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.

Over the years, we’ve cherished trekking with students from The Montessori School, Bangalore (TMS) for their boundless enthusiasm. Their excitement often sets the tone for the entire group. During a recent trek and overnight camping experience, when we tried to slow the pace for everyone to catch up, a young child exclaimed, “I’m too excited, please let me run!” Their zest for life is contagious.

What truly stands out, however, is their curiosity and knowledge about the world. When we asked them what they see in the night sky, most children of this age might talk about stars and the moon. TMS students during a stargazing session, identified asteroids, constellations, and even shared trivia about these celestial phenomena. 

The trek to Channarayana Durga was quite sunny, but the children were least bothered by it. While the heat challenged some of the parents, the young trekkers climbed confidently (sometimes on all fours), leaving even their parents surprised at their stamina and determination.

One of the most inspiring moments came at the end of the trek. On the final day, without prompting, parents and children began un pitching their tents together, showcasing a shared sense of responsibility. The children’s understanding of sustainability was so strong at such a young age.

The young students are also enthusiastic about taking care of the planet. They would tell their parents they didn’t want any extra snacks after learning that our campus is a plastic-free zone. This commitment showed in other simple acts too—they never wasted food, taking only as much as they needed and refilling their plates when they wanted more.

Taking the youngest children on a trek is always a special experience, but this group from TMS truly raised the bar. Their energy, curiosity, and sense of responsibility serve as a reminder of how much children can inspire us when given the opportunity to connect with nature.

Since September last year, Sunday treks have become a weekly ritual at Jain International Residential School in Bangalore.

Yesterday, this trekking ritual came to a close for the academic year with nearly 300 students having joined us, bright and early every Sunday morning.

But it's not about the treks, it's the why behind the treks that's truly inspiring.

JIRS Bangalore believes that exposing students to environments beyond their comfort zone where they face hardships are necessary to help students see what they are capable of.

According to Mr. Parswanath, Director at JIRS, “education should focus on shaping young minds to face life's challenges with confidence and resilience.”

In a world where prestigious schools often shield students in a bubble, JIRS is breaking the mold.

They're redefining what it means to provide a 21st century education. One rooted in experiences, hands-on learning and a connection with the Earth.

Their idea was to begin with day treks on the weekends and slowly progress to more challenging treks for longer periods of time to truly give students an immersive experience in the outdoors.

We look for forward to sharing new trekking adventures in the coming academic year!

This January, we welcomed participants from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Kozhikode, marking a series of firsts, the first time IIM Kozhikode has come with us, and the first time we are conducting a CLP on our Central Indian treks rather than a Himalayan trek.

What Made This Edition Special?

Self-Discovery at the Core
IIM Kozhikode’s emphasis on introspection and self-awareness added a distinctive flavor to the program. Participants were encouraged to connect deeply with nature, reflecting on their strengths, limitations, and personal growth, all of which are crucial steps in developing authentic leadership.

A Six-Credit Course
IIM Kozhikode set a precedent by offering the CLP as a six-credit course, embedding experiential learning into its academic framework - another significant first for the institution.

Redesigned for the Forests
Led by facilitators Izzat Yaganagi and Lakshmi Selvakumaran, the programme was reimagined to suit the forest terrain. The CLP until now has always been conducted in the Himalayas, where the terrain adds a layer of challenge and hardship. The team successfully created an environment where collaboration thrived amidst the challenges posed by the unfamiliar jungle landscape.

A Lesson in Universality
The program underscored a universal truth: the principles of collaborative leadership transcend geography. Whether amidst Himalayan peaks or dense forests, with a well-designed structure, shared purpose, and clear goals, students can achieve extraordinary results through the CLP.

In December, we hosted Aalam International School, a Montessori school based in Coimbatore, on an InSOUL program at the Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek for the first time.

The school itself is quite interesting in their approach to education as they aim to foster a free-thinking, progressive, and child-centric community of parents, teachers, and educators.

The trek's geographical setting, combined with its diverse natural elements, lends itself perfectly for landscape-based learning, both geographical and cultural.

Highlights of the trek included spotting paw prints of endangered species, exploring island ecosystems, and witnessing the breathtaking sunset over Hirakud Dam, all of which helped students connect with nature in a unique and profound way.

Our trek leader, Ankit Chippa shared a remarkable moment when students were tasked with identifying 10 unique natural elements on the trail and ended up spotting 63 instead!

We believe our central Indian treks, like this one, are an ideal introduction to the outdoors and camping for students not yet ready for Himalayan treks. Just last week, Abode School joined us on the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, demonstrating a growing interest in these alternative trekking experiences. 

As the year ends, it’s a good time to reflect on pivotal conversations. One such moment was the inspiring “Mountains of Life Festival” hosted by Azim Premji University, a call to safeguard our natural world for future generations.

Held in Bengaluru and Bhopal, the festival explored the transformation of the Himalayas, from their pristine past to their fragile present, and urged participants to act at a time when climate change affects every aspect of life. 

With decades of experience in the mountains, Indiahikes has witnessed the effects of melting glaciers, habitat destruction, and human activity. Our belief that trekking transforms lives drives our mission to change how trekking is approached—responsibly and sustainably.

