenges and preparations needed. Once again, big thanks to Indiahikes team for the informative videos on youtube that cover almost every aspect, from buying merchandise, renting gear, packing the bag ,folding clothes, medications, curated workouts..etc. The more I read, the more I was clear that we have to do this, and do it the proper way.

We booked the trek for Apr2024 and started preparing as per the guidance from the videos. Though I have always been a regular at the gym,I was not running much. But this new endeavour I had undertaken, brought motivation. By April, I was able to run 5Kms in 38min. That was the first transformation, which happened even before I went for the trek:-).

The trek was a great learning experience for us .Packing and preparing for the trek was super exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Despite the warnings about overpacking, we over packed..like most first timers. 

Being in Bangalore, and spoiled by the year round comfortable weather, we found the weather chilly esp. at night. The biggest orderal was getting out of the cozy tents and going to the toilet in the middle of night, with huge mountain dogs barking and the rain making the trail wet and slippery.

Washing utensils in the rain was another thing I disliked. 

Honestly speaking, there were moments when I was doubting my decision. 

My son, on the other hand, was so much at peace and not at all vexed. He was enjoying every bit of it, embracing it all. 

The 4-5 days, filled with lovely moments, interesting folklore from trek guides, new experiences , and picturesque scenery made me go through a full spectrum of emotions. At times, I was irritable, exhausted and sleep deprived. Other times, I was filled with joy and gratitude.There were a lot of emotional moments as well.

Minimalism, the perks of keeping your life simple and close to nature.

A sense into how little we actually need and how much we accumulate.

An insight into what really matters in life, valuing experiences over things.

A feeling of gratitude and appreciation for what we have, without all the time worrying about what we don't have.  

After 5 days of using dry bio toilets and not bathing, an attached bathroom of my home seemed like a luxury:-)

As a woman, travelling alone has always been a worrisome affair. Indiahikes makes it possible for women to explore the world without depending on anyone to accompany us. This is truly empowering.

Excited over this newfound interest area, I was extremely scared when I read the fateful news about the trekking group from Bangalore this year. I did bring it up with Bharath, our trek leader for Minchukallu, and he patiently explained  and cleared all my doubts and queries.

I am extremely pleased that I got an opportunity to go through this journey, even happier that my son has embraced it. With the values and learnings from such experiences, I am sure he will be able to make wise choices in life and navigate the challenges thrown at him.

Someone once said "Travelling makes you speechless and eventually turns you into a storyteller."

Looking forward to many more treks with Indiahikes...

Thank you once again for doing this ..and for doing it so well...

I will conclude with one request, please add more treks to the South Campus near Bangalore.  North Indian treks need a lot more planning, air tickets, longer time aways from work and school, but the south campus is so easily reachable from Bangalore. It doesn't matter what mountain we climb, the whole experience is what makes it worthwhile. This will allow up to trek more often.

Why I Believe Trekking Is Transformative

Before you head out on a Himalayan trek, experienced trekkers will tell you all about the freezing nights, the starry skies, the difficult terrain, and the beautiful mountain scenery. 

But there are several small realities that make every Himalayan trek challenging and no one tells you about them. These are experiences that you’ll possibly despise when you’re experiencing them, yet fondly think of them later.

And I would rather have you know about these now, much before you embark on your trek so that they don’t come at you as surprises. 

Long Road Journeys

Any Himalayan trek, no matter which region of the country you choose, has a long drive to the base camp. It could be an 8-hour drive from Shimla or a 10-hour drive from Dehradun. These long road journeys are inevitable. 

The bad: These are winding journeys with uncomfortable hairpin bends. The roads are bumpy, sometimes just dirt tracks. And if you suffer from motion sickness, you have to be extra cautious! 

