It started with rain. Not the gentle kind that lifts your spirits, this was the kind that makes you wonder why you signed up for a Himalayan trek in the first place.

On Day 1, stuck inside the dining tent with wet shoes and low morale the students of NEXT School played games. When the rain paused, we stepped outside to try something more serious: a blindfolded communication game to introduce the 5 Ps: Participant, Passenger, Protester, Prisoner, and Pilot. It didn't go smoothly. The first team struggled to get their blindfolded member to the bottle. Instructions were muddled, voices too loud. The other team watched and adjusted. They simplified, slowed down, and reached their goal. 

The trail the next day was unforgiving. The students were fit, yes. But mentally,it was a challenge. They took frequent breaks, unsure whether to continue. Motivation waned.

Still, they moved.

We talked about river crossings, about gear care, about safety. We spoke about ponchos and dry feet. We shared warmth and humour on that damp trail. One of the girls looked out for her friend the whole way. Quietly. Consistently. A boy shared his last few toffees during a long climb. Another waited at the back with a tired teammate. Something was shifting.

The sun came out the next afternoon, and you’d think someone had flipped a switch. On a patch of grass near a large boulder, they threw down their backpacks and climbed, played, laughed. They’d earned this joy. When the session finally began, they were focused, engaged, and curious. Nikhil, a teacher from the school, appreciated them for sticking it out. 

Summit day started better. They woke up on time. They moved a little faster. Later, during their DIY time, we saw a spark. A different kind of energy. They built things. They created. They supported one another. We didn’t need to hover they were figuring it out themselves.

In their final reflections, they spoke of patience. Of what it meant to feel out of their comfort zone, not just once but throughout. Of being in nature, truly being in it and not just passing through it. The things that stuck with them the most weren’t grand mountain views or summit photos.

They remembered three things:
That learning is best when it’s fun, rooted in purpose, and full of discovery.
That appreciation — given and received — makes you feel seen.
And that it’s okay to struggle, but not okay to give up without trying.

That last one — we hope — will stay with them for long.

DPS Bangalore West Steps Into the Outdoors

Over the past few weeks, 535 students from DPS Bangalore West and 139 from DPS North left behind classrooms and stepped into nature on day hikes around Bangalore. From Nursery students to thoughtful Grade 11 students, each found something personal and powerful on the trail.

Many began with nervousness, but soon laughter, leadership, and confidence took over. “We study biology in school, but here we felt it,” shared one Grade 11 student. Another simply said, “This was the happiest day of my life.”

Students took responsibility for their groups, supported one another, and helped peers over steep boulders.

At the summit, many sat in peaceful silence. Some wrote poems, one to the wind, another to the universe and others just quiet reflections from time spent in nature.

Through our Green Trails initiative, students reflected on their consumption habits, becoming more mindful of waste. Even teachers stepped back and watched students shine. “They showed a maturity we hadn’t seen before,” a teacher noted.

We were proud to partner once again with DPS Bangalore West and DPS North on this unforgettable journey.

Over the course of three days, a spirited group of students from Budding Minds School joined us for their Bronze-level International Award for Young People (IAYP) Adventurous Journey. What unfolded was a remarkable journey of growth, skill-building, and discovery in the wilderness.

Day 1: Building the Foundation
The program began with a series of team-based challenges aimed at developing key outdoor skills. Students learned the basics of tent-pitching, first aid, and map reading using GPS. They were introduced to the “5 Ps” (Participant, Passenger, Protester, Prisoner, Pilot) framework and reflected on their roles within the team. A sensory activity called “sound mapping” had them identifying 18 different natural sounds, sharpening their awareness of their environment.

Students also engaged in scenario-based learning exercises to prepare for their expedition, learning to respond effectively to real-life challenges in the outdoors.

Day 2: The Qualifying Journey
The real test came on the second day as students set off on their self-navigated qualifying journey. The team successfully navigated their route while descending a trail and even cooked their own meals at the campsite: dal, channa masala, rotis, rice kheer, a complete meal prepared from scratch.

Post-dinner, the group learned fire-making using natural elements. Everyone managed to get a fire going, marking a major milestone in their outdoor skills training. The facilitators emphasized that while students learned fire-making as a skill, they do not support unnecessary campfires and highlighted their environmental impact. The day ended with stargazing, offering a quiet moment of reflection and wonder under the night sky.

