This is a first-hand, unedited account of the Chandrakhani Pass Trek, written by a young woman who came to us as a first-time trekker. That in itself is a story of courage.

At Indiahikes, we’ve seen how the mountains transform first-time trekkers. Which is why we put thought into every detail of the experience — the care of the Trek Leaders, the safety systems, and the small touches that make a campsite feel like home. These are things that allow trekkers to immerse themselves in the Himalayas without worry.

What you’ll read below carries the rawness of her journey — her fears, her joys, and the quiet triumphs that only the mountains can gift.

What It’s Like to Trek with Indiahikes: My First Himalayan Trek That'll Make You Pack Your Bags for the Chandrakhani Pass!

If you've ever stared at stunning Himalayan photos on Instagram and thought, "That looks amazing, but could I actually do it?" - spoiler alert: YES, you can! I'm a total trekking newbie from Nagpur, and just last week (August 16-21, 2025), I tackled the Chandrakhani Pass trek with Indiahikes during the monsoon season. What started as a nerve-wracking leap into the unknown turned into one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. Buckle up as I spill all the details, complete with misty meadows, starry nights, and a few muddy slips; that'll have you excited to sign up for your own Indiahikes adventure.

From Couch to Clouds: How Indiahikes Turned a Novice into a Trekker

Picture this: Me, scrolling through trek options, heart pounding with equal parts excitement and terror. As a first-timer, I had zero gear, decent fitness, and a head full of "what ifs." I booked my first ever trek, which too in the Himalayas. Enter Indiahikes; their emails, WhatsApp group, and Experience Coordinator (EC) were like personal cheerleaders. The trek booklet? A goldmine of info on the route, weather, and daily breakdowns. Fitness tips? They got me from huffing up stairs, burning calories on a treadmill and running 5Kms circuits to feeling trek-ready. And the rental gear? Genius! I snagged a backpack, trek poles, a headlamp, and shoes for 1/10th of the cost.

Travel booking was a breeze with the EC's real-time advice on Manali's monsoon weather and road conditions. I flew from Nagpur to Delhi, then took a car to Manali. But a massive landslide in Mandi turned our drive into a 12-hour traffic nightmare. Our group shrank from 25 to 16 as some couldn't make it, but hey, a smaller crew meant instant bonds. I was travelling with my husband and 2 cousins. We reached Manali on a cold evening of August 14, crashed at a cosy Zostel, wandered Mall Road for some vibes, siddu, momo and thukpa and called it an early night!

Jungle Line Campus: Where it All Gets Real

We’d opted for a pickup by Indiahikes at the Beas Bridge. Raju bhaiya, our driver, whisked us to Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus in Sarsai, a verdant paradise at 5,600 feet that screams "eco-heaven." No dustbins here; it's all about zero waste to keep those mountains clean. We packed our own steel tiffins, mugs, spoons, and water bottles; no tissues, wet wipes, or junk food allowed. It felt empowering, like we were already part of something bigger.

Tents were snug, warm, and spotless (water-only washrooms kept things simple and green). Our trek leader, Bharat, a bundle of energy and wisdom, welcomed us with SpO2 and heart rate checks, ID collections, and a campus tour. Popcorn and steaming tea in hand, we grabbed our rentals and dove into an icebreaker that had us laughing and sharing stories. Instant community vibes! Bharat's briefing on meds (hello, Diamox for AMS), avoiding self-medication, and trek basics was spot-on.

The campus was alive: Trainees buzzing around, trekkers cuddling fluffy Himalayan dogs, apple trees heavy with fruit, and persimmon groves. As the sun set, we feasted on dinner and hit the hay, waiting for an adventure of a lifetime.

Bright and early at 7 AM, post-nutritious breakfast, we drove 30 minutes to Rumsu for liftoff to Ghan Kuradi campsite. Joined by local guides Gaurav and Debanshu (Himachali heroes!), Bharat schooled us on pole usage, lace-tying tricks, breathing hacks, and pacing. Warm-up done, bananas devoured; we were off!

The Chandrakhani Pass trail is pure poetry in motion, amplified by monsoon rains. Imagine stepping into a Narnia wonderland: Towering deodars draped in moss, colourful maples whispering secrets from the caterpillar-eaten leaves, pines standing proud like ancient guardians. Wildflowers exploded in whites, pinks, purples, and yellows, painting meadows that stretched forever. As forests thinned, alpine grasslands took over, unveiling jaw-dropping, very distant views of snow-capped Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar peaks, Mt. Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, Shikar Beh, and Indrasan Peak gleaming like distant dreams along the route.

But it wasn't all fairy-tale smooth. Monsoon meant slippery, muddy trails that had us sliding and slipping. Altitude kicked in around 11,000 feet at Chaklani, leaving me breathless and fatigued. Rain poured relentlessly, turning paths into streams. Yet, Indiahikes' guidance flipped these into triumphs: Bharat's tips on grip and pace, Gaurav and Debanshu's steady hands, and sipping from glacial streams for natural acclimatisation. Daily SpO2 checks, stretches, and warm-ups kept us safe and strong.