How to deal with it: For the bumpy, winding roads, the best thing you can do is distract yourself with the journey itself. Look out the window to watch stunning landscapes, make conversation with your driver, ask for stories from the region, and get to know other travellers with you. If you’re someone who is prone to motion sickness, then using this guide could help you prevent motion sickness on your road journey. It worked for me. 
The good: The good part is that these are a few of the most beautiful road journeys you will go on. Trekkers don’t talk much about it because the trek itself overshadows the journey, but these are fantastic locations you drive through. Thousands of tourists come from all over the country (and outside our country) just to drive on these roads. So take in the journey. These are some of the greatest mountain journeys you will do in your life.

Zero Mobile Networks

Most of our trekking trails have no network, right from the base camps. So your trek is a week-long goodbye to the over-connected world that we live in. 

The bad: On certain treks your family/friends will not be able to get in touch with you. You will not be able to call or text them. You’ll have to leave your work aside for a week. The worst thing is, if there is an emergency back at home no one will be able to get in touch with you, not even through us.  

How to deal with it: Ask your driver till when you’ll have a network and finish up all important calls before that. Tell your family and closest friends that you’re going to the Himalayas and will be out of network for a few days.

The good: Being out of the network area for a week is not necessarily a bad thing. Psychologists are always suggesting we detox ourselves from technology. A trek is a very natural way to do it. We seldom get a chance to do this in our urban lives, which are increasingly dominated by technology. Trekkers understand this importance. They get a chance to look inward and reflect.

No/Intermittent  Electricity

Here’s a reality that leaves most trekkers taken aback. They go to the base camps and find very intermittent electricity. They find it difficult to charge their phones/cameras. A week-long plan of taking good pictures or videos is ruined. 

The bad: This will affect you if you’re someone who is carrying any gadgets that need charging -- cameras, GoPros, phones, video equipment, drones and so on. None of them can be charged once you leave the base camp. You’ll have to make do with whatever battery juice you have for the next 4-5 days. 

To make matters worse, you’re usually dealing with extremely low temperatures in the mountains. The cold weather alone drains out the battery even if it’s not being used.

How to deal with it: We usually take power banks for our phones. One power bank above 10,000 mAh will easily last you 3-4 charges. For cameras and drones, there’s no option but to carry spare batteries. Further, you’ll need to wrap all batteries in something warm (your woollen socks or gloves). We usually keep them inside our jacket pockets at night to keep them warm. 

The good: This is a wonderful chance to push yourself to see how much you can achieve even when you’re low on resources. It pushes your boundaries and makes you think out of the box. If you’re a photographer, you’ll learn to plan your shots in advance instead of impulsively getting many shots and picking the best one. If you’re just using your phone, you’ll learn to conserve your battery better.

Staying in Tents & Sleeping in Sleeping Bags

4.) Staying in tents and sleeping in sleeping bags on a hard floor

Trekkers don’t realise how different it is to sleep on the ground that is not their bed. It is enough to make many lose their sleep. This is the truth about trekking. We sleep where we can.  

The bad: Our Hillman tents and sleeping bags are extremely warm and top-quality. But camping outdoors means you are roughing it out. You’re camping in cold snow sometimes, or camping on sloping surfaces, mostly on hard earth. Sometimes you hear heavy rain battering the tent through the night, with snow and water leaking in. Sometimes you might even have a tent mate who snores! 

How to deal with it: Mental conditioning plays a big role here. You must be prepared for such conditions much before you get on your trek. You must also be layered and cosy much before you go to bed (even before sundown). But come what may, you will roll over to the corner of the tent, or be bunched up in the morning, will wake up multiple times in the night. Even given all these factors, trust your body to take rest. A couple of hours of sleep will rejuvenate your body even if you feel you have not rested enough.

The good: This is one of the best experiences on a trek. It’s what gives you a feeling of adventure, an experience of the wilderness. Even stepping out of your tent in the middle of the night to answer nature’s call is a celestial experience. You’re not going to see the Milky Way spread out above you every day. No matter how cold you get in the middle of the night, it’s going to remain one of your favourite experiences for life. 