Day 3: Resilience and Reflection
The final day tested the students further. They attempted orienteering, navigating with maps and compasses, though they couldn’t complete the activity, it served as a valuable learning experience. In a Green Sweep activity, they explored waste segregation and understood its significance in preserving natural spaces.

As they wrapped up the journey, students shared their top five highlights:

• Trekking and the thrill of reaching new heights
• Pitching tents completely on their own
• Facing real challenges like cold water and steep ascents
• Learning adaptability and decision-making under pressure

One of the strongest reflections was a shared sense of achievement, of doing things for themselves, without help. As one participant put it, “It felt so nice to know we could do all this on our own.”

May 3, 2025 – Har Ki Dun Valley

Earlier last month, a group of young students sponsored by the C. Krishniah Chetty Foundation joined us for their first-ever high-altitude trek, a five-day journey through the ancient Har Ki Dun valley in Uttarakhand. This unique experiential learning initiative was part of a special summer program titled “Mountains to Monuments”, designed to give students a deeper understanding of India’s natural heritage and cultural diversity.

The students, recipients of the Foundation’s Scholarship Program for Great Young Minds, have grown up learning about the country’s historical monuments through textbooks and field trips, this was the first time they were stepping into the grandeur of the Himalayas.

Partnering with InSOUL, the C. Krishniah Chetty Foundation planned the trek as a platform for the students to learn outside the classroom and the results were extraordinary.

“The students were extremely curious,” said Harsh, Trek Leader from Indiahikes. “They asked thoughtful questions about the geography, the flora and fauna, and the culture of the mountain villages we passed. Despite this being their first trek, they embraced the challenges with great spirit.”

The trek wasn’t easy. Climbing through pine forests and hiking at elevations close to 11,000 feet presented both physical and mental hurdles. But the students rose to the occasion, displaying perseverance and teamwork.

For the C. Krishniah Chetty Foundation, this trek is part of a larger mission to nurture bright young minds and support them in becoming well-rounded individuals. While their Scholarship Program for Great Young Minds already supports over 3,000 students across 120 schools in Bengaluru, the Foundation also invests in holistic development through libraries, sports, career guidance, and now, transformative outdoor learning experiences.

InSOUL is built on the idea that the outdoors offers unparalleled lessons in character, leadership, and resilience, values that complement academic excellence. Through partnerships like this, both the C. Krishniah Chetty Foundation and InSOUL are working to shape a generation of young people who are not only intellectually capable, but also grounded, resilient, and deeply connected to the world around them.

The much-anticipated DPS Bangalore North’s Season of Day Treks began on June 9, 2025, with a remarkable outdoor initiative that brings up to 800 students from Grades 6, 7, and 8 on day treks through June and early July.

DPS Bangalore North has partnered with us since 2016, steadily weaving the outdoors into the fabric of their school culture. In a unique tradition, the school kicks off its academic year with a day hike, an experience that students eagerly await.

Every school day from June 9 until the first week of July, groups of students will head out on treks, setting the tone for a year of learning, exploration, and connection with nature. By embedding these treks into their annual calendar, DPS Bangalore North is actively nurturing a generation that values outdoor learning and adventure.

Last Saturday, we hosted an insightful webinar titled "How to Plan Your Adventurous Journey for IAYP" that saw enthusiastic participation from across the country. A total of 31 attendees joined us, including award leaders, coordinators, parents, and individual IAYP participants.

We were honoured to have Ms. Priya Daultani from La Martiniere Girls' College as our guest speaker. A strong advocate of experiential learning, Ms. Daultani shared her enriching experiences of partnering with the Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL), where she has witnessed firsthand the impact of well-structured outdoor journeys on student development.

One of the most pressing questions raised during the session was whether schools can conduct the Adventurous Journey without a Trained Activity Provider. This sparked an important conversation around safety. The consensus was clear: it is critical for schools to partner with trained providers who are equipped not just to ensure safety, but to guide students meaningfully through the IAYP framework. Attempting such a journey without trained facilitators poses significant risks.