And the Green Trails initiative turned me and fellow trekkeers into eco-warriors, picking up trash en route and sorting it (landfill, recyclables, biodegradables, you name it). Leaving the mountains better than we found them feels incredible!

Bharat wasn't just a leader; he was our trail-side professor. We dubbed it "Botany with Bharat" - hilarious and enlightening! He geeked out on mycelium networks (trees chatting underground?), lichen's algae-fungi bromance, fern history, bird calls, and moss as a natural compass. We learned about competitive eucalyptus and castor, the symphony of forest sounds. His passion made every step a discovery, easing us newbies into nature's embrace.

Indiahikes promotes the spirit of trekking in peace, no shouting or blasting tunes. In that silence, we tuned into birdsong, gurgling streams, and wind whispers. It invited reflection, like pondering life's big questions amid rhododendrons.

The support crew members are superheroes in disguise. Mule men hauling gear, kitchen staff whipping up hot tea, lemon water, hearty meals, and desserts in the wilderness. Tents stayed dry, snacks nutritious, making it as comfortable as it can get in the outdoors for us!

Where do I start?! At Chaklani on night three, the clouds parted for a stargazing extravaganza and meteor shower. Bharat spun tales of Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Draco, and dropped Carl Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot" wisdom, mind blown under that twinkling blanket.

After four rainy days, summit sun's rays pierced through, gifting postcard views of valleys below. Fog lifted at Chaklani to reveal majestic peaks; ancient conifers stood sentinel like wise elders. Group shares on "why we trek" sparked deep connections - tears, laughs, hugs. 

In a moment of reverence, like Sherpa Tenzing Norgay humbled by Everest, we stood in awe of Chandrakhani Pass, grateful for her allowing us to conquer her heights. And the cherry on top? Spinning and laughing with Pahadi locals in a joyful summit dance.

Descent was a beast; slippery slopes and gusts, but team support shone. We high-fived at the end, bonded forever.

Why Indiahikes is Your Ultimate Trek Buddy

What elevates Indiahikes? Their blend of structure and soul. The eco-conscious Green Trails initiative turns trekkers into stewards of nature. Bharat’s knowledge and warmth made us feel like family, while the support crew’s efficiency (mule men, kitchen staff, tent managers) ensured comfort in the wild. Their structured yet welcoming approach makes first-timers feel at ease and seasoned trekkers inspired.

Extra Perks That Make Indiahikes Unbeatable

Indiahikes goes the extra mile with thoughtful facilities. Their offloading service lets mules carry your load, so you can focus on the views (although it isn't encouraged). The cloakroom at base camp keeps your extra luggage safe. Bio-toilets at campsites are a game-changer, deep pits with a shovel and sawdust (no water) for hygiene, complete with toilet paper for convenience in the wild. And the kicker? Once you trek with Indiahikes, that trek is free for life, return anytime at no cost! These perks make the experience seamless, sustainable, and oh-so-accessible.

This trek wasn't just a hike; it was a rebirth for me. From novice nerves to summit euphoria, Indiahikes made it authentic, supportive, and unforgettable. If you're dreaming of Himalayan highs, book Chandrakhani Pass with Indiahikes NOW. Trust me, you'll return changed, craving more.

Read a raw, unedited account of the Chandrakhani Pass Trek by a first-time female trekker with Indiahikes — courage, transformation, and Himalayas.

A First-Time Trekker’s Experience of the Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Chandrakhani Pass Trek Experience with Indiahikes - A First-Time Trekker's Experience

At Indiahikes, we believe that the best way to know what it’s like to trek with us is to hear from trekkers themselves. In this article, a newly graduated doctor shares her experience of the Bhrigu Lake Trek—her very first trek, planned solo, and one filled with unexpected challenges, support, and transformation. From the guidance she received before the trek, to the warmth of her trek leaders, to the spirit of sustainability and camaraderie on the trail—this story captures what trekking with Indiahikes truly feels like.

I’m a newly graduated doctor who has spent the better part of my life in the library and the hospital. Planning a Himalayan trek came as an unusual decision for a routine-bound city girl who could very easily spend her holidays in the comfort of her home and Netflix. But my heart yearned for adventure; a trek in the mountains, a plan that had waited long enough on my bucket list, soon to be realised.  

Due to the untimely postponement of my NEET PG exam, unavailability of my friends and news of bad weather in North India, I found myself planning a solo trek, a challenge I hesitantly accepted. But Indiahikes made this first-time solo female trekker’s experience so comfortable and dependable; I can vouch for a fantastic trekking experience for anyone planning a trek with them. 

