For Schools
Reconnecting children with the joy of being outdoors, and using treks to impart valuable life skills and leadership skills
- Day programmes
- Multi-day programmes
- Workshops for teachers on Outdoor Experiential Learning
Looking to volunteer with Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning?
What is the Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL)?
The Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL) designs thrilling mountain adventures with a focus on three distinct groups – Schools, Colleges, and Corporates. Our programmes blend treks and camping with targeted learning objectives.
InSOUL was born with the conviction that we learn best through tangible experiences and reflection, with nature as the ultimate teacher, motivator, and healer.
We believe that mindful trekking as a medium of learning closely mirrors life – the joys, the uncertainties, the possibilities, the challenges, and how best to navigate them.
Trekking with intention transforms the body, mind, and spirit. When combined with a thoughtfully-designed learning programme, the impact can be twice as profound.
Our Outdoor Experiential Learning Programmes
For Colleges
Building Collaborative Leadership skills for success in a rapidly-changing world
- 6-day Himalayan programme
For Companies
An immersive programme that elevates team bonding, productivity, and collaboration through trekking
- 1-day programme
- 2-day programme
- 6-day Himalayan programme
Trusted by Organisations Across India
The InSOUL philosophy of learning and trekking
Self-discovery and understanding our part in the web of life
We carve out space for reflection to reconnect with ourselves and our part in the web of life. We’re reminded that we are organic with the world. Our inner life impacts and shapes the environment, just as the external environment affects us.
Embracing the spirit of adventure
The beauty in adventure is unpredictability. We embrace the good and the unexpected . Most often, it is the unexpected and the emotions associated with it that make the learning experience valuable.
Respect for nature
We blend in with nature. We avoid shouting or playing loud music. We walk only on designated trekking trails, knowing that veering off-trail disturbs natural habitats.
Collaboration not competition
Coming first or last is of little consequence on an InSOUL trek. Everyone works in teams to overcome challenges and experience the joys of working collaboratively towards a shared goal.
Trekking is much more than getting from point A to B
The destination (summit) is important, but the journey and how we get to the destination together is as vital.
The beauty in minimalist living
Trekking offers the rare chance to live lightly, both literally and figuratively. We carry only what we need and expect no luxuries. We always carry our own backpacks.
Camaraderie and friendship through trekking
Through the joys and challenges of trekking, we see others in a brand-new light and return having made deep connections and friends for life.
Respect for local communities and cultures
We respect the people and cultures of the places we trek in. We learn from the wisdom of indigenous communities and, just as we protect the environment, we aim to leave no trace in their lives—except for appreciation and respect.
Leaving the mountains better
We commit to leaving the mountains better than we find them through our Green Trails initiative. We carry no plastic and clean trails of litter left behind by others.
Outdoor Experiential Learning at InSOUL in videos
Why learn outdoors?
Every moment spent outdoors empowers people with the skills, attitudes, and behaviours to succeed in life.
Away from traditional learning environments:
Children begin to view their own selves and abilities in a new light.
- They face real-time challenges and develop more confidence
- They build emotional and mental resilience
- They learn care and compassion for others and the self
Young adults at a crossroads develop a stronger sense of self.
- They learn humility
- They discover inherent courage to face challenges in their professional and personal lives
- They find the confidence to go against the grain and make informed life choices
Working professionals realise that success isn’t about getting ahead or domain expertise. It's in how well they work with others.
- They learn to collaborate instead of compete
- They bond with team members at a deeper level
- The mountains impart real-world lessons in conflict resolution, agility, effective communication, and empathy
Key elements of Outdoor Experiential Learning at InSOUL
Immersive and accelerated learning
"Learning by doing" distinguishes Experiential Learning (EL) from other approaches. EL delves faster and deeper into aspects that otherwise take longer to emerge in classrooms, in boardrooms, or at home.
Real-world contexts
There are no simulations or role plays on an Experiential Learning trek. Our programme design ensures that every action and consequence is real.
The role of the facilitator
Expert facilitation is crucial to guiding participants toward sustained behavioural transformation. InSOUL facilitators refine and enhance participant learning, allowing them to revisit activities armed with new knowledge.
How all of it began
The Indiahikes commitment goes beyond organising and documenting treks. We’re dedicated to creating new avenues of learning and growth.
Over the years, we’ve seen how trekkers come back from the mountains with not just memories, but profound learnings.
Indiahikes envisioned programmes that would amplify these takeaways - where nature became the ultimate teacher, healer, and motivator.
The idea excited us. We knew we were onto something special and saw many people benefitting from the richness of the experience. With this vision as our north star, we took a leap of faith and InSOUL was born.
What is the ultimate aim of Outdoor Experiential Learning at InSOUL?
To inspire collective reflection and action on what truly makes life worth living:
- Continual learning and adventure
- Discovering the self and others
- Forging friendships
- Finding and building a community
- Building enduring relationships with the natural world
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