Food

I can’t speak for anyone trekking on their own or with others, but if you’re trekking with Indiahikes, you can remove all worries about food from your head. If you’re not trekking with us, however, minimal food is a reality you have to prepare yourself for. 

The bad: It is not easy to get good food at high altitudes. First, it’s difficult to take provisions up to remote locations (there’s always a weight constraint). Second, it takes very long to cook anything in low temperatures and high altitudes. It also requires good cooking skills. 

On most self-managed treks, you’ll see that people manage with very limited food (canned or dehydrated food). Even on treks with enough infrastructure, dal bhaat is the staple. When you’re trekking you don’t see much deviation from the staple. 

How to deal with it: If you’re trekking with Indiahikes, you don’t have to deal with it. We have dedicated cooks who are trained to make good food for you. You could even expect gulab jamuns at 14,000 ft! However, if you’re trekking on your own, dehydrated food is definitely something you should explore. You should also carry dry fruits, channa (Bengal gram), with you for instant energy and nutrition while trekking. For long, Maggi has been considered trekkers' food. Avoid Maggi -- it is hard to digest, extremely unhealthy and gives you low energy.

The good: Being able to manage with minimal food helps you build a whole lot of resilience. You realise that you don’t really need much to live with. It gives you a very strong understanding of what you want vs what you need. On another note, you’ll appreciate almost any meal at the end of an exhausting trek.

Washing Your Own Cutlery

At Indiahikes, we expect all trekkers to bring their own cutlery, eat from them and wash their own cutlery. Trekkers sometimes ask why we do not ask our staff to clean their cutlery like in a hotel. The danger to that is something that does not occur to most trekkers -- stomach disorders. When cutlery is mass washed, it invariably leaves unwanted bacteria and germs on them. The last thing you want on a trek is a stomach disorder. 

The bad: Eating out of your own cutlery, dipping your hands (which have gotten warm after great difficulty) in freezing water, scrubbing your dish until it’s clean and putting your gloves back on. This is the life of a high-altitude trekker. It makes you wish you could be back home, using regular temperature water, or just leave your dish in the sink until later. But you cannot do that on a trek. 

How to deal with it: Some trekkers share their cutleries and end up having to wash just one dish among three of them, and they take turns to do this. On another note, some trekkers don’t wash their dishes for 2-3 meals at a stretch. These are examples of what not to do. The best thing to do is face it head-on. There’s no way out of it. Use steel cutlery instead of plastic, the grime comes off a lot easier. That way, your hands will be wet for much less time. 

The good: We’ve seen that after a trek, many people begin to become more efficient with their work. They learn to do things on their own, especially those who have house help at home. Washing your own cutlery plays a major role in it. Trekkers who come with children appreciate this learning even more. It teaches children basic life skills. 

Using Dry Toilets

In the mountains, there are only dry toilets. These are deep pits dug into the earth, where you finish your business and use toilet paper to clean up. There’s no water, no seat, no pot (Indian or Western). 

The bad: Getting used to cleaning up with toilet rolls is something many of us have trouble with. Not being able to use water is another. You also have to cover up your business with mud (or at Indiahikes, we use a fast composting mixture). And doing all this in a space alien to you, a toilet tent, which is slightly away from the campsite takes time to get used to.

How to deal with it: Practice using toilet paper at home for a week before your trek, you’ll get used to it. Another tip is to wet the toilet paper a bit, to make it like wet tissue. Note: We do not allow packaged wet tissues in the mountains. They are non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment. 
The good: The good part of a dry toilet is that there’s no sight or smell when you go in. Everything is covered up with earth, there’s no mess from the usage of water. It’s a clean and hygienic experience. Many trekkers prefer it to normal public toilets by the end of the week.

So those are a few of the realities we wanted to share with you. 

Over the past ten years, we have found that just one week-long trek in the Himalayas leaves trekkers in a much better mental space. They are more open to challenges, they solve problems more easily, and they are more humble and open to learning.