From even before selecting which trek to do, the excellent communications team of Indiahikes guided me on which trek would be most suitable for a first-time trekker with a decent fitness level like mine. Once they suggested the Bhrigu Lake trek, I fully placed my faith in their judgment and registered for the same from 17th to 20th August. I was upgraded from the waitlist to confirmation on 8th August, and I quickly began my preparation for the trek in terms of fitness, travel logistics and shopping. 

How Indiahikes Supported Me Before the Trek

At every step, Team Indiahikes supported me a lot. From travel advice, fitness routines, shopping suggestions, and even alleviating our anxiety with respect to the weather conditions, team Indiahikes actively answered all my queries on email, the WhatsApp group and over calls. The Crosstrek rentals made my life much easier in terms of trekking gear, cutting costs and packing light. And now that I’m back from the trek, I can vouch for the quality, hygiene and durability of all the rentals provided to us at the Palchan camp before our trek began. 

Getting to Manali, however, wasn’t easy. Due to the landslide between Mandi and Manali, my bus was cancelled, and I was strugling tgo find a way to get to Manali from Chandigarh. Vishakha ma’am, my experience coordinator came to the rescue. Aware of the fact that I was a solo female traveller, she connected me to a group of trekkers of the Chandrakhani Pass Trek with whom I shared a taxi from Chandigarh to Manali and the 13-hour-long taxi ride in heavy traffic not only became safer and bearable but was also extremely fun and through this ride, I made some great friends for life!

I would suggest everyone keep buffer days while travelling in case of such uncertainties, and thanks to my buffer time, I reached Manali stress-free, without exhaustion and in time for my Bhrigu lake trek on the 17th August. 

The driver and our technical guide were on time for our pick up from Beas Bridge to Palchan and we met two of our cotrekkers with whom we headed to Palchan for rentals and briefing. 

At Palchan, we met our trek leader Archana ma’am and Technical guide Deshraj sir who gave us a very detailed explanation of our trek, what to expect, the rules and spirit of trekking and answered all our queries. 

I was delighted to see the commitment towards sustainability and the essence of it in the way Indiahikes treks, when Archana ma’am gave us our ecobags, for collecting everything that we find on the mountains that ‘doesn’t belong there’. She even shared her stories of how she had found packets of Maggi and other disposables on high mountain summits. She reiterated her dislike for ‘Pahadon waali maggie’ and other emotion-driven advertisement propaganda that ends up polluting the mountains, a sentiment that resonated with me. Indeed, Indiahikes and all its trek leaders stand by their motto of sustainable and transformative trekking. 

After lunch we were driven to the Gulaba roadhead, where we commenced our trek. Two of our trek mates had reached Manali late due to the roadblocks and were expected to come by 10 pm that night. 

While it would have been very convenient to cancel their trek, our trek leader and technical guide made every effort they could by coordinating with the slope manager and the officials at the Gulaba roadhead to bring them to the campsite in time to acclimatise them before the steep ascent. Their commitment to make this trek happen comfortably for every trekker is commendable. 

Our vitals and pulse oximetry were checked thrice a day and entered in our health cards, as our trek leader patiently attended to all our needs and queries regarding AMS. 

Life at Camps: Food, Tents and Biotoilets

We were served delicious snacks and meals, freshly cooked by the spectacular kitchen staff who also trekked along to serve us hot meals. 

Both the camp sites, Jonker Thatch and Rola Kholi, were very well managed by Mr Deepak, who set up our tents, drinking water and an innovative hand and dish washing set-up that minimised water use. 

We were shown how to use sleeping bags and handed out hygiene liners that made tent living in the cold bearable. Even the bio-toilets were so impressive, and there was absolutely no stench or discomfort with them, even at the high altitudes, low temperatures in the wilderness. Kudos to the camp management and kitchen team for their effort to make our camp stay so comfortable!

Walking Through Meadows, Forests and Trails

The trails were my favourite part of the trek. Long ascents through grasslands, meadows, slopes, plains and boulders in rain, fog and clear weather became so engaging and fun with our awesome trek leader and technical guide, it didn’t feel exhausting at all. 

Archana ma’am showed us every wild flower, golden oak tree, wriggly worms and animals that we came across on the trail, ensuring that we enjoy and appreciate the wonders of nature instead of just a transit from point A to B. It was my most fun botany class ever! Deshraj sir engaged us with interesting folklore, stories of the mountains and the culture of Himachal Pradesh. What a blend of history and geography it was!

On our summit day, we were prepared for the worst depending on the weather, and we trusted our experienced trek leader and technical guide who led us on until eventually the weather cleared, and we made it to the Bhrigu Lake. After our customary photos and a moment with ourselves, we embarked on our descent. 

We were always given tasty trail snacks if we felt like having a quick bite; the luxury of a picnic in the mountains. Our trek leaders also ensured we were adequately hydrated and gave us necessary breaks so the journey never felt exhausting. 

