Exploring Rishikesh: Spirituality, Celebration, and Connection
Spring Break was a mix of challenge, connection, and exploration. Our trip began with a train ride to Rishikesh, a city known for its spiritual atmosphere. Upon arrival, we celebrated Sophia’s birthday with an Italian dinner at A Tavola Con Te, enjoying good food in a cozy setting.
The next morning, we joined the sangat for a group experience led by Gurmukh Kaur as part of the International Yoga Festival. The kriya we practiced was both demanding and grounding, pushing us physically while creating a shared sense of resilience. Later, we explored the streets of Rishikesh, shoppping and enjoying a relaxed meal at the Little Buddha. Spending the day together, moving at our own pace, was a highlight in itself.
The following day, we joined the Holi celebrations, immersing ourselves in the colours and spirit of the festival. It was a unique experience—lively, messy, and full of spontaneous joy.
Trekking the Himalayas: Adventure, Endurance, and Triumph
The next phase of our trip took us into the Himalayas. After a long seven-hour drive to our starting point, we set off on foot, trekking for about 2.5 hours to our first campsite. We pitched our tents, rested by a nearby lake, and took in the mountain views. Over the next few days, we steadily made our way through the terrain—hiking to our next camp, then climbing uphill to Chopta, before finally reaching the summit of Chandrashila. The trek was tough, both in terms of the steep climbs and the cold, but we persevered. Everyone made it to the top together, and that in itself felt like an accomplishment. The final stretch through the snow required crampons and ropes, and reaching the summit was an incredible moment with the students celebrating with a snowball fight before sliding down the mountain!
Our final night in the mountains was spent around a bonfire, reflecting on the journey. The team from Mapping the Himalayas provided great support throughout—keeping the trek organized, the meals satisfying and the group in good spirits!
Returning to Rishikesh: Rest, Reflection, and Readiness
Back in Rishikesh, we had time to rest by the Ganges, eat well, and take in the last moments of the trip before returning to MPA. With two days to recover, we were ready to take on the new term.
Spring Break 2024 was a mix of effort and reward, filled with memorable experiences, great food, and the satisfaction of having taken on a real challenge together.