I want to share with you all what Sandhya Chandrashekharayya, co-founder of Indiahikes, mentioned in one of her statements: ‘Everyone Must Trek.’ This belief comes from the transformative power of trekking. Trekking brings changes to our minds, bodies, and spirits that are hard to imagine.’

With this, I conclude. These are 7 small realities but highly impactful ones that change them for life. And that’s the beauty of a Himalayan trek! If you trek with Indiahikes, it becomes even more eventful & memorable.

If you have been on a trek and have any more points you’d like to add, drop in a comment below. We’d love to hear from you! 

Several realities make every Himalayan trek challenging and no one tells you about them. I would rather have you know about these now, much before you embark on your trek so that they don’t come at you as surprises. 

7 Realities Of Trekking No One Tells You About

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In May 2023, an enthusiastic group aged 13 to 69 from the Shishukunj Schools in Gujarat went on their first-ever Himalayan trek organised by Indiahikes. This is the story of how they forged an enduring connection with the mountains, with others, and with their own selves - despite numerous uphill battles. 

Shishukunj And A Radically Different School Of Thought

Shishukunj believes in education that is holistic, healing, and abundant in possibilities. More than ever, the world needs individuals who question present-day realities instead of conforming to them. The school believes in diversifying children’s potential instead of viewing them as cogs in a wheel.

At the heart of Shishukunj’s education philosophy lies a fundamental question: what does it mean to be a good human being? A question that drives every endeavour at the school. 

Embedded deep in the pedagogy and learning are the importance of human connections, a relationship with nature, and a culture of outdoor pursuits.

The school approached Indiahikes to organise a Himalayan trek for students of its various centres in Gujarat.       	

From the outset, the aim of the program was clear: to use trekking as an immersive experience to connect to nature, the community, and oneself.

The students eagerly looked forward to the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, an adventure known for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain. 

But unforeseen weather conditions made it unsafe to proceed with the original plan. The trek leader recommended switching the trek location to Har Ki Dun.

While most schools struggle to cope with last-minute changes in plans, Shishukunj took the news very well. The larger purpose behind the trek took precedence over being fixed on one particular trek. 

It would be the first big trek for most students. Many had never travelled without family for extended periods. Some students would be boarding a train for the first time. Some of the school’s well-wishers were flying in from overseas to accompany children on the trek. Although most of them were seasoned trekkers, this would be their first trekking experience in India.

Keeping in mind the unique needs of its students, Shishukunj identified numerous goals for the program, namely:

·   	Experience a shared physical and mental challenge

·   	Interact and mingle with co-students from various Shishukunj centres, all from varied socio-economic backgrounds

·   	Discover new things about each other

Beyond Comfort Zones: The Joys of Experiential Learning in Trekking

Experiential Learning is at the heart of the Outdoor Leadership program at Indiahikes - a methodology that emphasises the joys of “learning by doing.” Trekking and related activities provide numerous avenues for physical, emotional, and social development.

From enjoying a shared experience and learning to deal with hardships to moments of introspection, trekking pushes students beyond their comfort zones.

What’s more, this immersive approach fosters complete engagement and joy. Students tackle thoughtfully designed challenges and engage in a cycle of planning, action, and reflection.

The program contained four essential components with carefully-designed experiential learning activities under each one.

1. Developing empathy and building camaraderie

As students trekked on, step by determined step, exhaustion gradually settled in. Despite each student battling their individual struggles, a wave of mutual support washed over the group.

“We got up, started walking, kept walking, kept getting tired, and kept trying. A few students were crying visible tears of pain, and a few of us were crying inside. And then suddenly, what we had hoped would happen, happened - everyone started helping out each other with words, with actions, with a sip of water, with a bit of advice, with an arm around each other, with a small bite of food.” Rutvid Dholakia, teacher

“We always like being around familiar people back in the city. Yet, we don't have time for each other, let alone new people. I saw how children opened up to each other during the trek. I knew it would happen in a quieter place without judgment. It’s been brilliant on the trek. I thought the process would take more time!” Priyasha Sharma, teacher | Photo credit: Shishukunj Schools

Children exhibited care not only towards their friends but also towards other students—peers they had never interacted with before. Additionally, they felt a sense of responsibility for the adults participating in the trek, often looking out for their well-being.

