The early morning mist of Coorg greeted our young explorers as they arrived, eyes wide with anticipation. After a quick lunch and some much-needed freshening up, they slipped on their boots and embarked on their first adventure—a practice hike that would set the tone for the days ahead.
Before stepping onto the trail, they gathered around their trek leaders, who introduced them to the tools of a modern trekker: the GeoTrekker app for navigating routes, walkie-talkies for clear communication, and essential safety protocols. Roles were quickly assigned—some students became trek leaders, others took up navigation and monitoring duties.
Their destination: the ancient Igguthappa Temple, standing tall at 3,200 feet. The journey was a modest 3.5 km one way, peppered with a few detours that only added to the thrill. A soft drizzle on their return made the descent feel adventurous, but the students were prepared with ponchos, raincoats, and umbrellas. Back at base camp, nestled at 2,800 feet, hot snacks and warm smiles welcomed the tired hikers home. That evening, under a starlit sky, a team briefing stirred excitement for the bigger challenge ahead.
The Summit Challenge
Day two began with a solemn oath—promising teamwork, safety, and resilience. After a hearty breakfast, the students shouldered their backpacks and set off for their biggest task yet: summiting Makaath Motte Peak.
The path was tough. Slippery trails, unpredictable weather, and a few unwanted encounters with leeches tested their resolve. But with every step, they leaned into one another’s strengths. As the climb grew steeper, so did their determination. Finally, through mist and gentle rain, they reached the summit—5,400 meters above sea level. There were no grand speeches, just cheers, hugs, and a surprise treat of chocolate-chip cake. It wasn’t just a mountain they had conquered, but their own inner doubts.
Later, back at their cozy homestay, tired limbs were forgotten as the group gathered in the outdoor kitchen, cooking dinner together in an atmosphere of laughter and shared pride. It had been a day they’d never forget.
Skills, Stories & a Final Celebration
Their final day in Coorg began with another nourishing breakfast—fuel for the fun ahead. A playful navigation game kicked off the morning. One team carefully hid a “treasure” across the wild landscape—beyond streams, hills and tall grass—while the other used a hand-drawn map to find it. It was a test of observation and strategy, but most importantly, of collaboration.
From maps to matches, the students shifted gears into a spirited game of volleyball. The energy on the field was infectious, and team spirit ran high. Later, the pace slowed as students found quiet corners to journal—penning down memories, challenges overcome, and personal growth.
An eco-awareness session followed, tying everything together as they learned how to manage waste responsibly and cook simple meals in the wild. It was as educational as it was empowering.
As dusk fell, the hills of Coorg echoed with music, applause, and laughter during the evening’s highlight—Coorg’s Got Talent. Students danced, sang, performed skits and celebrated not just the end of the trek, but the friendships and memories they had built along the way.
The Journey Home
As the bus prepared to roll out, backpacks were packed with souvenirs and stories—some muddy socks, a few pressed flowers, and many heartfelt moments. These students weren’t just going home—they were returning transformed: stronger, more self-aware, and with a newfound respect for nature and family.
They had proven to themselves—and each other—that when you set your heart to something, no summit is out of reach.