Once we were back in Rola Kholi, we were greeted with a welcome drink and fist bumps, and we gathered after a while for our debriefing and a small celebration. One of our trekmates celebrated his birthday on the trek, and the kitchen team baked us a cute little cake that we cut in the mountains; a memorable birthday celebration for us all. 

Debriefing, Reflections and Transformation

The debriefing was one of the highlights of my trek. 

An experience in which each of us shared how we had connected with nature, our co-trekkers and with ourselves in the mountains. It was an emotional moment for all of us, and even Archana ma’am and Deshraj sir opened up on how the mountains healed them and how all of us are so lucky to be together in the mountains. 

This exercise could have easily been done away with or cut short, but the very fact that Indiahikes chose to have a detailed debriefing is a  testament that a trek is not just a walk on the mountains but a reflection of the transformation that nature has on all of us while we are there. And I’m so grateful to experience this transformation in me.

The Spirit of Trekking and Acts of Kindness

The trek was bedazzled with several moments of kindness and joy when we helped each other out. It reflects the spirit of trekking. When we helped wash each other’s feet so that we could enter our tents clean, and when we supported each other through the challenging parts of the trail. I remember Archana ma’am specially coming to my tent to check my sleeping bag’s zipper when I told her I was cold at night. Deshraj sir handed me his poncho when mine was too wet to be worn. These are acts of kindness that were beyond the duties of fellow trekkers or trek leads; they were acts of kindness that showed that they cared. And moments like these made my trek special, more than just another holiday activity. 

The closed-knit group of eight that we became, I now consider my trekking family. I celebrated my exam result success with them, a fond memory I will cherish forever. 

The ethos of sustainability, minimalism, quiet trekking to savour the music of nature, these lifelong bonds and stories, they will always have a place in my heart. And with that, I left the mountains, eager for a return soon, not knowing when or how, but definitely one with Indiahikes!

A first-time solo woman trekker shares her Bhrigu Lake Trek with Indiahikes—support, sustainability, camp life, and the spirit of trekking.

Bhrigu Lake Trek with Indiahikes: First-Timer’s Story by a Solo Woman Trekker

My Bhrigu Lake Trek with Indiahikes: A First-Time Trekker’s Experience

This essay was written by Neha Karpagavel , a 10th standard student from PSS School after her three day experiential learning programme at Channarayana Durga.

I still remember when my tent-mates and I first stepped into our tent, feeling doubtful that we could make it. Living without the comforts of an urban home seemed impossible at first. But, spoiler alert—we did it. We made it through, safe and sound, and returned with a deeper appreciation for everything we have back here.

We were set to trek Channarayana Durga, a stunning mountain range with an impressive height of 3,730 feet. When I first learned that this was the hill we would soon climb, my heart skipped a beat, wavering in doubt about whether we could do it.

The rest of the first day was spent engaging in various activities. One thing the team emphasized was reflection—reflecting on our activites to ensure that we returned to our cities having learned something meaningful, not just having had fun. My favorite activity, however, was stargazing. After a night walk, we were treated to an incredible view of the night sky. In all my fifteen years, I had never seen so many stars. Everywhere I looked, I could spot stars, satellites, and even a few planets. We then applied our knowledge of these celestial bodies, learning to differentiate between them and identify the four cardinal directions. It made me realize how light pollution has affected the urban night sky, robbing us of the privilege of seeing such brilliant stars.

The second day was what we had all been waiting for: the trek. After an early morning breakfast with a stunning view of the sunrise, we set off. The first part of the trek was the steepest and the hardest. After just a few minutes, we stopped for rest and hydration.

Though only a few admitted it, we were all thinking the same thing—if we were already tired after barely starting, how would we ever make it to the summit?

Each time we reached a high point to rest, we thought there couldn’t possibly be a higher one or a better view. Yet, every time, there was. And every time, we doubted whether we could make it any further, but we always did.

In those moments of doubt, our teachers and trek leaders pushed us beyond what we thought were our limits. Words cannot describe how their encouragement moved us—literally—up a mountain. Even among the students, there were some who could climb with ease, but none of them focused on being the first to the summit. We all understood that trekking was a team effort; the stronger trekkers helped the rest.

Throughout the trek, I couldn’t help but see it as a metaphor for life. Every single step taught me something—not just about trekking, but about life itself. When I realized how much harder it was to climb with a heavy backpack, it struck me that in life, too, carrying emotional burdens—like grief or trauma—makes it difficult to move forward.

It took us a solid three hours to ascend, and when we reached the peak, we were exhilarated. Many of us felt an overwhelming sense of pride for accomplishing something we once thought impossible. We gained newfound confidence in our bodies, doing things we never imagined, and the joy that came with it was indescribable.