“We saw a few of the other trekking group people struggling and just by looking at them, their body language, we could feel their struggle and there would be a word of motivation, or an offer of a sweet or just a question of ‘do you need something?’ – it was wonderful to see such concern surfacing up, the higher we went.” - Rutvid Dholakia, teacher.

The trek naturally makes students and teachers feel more connected to each other | Photo credit: Jothiranjan

Children became more environmentally conscious, urging their friends to pick up litter along the trail and advising against consuming packaged food from dhabas.

“Not only did we have to carry our own personally generated plastic waste back to Dehradun, but we also had to clear up the campsite of plastic waste which was left by other trekkers…Leading by example, the trek leaders started picking up trash…Hard plastics, soft plastics, tetrapaks, metals, glass, landfill material - these were the main categories of generated waste, and students learnt by seeing the waste just how much we generate.” Rutvid Dholakia, teacher

After gentle prompting, students began to show a greater interest in nature, the villages nestled in the mountains, and the unique way of life in these regions. 

This newfound curiosity inspired them to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions. It fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of their surroundings.

On treks like Har ki Dun, students come across ancient Himalayan villages and get a sneak peek into their culture | Photo credit: Jothiranjan

5. Journeys Within: Self-Expression And Personal Growth

The trek provided opportunities for quiet introspection and self-awareness, usually scarce in the humdrum of everyday life. Students were remarkably expressive during daily reflection sessions. 

The group openly discussed the day's triumphs and obstacles, allowing everyone to articulate their thoughts and emotions.

The reflection sessions also served a greater purpose. It encouraged many students to break down barriers and build new, meaningful connections.

“We had a quick session of reflection on how day 1 was - what were the challenges and what were the highlights for each of us? A process of reflection is critical for learning, and in this case, it also helped many students open up, speak and share in front of strangers and connect over similar challenges and highlights. Slowly, as students shared their experiences, everyone realised that we're all very similar underneath our societal makeup.” - Rutvid Dholakia, teacher

“A big takeaway for me was the children's capacity for joy and love. Children are able to break walls and barriers so easily.” - Priyasha Sharma, teacher

A glimpse of daily reflections | Photo credit: Jothiranjan

6. Discovering a new world and a new-found appreciation for life

Students expressed their astonishment at the different trees, waterfalls, terrain, and ways of life – so different from what they were accustomed to seeing in Gujarat. 

The immersive experience expanded students’ understanding of the world in ways they had never imagined. It is one thing to learn from textbooks, and quite another to see the world unfold in front of your eyes. 

In many ways, the experience also made them appreciate things they had taken for granted back home. 

“For the group, who were coming from the heat of Gujarat, clean, flowing and cold water was nothing short of magic. The trees were distinctly different now, the language had changed from the already different Hindi spoken in the northern plains to a slightly mountainous /pahaadi accent, the features and dress of the local population had changed, and so had the music in the cabs!  Some of them began complaining about their heavy bags on the trek when they saw the locals carrying firewood on their backs. The students realised that their lives are easier in comparison to the hardships other people face.” - Rutvid Dholakia, teacher

Being in a remote setting in the outdoors, away from the chaos of city life makes students appreciate and be grateful for the simple things in life | Photo credit: Jothiranjan

Children embraced uncertainty and change during the trek. From unpredictable weather to living with the bare necessities at camp, students gained the confidence to face new challenges with an open mind. 

Sometimes, things beyond our planning can yield far better results. 

“The unexpected snowfall and snowball-playing session connected the students much better than we could have imagined…Additionally, the students indirectly became much better at problem-solving. They learnt to manage without electricity, or hot water. They learnt that it's ok when things don’t go as planned. ‘We'll find another way.’” - Rutvid Dholakia, teacher.