Other pertinent questions revolved around how outdoor facilitators handle student behaviour, mental health, and emotional well-being during the journey. These were addressed by Shachi Tripathi, Programme Designer and Trainer at InSOUL. She offered insights into the extensive training Trek Leaders undergo, from listening skills and non-violent communication to scenario-based practice drawn from over 12 years of experience with more than 10,000 students. Many facilitators are also certified Wilderness First Responders, making them exceptionally capable of managing outdoor emergencies and unpredictable challenges.

The webinar also included queries from parents of individual participants seeking guidance on completing their Adventurous Journey outside the school ecosystem.

All in all, it was a productive session that brought together stakeholders from different backgrounds. Participants left with greater clarity, practical guidance, and a renewed commitment to conducting safe and meaningful IAYP Adventurous  Journeys.

The Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning is hosting a free, public webinar on How to Plan a Trek for your IAYP Adventurous Journey (AJ). Scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2024, from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon, this Q&A-style session is aimed at clearing the fog around how to effectively and authentically fulfill the IAYP Bronze, Silver, and Gold AJ requirements through an InSOUL Outdoor Learning Programme on a trek.

Having led over 100 students from prominent institutions such as La Martiniere for Girls and Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya (SKV), InSOUL has established a solid reputation in the IAYP space for safety, experiential learning, and outdoor education.

This upcoming webinar offers a rare opportunity for:

• IAYP Award Leaders and Coordinators
• YES Centre Schools
• Parents of IAYP aspirants
• Bronze/Silver/Gold Participants

The webinar will be hosted by trek experts from Indiahikes who have coordinated multiple IAYP treks previously. It will provide a platform for insightful discussions on giving you more clarity on all your concerns regarding planning & executing an AJ trek for IAYP participants.

MIS Summer Treks: A Cherished Himalayan Tradition

Every summer for the past five years, the students of Mussoorie International School (MIS) have joined us on a special tradition of trekking in the Himalayas. This year was no different. Groups of enthusiastic students from MIS trekked to Aancha Top, Phulara Ridge, Ali Bedni Bugyal, Brahmatal, and Deoriatal-Chandrashila, each trek offering unique lessons and experiences.

On the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek, the girls showed remarkable engagement, especially when surrounded by the breathtaking wide-open meadows. The moment they reached the famed Ali Bugyal, they instinctively dropped their backpacks and raced to Ali Top, their joy uncontainable. The trek also inspired a deeply emotional "postcard session" where students wrote heartfelt messages to loved ones. So meaningful was the experience that many continued writing even after descending from the mountains. A strong takeaway for the girls was the realization that, away from family, it’s essential to care for one another like a family — a value they promised to take back to school.

On the Brahmatal trek the blooming rhododendrons became a highlight. Trek leaders noted how actively the students engaged, asking thoughtful questions about the forest and its elements.

Across treks, teachers observed a noticeable transformation: stronger bonds, a renewed sense of gratitude, and an eagerness to improve their fitness for future adventures. For MIS and InSOUL, these treks continue to be more than just a physical journey — they are annual rites of passage that shape young minds.

Last Saturday, we organised a nature exploration walk for toddlers who were accompanied by their parents. We conduct such walks for free in different locations once a month, providing young families in our neighbourhood an opportunity to introduce their children to nature, to discover the unique features of the plants and creatures around them, and to grow comfortable in the natural world.

Ideally, we would love to see such initiatives spread across the city, led by nature enthusiasts, to encourage toddlers and young families to enjoy nature and the outdoors together. This is the first step towards helping them step out of their comfort zones and develop a love for the outdoors.

It is also an opportunity for parents to spend time with their children outdoors, building shared experiences without fear. We often hear parents share how refreshing it is to go on these morning walks and how much they value having a community to do it with, especially young families who need all the support they can get.

It is our hope that this practice grows into a larger culture across the country, where children grow up enjoying the outdoors and experiencing all the wonderful things nature has to offer.

In a proud moment for La Martiniere Girls’ College, five of its students were honoured with the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh International Gold Award at a grand ceremony held at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The awards were presented by Mr. Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament and Chairman of Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.

The awardees — Shatakshi Shahi, Shinay Oberoi, Navya Khanna, Fadilah Farhat, and Zulekha Fatima — received their Gold Award Badges and Certificates in recognition of their exceptional commitment to personal growth, community service, and adventure.