After spending time at the fort on the summit and visiting a lake nestled in the mountain, we began our descent, which also took about three hours. Surprisingly, the descent was just as challenging, if not more so, as we were directly facing the steep drop, forcing us to confront our fear of heights.

The trek was undoubtedly an amazing learning experience, but much of my growth happened when we weren’t trekking. Our phones were collected and kept away from us on the first day, and although we complained at first, in hindsight, I wouldn’t have asked for anything better. It enhanced the experience many times over, allowing us to truly enjoy the views with our own eyes, not through a screen.

The rest of the day was spent engaging in various activities, followed by a climb up a much smaller hill to watch the sunset. After a lot of hiking, bouldering, and rock climbing, we returned to our tents, greeted by a beautiful downpour.

On the third day, we woke up relatively late and visited a serene lotus pond. The pond was breathtaking, surrounded by trees full of weaver bird nests. We were grateful to be there in the right season, witnessing the birds building their nests. Later, we wrote postcards to ourselves—a reflection and keepsake that made the experience even more meaningful. We then picked up trash around the area, realizing how much harm humans inflict on the nature that nurtures us. It made me more mindful of the waste we generate every single day.

In conclusion, the memories and lessons from this trek will last a lifetime. I hope to carry at least some of these lessons into my daily life.

Learn more about our experiential learning programmes for schools here

Channarayana Durga Trek - A Student's Essay

The final group of Gaumukh Tapovan trekkers for the month of May, successfully completed the trek. Trek leader Amit Gupta came back singing praises about the trek’s success, despite having a few challenges. 

There were some setbacks that the team faced. The weather was a bit brutal, since the sun scorched the trail. Nevertheless, they were blessed with clear views almost every step of the way. 

Due to the pilgrimage, the campsites had some yatra crowds as well. To ensure that trekkers still got a true Indiahikes experience, our team made sure that they camped away from the crowd and conducted activities that allowed trekkers to stay connected with nature. 

Another challenge that they faced was crossing the tricky rockfall section. To ensure a safe and successful crossing for all trekkers, the Indiahikes team ensured that clear instructions were communicated to the trekkers before the trek. Helmets were also provided to prioritise safety. Despite the difficulty of the terrain, with these precautions in place, the trekkers were able to cross the section safely. 

For Amit, “the Gaumukh Tapovan trek was not just a spiritual journey, but a journey which tests you with challenges of rockfall area, compromising campsites areas and water conditions. But at the same time it rewards you with towering peaks standing with sheer elegance and charm.” 

If you are heading to the Gaumukh Tapovan trek in the coming months, ensure that you are well prepared. Some essentials you must carry with you are hats, sunglasses and full sleeve dry fit clothes to protect your skin from the sun. 

The Gaumukh Tapovan is also a moderate to difficult trek, so ensure that your fitness is up to the mark before the trek. 

Learn more about the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

The article talks about the challenges faced by out Indiahikes team during the gaumukh tapovan trek and how they overcame it.

Latest Update: Trekkers Successfully Complete The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Despite Scorching Heat And Char Dham Yatra Crowd

On November 18th, our first ever group of Minchukallu Betta trekkers successfully completed their trek. And they loved it!

We’ve been waiting for this moment ever since we explored the Minchukallu Betta trek in August of this year.

“The summit of Minchukallu Betta is a sight to behold. One gets a 360 degree view of hillocks around,” shares Suhas Saya, head of the DIY team at Indiahikes.

Even those trekkers who had successfully completed the legendary trails of Har ki Dun and Sandakphu Phalut loved the Minchukallu Betta Trek. “The walk to the base, the views from the summit, and the trek itself are all very rewarding,” said an experienced trekker.  

After the first group returned, the 2nd group quickly filled up. The next group of the Minchukallu Betta trek is on December 2nd. Stay tuned to our website for the latest updates on our winter camps, including the Minchukallu Betta Trek. 

View more dates for the Minchukallu Betta Trek!

The first group of Minchukallu Betta trekkers return feeling "rewarded."

Minchukallu betta - trekkers - tumkur - first group of trekkers

Oct 25, 12.00 p.m.: Trekkers are witnessing a stunningly clear night sky on treks these days. These clear skies are characteristic of autumn treks in the Himalayas. 

"The Boslo campsite on the Har Ki Dun trek is a great place for stargazing. We could easily spot the Andromeda Galaxy and the Pleiades Cluster of stars near Jupiter throughout the night," shares Trek Leader Gagandeep after returning from the Har Ki Dun trek. 

"Pushtara campsite on the Phulara Ridge trek is ideal for stargazing but if you don't camp there then Bhoj Gadi also provides open vistas for fantastic stargazing experience. Last time we spotted the trail of Elon Musk's Starlink Satellites near the horizon after dinner from Bhojgadi," shares Trek Leader Harsh Patel. Tilandi on Brahmatal is also a great spot for stargazing.