8. Developing resilience and overcoming self-doubt

As the reality of ascending to an altitude of over 12,000 feet became more real, internal voices of self-doubt and fear emerged. 

The students pushed on, regardless – making sure to help each other along the way. The rewards were well worth the climb, both literally and metaphorically.

"Sometimes I felt like giving up while on the trek. It was very hard. But an inner voice told me to keep going. I never knew I could do something like this. It gave me a lot of self-confidence...  I usually find it difficult to interact with other people. And yet, I met so many new people on the trek and got to know them better." - Avani, Student

9. Collaborating and working together as a team

Without collective effort and encouragement, the journey would have been much more challenging. Students learnt the value of teamwork by supporting each other up the mountain. 

The trek brought out the importance of discipline, following instructions, listening to your body's needs, and collaborating as a team.

Trekking is as much an individual activity, as it is a group activity. The focus was going to be on teamwork. There was no such thing as reaching 1st or 2nd since the team climbed together.

These lessons of teamwork and collaboration extend beyond the trek. It served as a reminder of how people can overcome obstacles when we work together, share our strengths, and ask for help when needed.

“The children were so proactive in helping each other on the trail. They helped others who were struggling with heavy bags without us adults having to prompt them.” -  Geetaben Jagani, teacher.

10. Respect for individual abilities and decisions on the trek

Some students chose not to attempt the final climb. Instead of viewing it as a failure, everyone recognised the tremendous dedication behind their efforts. 

The trek not only helped students understand their abilities better but also recognize and accept other people’s abilities without judgment.

The trek provided an immersive and transformative experience for the children, allowing them to understand the multifaceted nature of leadership. 

Through observation, problem-solving, and self-reflection,  they discovered that true leadership begins with leading oneself.

“ Students tend to see leadership as someone taking charge of other people. But on the trail, it wasn’t about which person took the lead or how many people were picking up litter, etc. If someone wanted to do something, they went ahead and did it.”  Priyasha Sharma, teacher.

“Back in the classrooms, we usually worry about filling up free time for students, since the assumption is that they will be bored. That was not the case at all during the trek. Children were highly engaged in the activities they themselves chose to do. They were spontaneous and adapted well.” Geetaben Jagani, teacher.

“I used to think that leadership was about having power over others. After the trek, I realised that true leadership is in how you share your strength with others and help them. A leader thinks not only about themselves but about the community and environment.” Arzoo, student

12. Discovering interconnectedness, and how actions have consequences

Discussions arose about the challenges of life in the mountains. Students realised how their actions in cities have far-reaching consequences on the climate. 

Our choices impact even the most remote and pristine places where people lead simple, nature-connected lives. Being in the mountains gave them an opportunity to learn about climate change first-hand.

Shishukunj and Indiahikes recognise the transformative value of being outdoors. Traditional education systems seldom have spaces where children can face their fears head-on, learn to collaborate instead of compete, or understand that actions have direct consequences.

One of the best ways to prepare children for the world is by taking them out into that very world, specifically into the mountains. 

At Indiahikes, we believe everyone must trek - including children. Trekking gives invaluable life lessons that extend beyond the mountains. We hope the experience will empower children to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and compassion.

When students connect with the mountains and themselves

12 Lessons That Shishukunj Schools In Gujarat Took Away From Trekking

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Mridul is someone who has been on quite a few treks. But according to him, they all fell under the “easy to moderate” category, and didn't really require him to be physically fit. 

Here is what he has to share about his story of trekking, fitness, and meaningful changes in life: 

“I became an avid traveler recently. I enjoyed my treks a lot, but I wanted to take up a challenge. I wanted to do something physically demanding. Yet, there was one thing stopping me from reaching my goals: smoking. 