As part of their adventurous journey, Shatakshi undertook the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek, while Shinay, Navya, Fadilah, and Zulekha completed the Dayara Bugyal trek — both high-altitude Himalayan expeditions facilitated by Indiahikes.

“I want to personally thank Indiahikes from the bottom of my heart for organising these trekking journeys for our college girls,” said Ms. Priya Dautlani, Award Coordinator from the school. “The treks played a vital role in their Gold Award journey, shaping their confidence, resilience, and spirit of adventure.”

The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is a globally recognised youth development programme that empowers young people to explore their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

We’re kicking off the biggest season of day treks with DPS Bangalore North today, and we couldn’t be more excited! Close to 3,000 students will be heading out for treks over the course of three weeks!

Last week, our team visited the school to meet the students and share what’s in store for them. And their enthusiasm is infectious!

Here's what Honey Ma’am, the coordinator from DPS Bangalore North, shared after last year’s treks:

“Life Skills play a very important role in the development of a child, and we at DPS look into various platforms to encourage our students to explore themselves and inculcate life skills that will help them become better individuals. Every year, we take our students on experiential learning treks with Indiahikes. From this experience, I have seen students learn to keep the environment clean. They feel motivated and gain a sense of responsibility for themselves and others around them. Their self-esteem and confidence clearly improve. They begin to value basic essentials such as water, food, and show more gratitude.”

This incredible vision was built by Manju Arif Ma’am and Renu Dimri Ma’am, Principal at DPS Bangalore North and West respectively, who have created a legacy of outdoor learning.

Now, the journey continues. We can't wait to see what these young adventurers will learn from the outdoors this time!

Last week, we hosted a group of IAYP (International Award for Young People) participants from Chennai Public School Global across all levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—for their Adventurous Journey in Kodaikanal. For each level, we customised the design of the activities such that it could meet the requirements of each level. For the students this raw and truly adventurous camping and trekking experience was enriching.

Through hands-on activities, students learned:

• Camping in the Wilderness: Setting up shelters and adapting to nature’s challenges.
• Navigation: Using both modern technology and traditional methods to find their way.
• First Responder Techniques: Basic emergency response skills for real-world scenarios.
• Igniting Fire & Cooking for Survival: Developing survival skills crucial for the outdoors.
• Understanding the Environment & Culture: Gaining insights into the ecosystem and cultural heritage within the AJ region.

The programme also focused on leadership development, providing students with opportunities to demonstrate their individual strengths and collaborate effectively within teams.

The programme was designed to help students connect with the IB Learner Profiles such as inquirer, critical thinker, principled, risk-taker, caring, open-minded, and balanced, while also enhancing IG Attributes such as reflectiveness, communication, and adaptability.

This immersive experience not only equipped students with practical life skills but also fostered a deeper understanding of their own capabilities and leadership potential.

Rajghat Besant School, a Krishnamurti Foundation of India (KFI) school established over 80 years ago, recently joined us for a transformative OLP in the lush jungles of Chhattisgarh. At Rajghat Besant School, nature is an integral part of holistic education. InSOUL’s approach to outdoor learning aligned seamlessly with the school’s philosophy, making the collaboration a natural fit.

Teena, the trek leader, shared her experience of guiding the students through the dense forest trails. "It was truly a wholesome experience," she said. "We explored beautiful forest walks, stayed in a traditional mud house, experienced village life, walked through caves, enjoyed summit views, and took calming river walks."

The jungle trek offered an immersive experience in the wild, with students observing natural elements like sloth bear footprints, jackal scat, termite mounds, and snake skins. Birdwatching became a delightful pastime as they spotted various species along the trails.

Beyond nature immersion, the OLP focused on practical survival skills. Students took part in a treasure hunt that tested their ability to use coordinates, solve riddles, and practice fire-making techniques, compass usage, and shelter-building. The program also featured orienteering, stargazing, and meditation sessions, along with thoughtful debriefs that encouraged reflection on the experience.

