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.

This Christmas Eve, our Southern Campus came alive with the laughter and energy of two groups of children participating in the Winter Camp. For years, we’ve taken school students on day treks around Bangalore, consistently witnessing extraordinary changes in just 4-5 hours of trekking. Children discover a newfound connection to nature, uncover hidden confidence, and build a unique camaraderie with their peers. Adding a camping experience to this amplifies their learning exponentially.  This was the inspiration behind launching Winter Camp last year. This year, in just three days, children showed remarkable changes in their behaviour. They embraced responsibilities such as pitching their own tents and serving food to their peers, tackled challenges like making new friends, sleeping away from home for the first time, and even eating vegetables they usually refuse at home! Many children grew comfortable and curious about the creatures around them, and even picked up tiny frogs and snail shells. Their creativity shone as they improvised “natural” instruments to accompany their Christmas carols, filling the camp with festive cheer. This enthusiasm has shown us how impactful it has been and we know that we would love to open this up to more children next year!

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 breathtaking 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 weekend, Grade 8 students from JIRS experienced a unique adventure during their trek up Hari Hara Betta. Overnight rain had transformed the trail into a slippery challenge, and a light drizzle continued into the morning, raising safety concerns. While there was consideration to postpone the trek in favor of a more predictable activity such as a visit to a mall close by, the students were eager to take on the challenge. Their determination and enthusiasm won the day, and the trek proceeded as planned. The rain became a teacher, showing them that life isn’t always sunshine and clear paths. Sometimes, you have to embrace the mud and the rain, face uncertainty, and keep moving forward.  

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.”

Bangalore’s scenic hills came alive last weekend as the Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL) team hosted multiple day treks, creating unforgettable experiences for participants of all ages. A highlight of the weekend was welcoming preschoolers from Little Millennium Preschool to Puppy Betta. It marked a milestone for InSOUL as these young adventurers joined the trek without their parents for the first time. Arriving early in the morning, bundled up and brimming with excitement, the preschoolers embraced the day with curiosity and joy, setting an inspiring example of how outdoor learning begins at any age. Meanwhile, older students from The Foundation School and Jain International Residential School took on the more challenging trails of Hari Hara Betta and Horagina Betta. Their treks focused on teamwork, resilience, and connecting with nature, aligning with InSOUL’s mission of fostering growth through experiential learning. The weekend captured the essence of outdoor learning—challenging and rewarding for all involved. For the preschoolers, it was a first step into nature-based exploration. For the students, it was a chance to grow through new challenges.

On our recent overnight trekking experience with students aged 6-12 from The Montessori School, we explored a new location just 30 minutes from Barachukki Falls. This hidden gem, is remote enough to offer a true escape from the lights and noise of Bangalore, yet conveniently located just a three-hour drive away. In this setting, we introduced foundational outdoor skills, including shelter building, fire making, and outdoor cooking, to empower students and boost their confidence in nature. The vast open spaces and scenic trails left students in awe, with many simply saying, "Wow!" This experience provided an inspiring, hands-on way for children to connect with the outdoors safely.

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.

The air is charged with anticipation as IIM Indore’s teams gear up for an extraordinary challenge in the Collaborative Leadership Programme (CLP). In a true test of grit, leadership, and teamwork, the teams are heading into the heart of the Himalayas, ready to take on four breathtaking treks: Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, Brahmatal, and Kuari Pass. Over the next six days, they will face harsh terrain, unpredictable weather, and the ultimate challenge of guiding their teams to the summit. In this adrenaline-packed adventure, the teams will: navigate the terrain and adapt to unpredictable conditions, master group dynamics and tackle specially designed challenges, set up camps, cook their own meals, and push through every obstacle together. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the adventure is very real. With no classroom to rely on, the learning happens through action, decision-making, and collaboration in the outdoors.

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.