I am a chain smoker and have been smoking for the last four to five years. Due to this reason,  I've been struggling physically. Before this trek, I never had to exert much. And considering the fact that I work in IT, I didn't really focus on fitness even in my day-to-day life. But for the purpose of this trek, I started giving attention to my physical capabilities and I was shocked. 

Indiahikes had mentioned the fitness goal on the website: run 5km within 38 minutes in order to prepare for the trek. But could I really do it? Although this got me into running, it was only when I began my prep that I realized something. If you are someone who smokes, your lung capacity is directly impacted due to smoking. And because of this, I couldn't breathe properly and didn't have the stamina to run a long distance. 

Regardless, my journey had begun. I got into this trek with a purpose in my mind, and I was not going to stop here. I was fortunate for the company of people around me and I started running together with them. It was time for the trek, and I was eager. 

Like mentioned before, I have been to around 16 to 17 treks, but this one with Indiahikes was perhaps the most meaningful expedition I've ever been on. A lot of it had to do with the intense physical difficulty of climbing the mountain. Because during that time, I had to be mindful of many things.   

I had to stay alert all the time, follow the team throughout, and take in the views and sounds of nature all at the same time. As someone with a small attention span, that state of mindfulness is something that I didn't think was possible. Yet, it happened on the trek. 

The trek gave me many surprises, and one of them was this: the diversity of the team. People were from all age cohorts and backgrounds. One was 22 years of age, whereas another person was 57. It was heartening to see and motivated me in a different way. If encountering new experiences at 57 years of age was possible, then life probably had a lot in store for me as well. This realization fascinated me. 

This hike was tough for me, but the rewards it gave me was definitely worth it! Small things like setting up your own tent, and washing utensils in -6 or -7 degrees with our hands exposed me to life in a way I’d never seen before. 

The trek gave me so much to take back, but two changes stay with me till date: running, and reducing smoking. Running is something that is going to continue. It helps me and gives me so much energy. I think one year ago I wouldn't have imagined myself doing this. 

The fact that I’m doing this right now with my own free will, and not because somebody is making me do it feels like a great change in my personality. 

Lastly, As far as smoking is concerned, I would be lying if I said that I have completely quit. But the amazing fact is - I had not expected any sort of change to happen at all. Yet, after the trek, I've cut down smoking considerably because of my interest towards running. 

And all this happened because I got into fitness - which happened because I signed up for the Indiahikes trek. 

The trek was really meaningful to me, especially at this point in my life where I'm trying to stick to fitness, and make positive changes in my life. 

I’m thankful that so many small things - like my interest in running, fitness, and trek - came together to create new experiences for me and pushed me to a happier and healthier direction in life. 

Mridul went on the Gaumukh Tapovan trek. After the trek, he quit smoking and inculcated new habits like running and eating healthy.

How trekking helped Mridul break smoking habits and pick up running!  

Smoking, fitness, healthy habits, running

Nandini has been trying to get fit since her 20s. She has been involved in various physical activities like aerobics and cardio. However, trekking was a dream that she had never got the chance to fulfill. Until now. 

This is the story of Nandini’s vigor and fitness: 

“During college, I never had the chance to venture out on trips because I grew up in a traditional family. Soon after, I got too busy with my life: I had to work in the UK for two years and then married. After all this, I really couldn’t chase my dreams of trekking. 

Recently, I spoke to a friend who had already done multiple treks with Indiahikes. After hearing about her adventures, I wanted to try it for myself. It was finally time. 

Yet, I was very worried about my physical capabilities in the beginning. I’ve never done a long trek, and I let my worries take over and get the better of me. I doubted my fitness levels.  

My friends motivated me. They reminded me that I am a yoga trainer and that I could do this, that I am capable. I soon started running and preparing for the trek with my husband. When we finally finished 5k in around 30 minutes, I found myself becoming more confident. 

The time to trek had come, and I was surrounded by beauty and nature. I was so into it, and inspiration seeped into me. However, when I met my team, I was pretty shocked. Everyone was a youngster, probably in their 20s. Compared to them, I was the only one who hit 40. Would I lag behind them? Could I really do this? These Were the questions I asked myself. 

