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.

Three groups from Scindia Boys School, Gwalior have set off on their incredible journeys to Kuari Pass, Surya Top, and Ali Bedni Bugyal! Even after a long journey from Gwalior, the teams are full of energy and excitement for the adventure ahead. We wish all the teams the very best and hope they return with unforgettable memories and valuable lessons that will stay with them for a lifetime!

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!

Here's a heartfelt reflection from Neha Karpagavel, a 10th standard student from PSS School, after her 3-day experiential learning program: "When we first stepped into our tents, we doubted we could survive without the comforts of home. But we did! We returned not just safe and sound, but with a deeper appreciation for everything we have". The program for Neha was about overcoming doubts, reflecting on the beauty of nature, and realizing how much light pollution has stolen the night sky’s magic.

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.

Last week, a group of toddlers, their parents, and teachers from The Montessori School in Bangalore set out on a beautiful nature walk around the lake at Bananthimari Betta. Together, they explored the wonders of the outdoors—spotting birds, discovering unique plants, and marveling at everything which caught their eye. When parents, teachers, and children come together in nature, something special happens. The curiosity of the little ones, combined with the guidance of teachers and the encouragement of parents, creates a truly magical experience. At InSOUL, we believe these shared moments outdoors help build stronger connections and lasting memories.

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.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is once again venturing into the mountains, on an exciting trek to Manali Kaisdhar. Following the success of their Kuari Pass trek in 2022, this marks their second experience with InSOUL, and the team appears more prepared and determined than ever. It’s inspiring to see how the team from AAI returns with even more enthusiasm, experience, and a stronger sense of unity. The mountains have a unique way of bringing out the best in people, and we’re excited to see how this trek will shape their journey together!