Trekkers gearing up for a trek right now can note that a partial lunar eclipse is coming up on Oct 29th. You'll see a shadow of earth falling on the moon between 1.19 a.m. to 2.24 a.m. on Oct 29th. This will be visible from all our treks. 

For stargazing enthusiasts we also have special treks coming up.

The Boslo campsite on the Har Ki Dun trek is a great place for stargazing. We could easily spot the Andromeda Galaxy and the Pleiades Cluster of stars near Jupiter throughout the night.

Trekkers treated to a clear view of the Andromeda Galaxy

stargazing - andromeda galaxy - night sky - stargazing trek

Oct 22, 6.00 p.m.: After the first successful group of Khopra Ridge earlier this October, the second group to Khopra Ridge has started their journey from Pokhra to Khimchee on Oct 22. They will start trekking from Khimchee.

“Weather looks clear and promising for the next 10 days,” reports Trek Leader Diptarka Gupta. This means trekkers in this second group are likely to witness grand mountain views in the coming days. 

The first group to Khopra Ridge was stunned to witness such views during their trek. 

“They were able to make it till the Khayer Lake at 15,710 ft. And they were quite taken aback by the mountain views they witnessed. They were not expecting the views to be so grand, ” shares Debadrita Ghosh, Experience Coordinator for the Khopra Ridge trek. 

Khopra Ridge is an off beat ridge trek in Nepal which takes you close to 22 big mountains. This includes the glorious view of Mt. Machapuchare, Mt. Dhaulagiri is right in front of you and you see the Annapurna Massif at an arm’s distance. 

To top it, you trek to a hidden high-altitude lake—the Khayer Lake, which is nestled at 15,710 ft in the big mountains. 

The experience of trekking on this off-beat trail, away from the crowds of Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, is weaving incredible memories for trekkers wanting to trek in Nepal.

Khopra Ridge is an off beat ridge trek in Nepal which takes you close to 22 big mountains. This includes the glorious view of Mt. Machapuchare, Mt. Dhaulagiri is right in front of you and you see the Annapurna Massif at an arm’s distance.

Khopra Ridge Trekkers stunned at the grand mountain views of Nepal in mid-October

After a month-long pause, Bhrigu Lake trekkers started their trek from Manali on September 15th when the roads opened. They reached Bhrigu Lake at 14,009 ft yesterday and trekked back to Rola Kholi, where they camped for the night.

“Yesterday, the group experienced good weather while climbing to the high-altitude lake. Today it is raining. But the trek is running as per schedule. Trekkers are now returning from Rola Kholi to Gulaba. They are expected to be back in Manali by this evening,” shares Caroline Mathews, Experience Coordinator for the Bhrigu Lake trek. 

As per weather reports, the Manali region will continue to experience rain for the next 3-4 days. We are constantly in touch with our teams in Manali and will keep posting all relevant updates in our news section. 

The next group to Bhrigu Lake is scheduled to start on September 22nd.

Trekkers successfully reach Bhrigu Lake at 14,009 ft in Himachal Pradesh!

In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, a group of nine seniors successfully completed the Dayara Bugyal trek in Uttarakhand yesterday. This was the first seniors group post monsoon. 

On the summit day, the weather was ominously overcast. It was the most challenging day for the group. But through the cold temperatures and windy weather, all the seniors successfully made it to the summit. 

“During the summit briefing, I saw their hunger to reach the Dayara Top. They faced challenges but didn’t give up. They took every step with a positive mindset and helped each other,” observes Trek Leader Deepak Danu, who led the team. 

The majority of trekkers in this group were over the age of 60. The oldest trekker one being 72 years old. 

“Successfully completing a high altitude trek at this age boosted their confidence. Shortly after the trek, most seniors started planning for their next adventure,” shares Deepak. 

The trek also deeply touched the trek leader. “It made me emotional. It showed me how age is just a number. Someday I wish to get my mother to trek at high altitude too,” he adds. 

We have more groups scheduled for seniors in the coming days. 

Seniors are trekking again, and that's wonderful!

We’re about to cross another milestone at Indiahikes by starting our first trek in Indonesia. This is the Mt. Rinjani trek, which takes you to the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. It is situated on an island right next to Bali. 

Izzat Yaganagi, Head of Experiential Learning at Indiahikes will be leading this trek in collaboration with Trekkers@Heart, our partners in Singapore. Izzat is presently on her way to the Lombok International Airport, which is closest to the start point of the trek. 

“I am excited and nervous about it because this is the first time we are going to run this trek. It is a big first step,” Izzat shares with a smile. 

In this first trek, Izzat is looking forward to giving an Indiahikes Experience to the entire team while trekking to Mt. Rinajani. At the same time, she is looking forward to learn from the trekking community in Indonesia. 

Despite the challenges of organising a trek in another country, we are incredibly excited to see how the Mt. Rinjani trek pans out. 