During the trek, and with time, one thing had become apparent. I was doing fine. My worries calmed down, and it turned out that I was actually ahead and leading the team. It was not just about trekking for me. Instead, it was about embracing experiences on the other side of life: living in tents, experiencing the cold weather, and stepping out of my comfort zone. 

The fear of lagging behind left my mind as I started appreciating the people and environment around me. I started feeling mentally strong and realized that this was not a tough job for me. I could trek more and more. That relief when my mental stress disappeared was unbeatable. 

After I finished the trek, I became more daring and developed a strong belief in myself. I could handle the tough challenges thrown at me. I could face situations and adjust to any changes in life. These were new things I had learned about myself after the trek. 

Till the time I am fit, I want to keep trekking more. Completing this trek only made my decision much more potent.”

Nandini continues to work on her fitness and is enthusiastic about planning for her next trek soon. Moreover, she wants to take her 10-year-old daughter with her next time. She wants her daughter to experience the magical moments too!

Nandini has been trying to get fit since her 20s. She has been involved in various physical activities like aerobics and cardio. However, trekking was a dream that she had never got the chance to fulfill. Until now.

How trekking changed the course of fitness in Nandini’s life 

I went on my first trek to Shang La in Ladakh at the age of 68. It sort of just happened since I was looking to try something new after retiring.

As I went on this journey in 2019, it left a deep impact on me. It was like discovering the true beauty of the mountains. I hadn’t felt this close to nature ever before.

However, during the trek, I also realised that I wasn’t as fit as I had thought. I had to really push myself each day.

I did complete the trek eventually and came back determined to work on my fitness. I knew I have to go on as many treks as possible before it was too late.

That's when I came across the Indiahikes website. It had all the information I needed. The fitness requirements were laid out clearly.

I set out to meet those.

I began by switching from walking to jogging. I then started doing various exercises. It took a while but I made steady progress. By March 2020, I was fully prepared to go on my second trek.

But that is when Covid happened and I couldn’t go. I was dejected. The worst part was the uncertainty. I feared if I’ll be able to trek at all again.

After feeling down initially, I decided to look at things positively. I utilised the time to further improve my fitness.

Finally, in September 2021, the situation got a lot better. I was more than ready to go on a trek. Without wasting much time, I went to Tarsar Marsar with Indiahikes. It was worth the wait!

Firstly, I managed to complete the trek comfortably. It boosted my confidence. Secondly, the way it was conducted allowed me to absorb the calmness of the environment I was in.

I could already see myself going on another trek.

In April 2022, at the age of 71, I went to Khopra Ridge. On the trek, I spent ample quiet moments with myself. I gained a better understanding of who I am as a person.

I can safely say that trekking with Indiahikes has made me a better and stronger human being. It has impacted me emotionally, mentally and physically.

I want to maintain my fitness to go on many more treks. I haven't had even close to enough of this beautiful sport.”

- Vijay K, Indiahikes Trekker



“Discovering Trekking At 68 Changed Me.”

In 2022, we completed the first Adventure Therapy Trek at Indiahikes.

We had dreamt of this day for a long time. We had seen how impactful the outdoors were on people. We wanted to see if we could harness the goodness of the outdoors to help those struggling with personal issues. 

"The results of the Adventure Therapy trek turned out to be much more than I expected," shares Izzat Yaganagi, head of Experiential Learning at Indiahikes, who designed and facilitated the Adventure Therapy programme. Izzat is also a Psychological Counsellor with a practice of over 13 years.

During the 4 day trek at Dayara Bugyal, while the trek did its own magic, Izzat facilitated several experiences. Talking therapy and experiential learning were key features in the adventure therapy experiences. Aditya Bodke, a Senior Trek Leader at Indiahikes, assisted her in facilitating these experiences, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. 

We speak to the participants of our first Adventure Therapy trek and discover learnings about how impactful their experience was.

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