At the festival, the Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL) conducted workshops emphasizing sustainability. These sessions, some in Kannada for rural schools, encouraged students to think critically about real-world environmental challenges.

Using our Green Trails initiative as a foundation, students learned to see sustainability as more than a rule—it’s a mindset and a way of life. The festival united students, educators, NGOs, and professionals to address humanity’s impact on nature.

Through workshops, art installations, and discussions, it highlighted the importance of collective action in protecting the planet. This vision aligns closely with Indiahikes’ ethos.

By modeling sustainable trekking, we aim to inspire others to connect with nature and take responsibility for its preservation. As we enter a new year, let’s consider the choices we make and the example we set for the next generation.

Trekking together—as families, schools, or organizations—can deepen our connection with nature and inspire meaningful change.

Yesterday, Indiahikes and InSOUL were specially invited to the JIRS Annual Day. We brought a slice of the Himalayas to the school, creating a sample campsite complete with a pitched tent, a sleeping bag, a segregation station, and a display of all the safety and rental equipment we use on Himalayan treks.

JIRS has recently only been coming with us on day hikes to Hari Hara Betta. For these students, our exhibit offered an exciting window into the world of multi-day Himalayan treks.

Walking into a tent, testing microspikes, and playing with walkie-talkies, students explored our stall with curiosity and enthusiasm.

This was our debut experience with exhibition stalls, and it proved to be a fantastic platform to connect with families, inspiring a deeper interest in trekking as a journey of growth and discovery.

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 weekend, we had the pleasure of trekking to Hari Hara Betta with the spirited Grade 8 students from The Foundation School.

It felt like we had stepped back into childhood ourselves, climbing trees alongside the students, stacking stone towers, and soaking in the beautiful summit views. 

We were happy to see familiar faces — students who had trekked with us before — now stepping up as leaders, guiding their peers on our Green Trails initiative and forming smaller teams to care for the environment.

Witnessing this sense of responsibility and teamwork was truly inspiring.  Despite the heat and the challenges of the day, the students’ enthusiasm never wavered.

By the end of the trek, many were already setting their sights on a bigger adventure: a Himalayan trek! Their excitement reminded us of the endless possibilities that outdoor exploration can unlock.  We can’t wait to see where their adventurous spirits will take them next!

For the second time, we had the privilege of hosting students from Vizag Defence Academy for a trek at CRD—this time, it was the 11th and 12th-grade girls who took on the challenge!  

Their mindset was inspiring: eager to learn, grow, and push their boundaries. The trek became an enriching experience.

Two girls, in particular, faced their fear of heights showing the kind of attitude that will serve them well in their future Defence careers.

What stood out even more was their respect and discipline. After just one reminder to be punctual, the entire group was up and ready by 5 AM the next day.

This trek was a testament to their readiness to embrace challenges. We’re confident that these young women will carry these lessons forward as they prepare for their roles in the Defence Forces. We wish them all the best in their journey ahead! 

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.”

We had the privilege of facilitating an experiential learning workshop for 42 passionate teachers from Bhutan. This initiative, organized by the Bhutan Ministry of Education in collaboration with Jain International Residential School (JIRS), opened up powerful conversations on transforming classroom teaching. It wasn't just about learning by doing as everyone initially assumed. The teachers dove deep into the true essence of experiential learning: understanding how to put students at the center of their own learning journey. Through games, play-based learning, Kolb’s cycle, and deep reflection, the teachers left with fresh perspectives on how they can challenge preconceived notions and understand their own roles better—both in a team and help students do the same in a classroom setting. Our partnership with JIRS has been exceptional, both while working with teachers and designing outdoor leadership programs for their students. We’re proud to work with an institution so committed to the future happiness of their students!

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.

Recently, students from PSS School in Chennai joined us on a 3-day adventure in Kodaikanal. We designed it in such a way that they were completely cut off from their phones, diving into various immersive activities each day. From mindful nature walks to hands-on teamwork challenges, the students truly experienced what it means to be present in the moment and connect deeply with the environment around them. By the end of it the 11th grade students thanked us for not giving them access to their phones and said "who knew there was so much more to fun than taking pictures, spending time on phones or listening to music when in the outdoors". At Indiahikes, we design such programs to foster mindfulness and encourage students to reconnect with their surroundings. Through outdoor experiential learning, we’ve seen students become more engaged, creative, and self-aware.

Indiahikes participated in the 2024 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference organized by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE APAC) in Pune, where global leaders in experiential education gathered to exchange ideas and insights. Izzat Yaganagi, Head of InSOUL and Ramon Dharma Rajan, Head of Experience Managers, represented Indiahikes and led a session highlighting the design and facilitation of the Collaborative Leadership Programme that we run for management Institutions. Drawing on 11 years of experience with the Indiahikes Collaborative Leadership Program (CLP), they shared their learnings, interestingly also in a hands-on way on how the unique challenges and facilitation strategies on a trek foster teamwork, leadership, and growth. The conference provided a space for organizations from India and around the globe to share knowledge, learn from one another, and contribute to the future of experiential education.