Our Mt. Rinjani trek is all set to begin on September 2nd. We will post all relevant updates from this international trek right here. 

Our first trek to Mt. Rinjani in Indonesia is all set to begin!

When 26 people from different countries and age groups embark on a team bonding trek, you can be sure interesting times are ahead!

Just ask the team from BeeNext, who experienced this first-hand on a trek with Indiahikes to Benog Tibba in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.

BeeNext is a venture capitalist firm that supports startups and their brilliant, big, and bold ideas. Venturing into the unknown is the very essence of a startup. Should difficulties arise, the imperative is to change strategy and try again. 

The mountains and monsoons would put BeeNext through a similar immersion. The team lived the experience much more intimately than they would have probably liked.

For a group accustomed to city living, these hurdles could have easily, quite literally dampened their spirits. At Indiahikes, we’ve seen many a trek batch crumble under adversity. Even on this trek, it sometimes felt like the team might be breaking apart. But unexpected twists soon became the glue that kept everyone together. 

As Indiahikes trek leader Ramon puts it, “The group leaned into the discomfort instead of dismissing it.” And the results were unexpected but profoundly beautiful. Here’s how events unravelled.

The excitement was high when Indiahikes met the BeeNext team at their hotel. A diverse bunch of people from Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, and India had come together in the spirit of adventure and camaraderie. 

Our trek leader spoke with BeeNext CEO, Teruhide Sato. His objectives for the trek were clear:

Spend time away from the city and connect with nature

Taking these into consideration, the trek leaders introduced activities and reflections that would bring out the objectives of the trek.

Walking with nature, partners, and purpose

The team left the hotel early and drove to the start point of the trek. Immediately, they were transported from the city into the pristine, raw wilderness of forests, streams and breathtaking views. 

After breaking the ice and warm-up stretches facilitated by the trek leader, it was time to walk. The trek leader divided the team into pairs. By design, everyone had a trek buddy they didn’t quite expect. 

The youngest members were paired with leaders. Others found themselves paired up with colleagues they had not interacted closely with before.

Despite the initial awkwardness, this worked beautifully. Each pair walked together to the check post. 

Things fell apart at the check post when leeches made their presence felt in a full-blown attack. What began as a surreal and misty walk in the woods quickly became a bloodbath with leech bites everywhere. 

The mist hides the forest's secrets and the residents living within it! | Photo credits: Pritish Bhanushali

While trekking during the monsoons is magical, the forests become a playground for leeches | Photo credits: Pritish Bhanushali

Some team members began to panic. However, the trek leader addressed their concerns immediately. He shared that leeches were not harmful. All they had to do was flick the leeches away. The trekkers appeared calm and things were seemingly back to normal.  

The team trekked on. They walked into pine forests and listened to stories about it en route. Some of them momentarily forgot about leeches and listened with great curiosity, while others seemed distracted. 

Rain was a constant presence and continued unabated. The terrain became increasingly slippery. By now, the team had virtually split into two distinct groups. One of the trekkers started getting cramps while walking. The Indiahikes team tended to the pain and ensured he could walk at his own pace.

The group arrived at a stream. Some trekkers were delighted to drink directly from the stream and were also encouraged by the trek leaders to walk barefoot in it. 

The others seemed oblivious to the clear waters in front of them. They were still distressed, busying themselves with cleaning their feet and getting rid of leeches.

Spirits were low by the time evening descended and everyone arrived at camp. When the trek leader assembled everyone and had brief reflections, the only thing the team could talk about was leeches. 

Some were terrified of the leeches and some saw it as an adventure. Some wanted to leave and some wanted to stay and camp that night.

He assured them that leeches could not enter tents or sleeping bags, and Indiahikes would evacuate if there was even the slightest chance of mishap.

Soon after, one of the trekkers came up privately and said many in the group were extremely uncomfortable and wanted to leave. They didn’t know how or even if they should bring it up!

The objective of the trek was team bonding. At that moment, this team was falling apart. 

Mixed emotions at camp. To stay or not to stay? | Photo credits: Pritish Bhanushali

“I felt that a lot of international cultural dynamics also came into play during this time. A few people seemed hesitant to come forward, and the onus might have fallen on others in the team to initiate action,” shares Ramon, the trek leader.

The CEO asked the group to discuss and arrive at a consensus as a team. Coincidentally, Indiahikes had also decided the same thing so as to make decision-making a team activity - where real challenges required decisions that would have immediate and real consequences.

Everyone decided it was in the greater interest of the team to leave and return to the hotel. The Indiahikes team immediately began arranging the logistics. Everyone finished up dinner, left for the hotel soon after, and called it a night.

The team seemed well-rested and in greater spirits the next day. The weather had turned for the better with clear skies. In the midst of a delightful, gentle breeze, everyone gathered in a garden for debriefing.