Students from Harrow International School Bengaluru recently completed the Bronze Level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award at the Indiahikes Southern Campus.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, is a globally recognized program operating in over 120 countries, empowering young people aged 14 to 24 to develop essential life skills, resilience, and leadership through adventure and service. At Harrow International School Bengaluru, this initiative aligns perfectly with the school’s mission to foster courage, honour, humility, and fellowship in its students.

During their time at the Indiahikes Southern campus, students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities embraced numerous first-time experiences—pitching their own tents, navigating through unfamiliar terrain, and even attempting to sleep under trees when the heat became intense. They tackled challenges with enthusiasm, taking on navigation and map-reading tasks among others with remarkable engagement. Their ability to immerse themselves in new environments and adapt to unexpected situations demonstrated the holistic development that programs like this encourage.

This experience not only reinforced their outdoor skills but also highlighted the growing importance of experiential learning in India. With initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh Award gaining momentum, education is evolving beyond classrooms, preparing students for a future where resilience, collaboration, and adaptability are key.

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting 45 students from Vizag Defence Academy for a three-day experiential learning program at our Southern Campus. The program was designed to build confidence, enhance communication skills, and strengthen their connection to nature through hands-on outdoor experiences.

Over the course of three days, the Special NDA students immersed themselves in essential outdoor skills, including navigation, fire-making, and campsite setup. They were eager to test and showcase their leadership skills, they took initiative in every challenge and supported their peers, especially when they needed help.

Despite facing challenging weather, they were determined to march through each day in true army style. Their unmatched energy and discipline left a lasting impression on us. We have no doubt that the skills and mindset they improved during this programme will serve them well in their future defence careers.

Last week, students from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) descended a Himalayan slope with beaming smiles and high spirits. Behind those joyful faces lay an extraordinary feat of endurance and teamwork in extreme conditions.

The setting? A Himalayan trek in December with temperatures plunging to -5°C and fierce, icy winds. This was the backdrop for IIM Bangalore’s Collaborative Leadership Programme, conducted by the Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL).

The challenge requires students to summit a high peak within a specified time frame while demonstrating essential teamwork and self-sufficiency. They pitch both personal and community tents, cook meals without generating food waste, and adhere to a "Leave No One Behind" ethos, where success is measured by every participant reaching the summit together.

Management education goes beyond the classroom, and this challenge tested their leadership and collaboration in a real-world, high-stakes setting. Facilitator Faizan Devdiwala praised their spirit: “The students were grounded, respectful, and open to any challenge. They trusted the process." Reflective debriefings revealed that success wasn’t just about the summit; it was about supporting each other. Facilitator Rahul Paul noted: “The human aspect of each individual took over, and we saw true collaboration.”

InSOUL thanks Prof. Shubha Patvardhan, Prof. Ritwik Banerjee, and Prof. Manaswini Bhalla for their support.

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting students and professionals from the Mensa Project on a trek to the breathtaking Dayara Bugyal and Deoriatal Chandrasila.

Mensa is the world’s oldest and largest high IQ society and their India chapter works tirelessly to create unique growth opportunities for gifted individuals in India.

The trek, designed as an experiential learning program, aimed to foster self-confidence, teamwork, and a deeper connection with nature among Mensa scholars and professionals. Komal Yadav, Vice President of Mensa India Dhruv Chapter, reflected on the profound impact of the journey: The 5-day trek was more than an adventure, but a deeply transformative experience.

What we carry with us as we return home is more than just memories—it’s a sense of inspiration, motivation, and strength that will continue to guide us. We return with a sense of belonging—a home within ourselves, knowing that those who trek together, stay together.”

On September 27th-28th, Mrudula from InSOUL joined the IAYP (International Award for Young People) Trained Activity Provider (TAP) refresher course in Kolad. This two-day program highlighted an alarming trend: 60% of student reports from India last year were rejected for not meeting the authentic AJ standards. Cutting corners, overly comfortable setups, and unethical shortcuts like pre-filled report templates undermine the true essence of the Adventurous Journey (AJ). The AJ is designed to build resilience, independence, and leadership through genuine outdoor experiences. At InSOUL, we stand firm against these practices. We believe that real learning happens when students are challenged—carrying their own gear, setting up their own camps, and walking every step of the way. We rigorously prepare them for this, ensuring a journey of growth, resilience, and authentic self-reflection.