Baleni Pass Trek: A journey that comes a full circle..

Dear reader,

I am Anaaya and this is a very special piece of writing I out forth to you. A 14 year old student at Cygnus World School, I have had multiple opportunities that allowed me explore my love for the outdoors.

I’ve been on many treks before, and each one left me with something new to remember. But this year’s Baleni Pass Trek felt different. This time, I wasn’t just a trekker — I stepped into the role of a camp counselor with the Adventure Pulse team. We were guiding 32 students from Cygnus World School, and with that came responsibility, learning, and a kind of joy I had never experienced before.

My First Baleni Pass Trek: From Homesick to Hopeful

The first time I went on the Baleni Pass Trek, I felt completely overwhelmed. I had never been away from home and had no idea how to survive even a single day without talking to my mom. After an exhausting drive that stretched from 8 to 11 hours, all I wanted was the comfort of my warm room. But instead, I faced the exact opposite — harsh, cold weather and relentless rain that pelted the ground like machine-gun fire.

I felt miserable. Homesickness hit me hard, and I cried like a lost child. But the next morning changed everything. When I unzipped my tent and saw the yellow sun reaching out to me through the clouds, and heard birds singing in chorus, something shifted. Just like that, my fear gave way to curiosity, and I felt excited to discover what lay ahead. That moment was life-changing — I overcame my fear of being in the wilderness and allowed myself to truly embrace it.

Since then, I’ve done several Himalayan treks. But coming back to Baleni Pass as a counselor felt special. Like a full circle.

Watching My Reflection in Others

This year, the experience hit differently. I watched 36 students go through the same rollercoaster of emotions that I had once felt — nervousness, fear, wonder, and joy. The only difference? This time, I got to see the journey through their eyes. I understood exactly what they tried to express, even when they didn’t say it out loud.

It felt like an honor to be their bridge — someone who understood both the students and the faculty, and helped hold everything together.

Seeing the Trek Through New Eyes

As a counselor, my role had changed. I wasn’t just enjoying the views anymore — I was guiding, helping, and ensuring the group stayed united. With 36 students, I found myself supporting almost everyone at some point — helping them pack, walking beside them, or simply lifting their spirits when the trail felt too long.

That’s when I realized how much effort goes into managing a trek for a big group. There’s so much that happens behind the scenes — planning, coordination, care — and I got to be a part of it.

The Magic of Baleni for First-Timers

The Baleni Pass Trek is perfect for school students. It’s beginner-friendly, yet still gives you the feel of a real Himalayan experience. Each day brought something new — crossing rivers, walking through pine forests, spotting wildflowers, and ending the day beneath a sky full of stars.

The air felt crisp. The silence felt healing. The slow mountain rhythm gave us all a much-needed pause from the rush of daily life.

Growth in Every Step

As the days passed, I saw the students grow — not just in confidence, but in their connection with each other. Many were shy and quiet on day one, but by day three, laughter echoed through the trails. They made friends, supported one another, and bonded in ways that only shared adventure can create.

And I grew too.

I learned how to lead with calmness, how to stay positive when things went sideways, and how to keep showing up — even when I was tired. I discovered that leadership isn’t about giving instructions. It’s about walking with the group, listening, and making sure no one feels left behind.

A Team That Leads by Example

The Adventure Pulse team made everything smooth. They planned the trek beautifully and ensured we were safe every step of the way. But more importantly, they gave us — the counselors — space to step up. That trust helped me build my confidence and grow into my role.

Leaving with Purpose, Not Just Memories

When the trek ended, I didn’t want to leave. Being away from mobile phones and city noise, surrounded by nature, helped all of us slow down. It reminded me how important it is to take a break and truly connect — with ourselves and the world around us. But this time, I didn’t return home with just good memories. I returned with purpose.

I now want to go on more treks and maybe even lead more groups in the future. The Baleni Pass Trek gave me that space to grow — not just as a trekker, but as a person and a leader. I’ll always carry that with me..