Later, trek leader Ramon took some of the leaders aside and asked them what they would be taking back from the trek. 

Given the harrowing experiences the day before, the question almost seemed rhetorical. 

But what emerged were some of the most thoughtful takeaways from a trek yet!

The raw, unifying power of challenges and shared journeys

“There’s a one-word greeting in Africa which, loosely translated, means ‘I see you, I respect you, I feel you.’ For that to happen, you need to have shared experiences that can peel the onion back a little bit.

When you embark on a journey where there are different individuals, aptitudes, expectations, and cultural backgrounds, and you get immersed in something outside your comfort zone – everything gets challenged.

When everything gets challenged, you go into very basic emotions. It becomes a very deeply raw, human experience. When that happens, you get to know each other a lot better as humans. The bond automatically starts forming because you see the authentic version of the person.”  - Dirk van Quaquebeke

“The mountain breeze was so lovely, and I could feel all my senses. The breeze on my body and on my skin, really helped me to feel part of this ecosystem. That was beautiful. The chance to look up at the sky, clouds and mist…When you live in a city, you don’t have time to enjoy how the skies and clouds are moving. I really enjoyed looking up at the sky. Looking into the surface of big trees and moss, and observing wildlife. You gave us a lot of insights. It was very enjoyable.” – Nao Ito

“The challenges naturally brought everyone together. Everyone tried to address problems by supporting each other. Leeches reaching out to you and climbing onto your body - particularly for people who live in cities - is not something usual. But everyone supported each other.

The team remained positive through leeches, wind, and rain. We learnt that we could be open-minded and embrace whatever happened. We rebuilt the plan if we needed to rebuild. Somehow, within one day, we went through all these processes within our team.” - Teruhide Sato

Beyond boardrooms: discovering each other and discovering the self 

“In the business world, we don’t share things with each other a lot. We don’t have a deeper understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This was the first time we had a shared experience in nature. And just after three hours on the trek, we were able to observe and “see” each other better. 

You observe yourself, of course, but on the other hand, you also observe your teammates. It brought a far better understanding—far more than one can experience on a Zoom call! We saw glimpses of each other’s culture, strengths, and weaknesses. The end result was more team bonding.”  – Nao Ito

Hardships taught humility and transformed team relations

“I think a trek brings out your true nature – sometimes bad, sometimes good. Luckily, we saw a lot of the good side in our team. 

I spoke to a lot of my colleagues and I think everyone appreciates the trek we have done. Everyone feels like they know their colleagues better and feel closer to each other. During the trek, they experienced a lot of hardships together. They interacted more deeply and spoke about their personal lives. We also learned humility. We are small – the leeches taught us that!”  - Faiz Rahman

Learnings from the trek can potentially strengthen teams back home

“As a team leader, it wasn’t about seeing the good or bad in people during a crisis – but about their uniqueness, which is better. When we go back to the office, I think we can take learnings from the trek and design better processes and make decisions, essential for team building from a senior management perspective. It helps you understand your team and build potential for trainings.” – Nao Ito

All's well that ends well! | Photo credits: Pritish Bhanushali

At Indiahikes, we were overwhelmed by the responses and the BeeNext team’s resilience. The hope always is for a trek to be uneventful in the best way possible. But more often than not, adversity is the most powerful catalyst for team bonding and personal growth. 

We revisited the goals for the trek: team bonding, connecting with nature, and returning with a sense of accomplishment. 

The BeeNext team had met each one at a deep level, just not in a way anyone had imagined.

The trek proved to us once again that the unexpected can be the most valuable. 

When 26 people from different countries and age groups embark on a team bonding trek, you can be sure interesting times are ahead!  The Himalayas and the monsoons would test this team's cohesiveness. But the results were unexpected but profoundly beautiful.

How BeeNext’s Himalayan adventure tested and deepened team bonds 

BeeNext, ELP, experiential_learning, treks, team_bonding, team_building, corporate_team_building, outdoor_team building, trek_for_corporates, corporate_trek, teamwork, team_building_activities_for_employees, office_team_building, activities, team_building_activities, leadership_development, leaders_skills, leaders_developing_leaders

This was an incredible surprise! Soon after landing at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, Slope Manager Ravi Ranjan bumped into a group of Indiahikes trekkers who were traveling to Africa from India.  

“All of them are Indiahikers who have trekked with us to Tarsar Marsar and Gaumukh Tapovan!” Ravi exclaimed, grinning ear to ear. 

Meeting Indiahikes trekkers out of the blue is always a happy surprise. Indiahikes trekkers and team members—with their backpacks and High Altitude Trek Team t-shirts—are easy to recognise. Indiahikers usually stand out in the crowd at airports. 

This group recognised Ravi in the Indiahikes t-shirt. And they called out to him, taking him utterly by surprise at the Kilimanjaro International Airport.

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