We, as parents, limit our kids by asking questions about whether they can do it or not. We must put them in the situation and see how they react. Kids today are smart and resilient. They can adjust to anything, “says Subhadra Patil, who recently completed the Dayara Bugyal Trek with her 6-year-old son Ayan.

Being outdoor lovers Ayan’s parents always took out time for a trek or an outdoor trip. Ayan saw his parents going away for a trek when he was 4 years old. Just like any other kid, he did not like staying away from his parents and stubbornly accompanied them henceforth. “We saw how much he wanted to travel, and we also encouraged nature time for him. So, we decided to plan another trek when he turned 6. We researched and came across TTH. Their sales team helped us pick a child-friendly trek and season. And Dayara Bugyal in October it was! “remembers Subhadra.

Once the trek date was finalised, the couple made sure they had the right gear, clothing, medicine, etc. for Ayan and themselves. Although Subhadra agreed to go through a fitness regime, Ayan never did. He is an active child, playing and running around all the time. That is why he could effortlessly pull off the Dayara trail. She adds, “Fortunately, we faced no health problems on the trek. Everything was smooth. He would run ahead of us and walk with the guide. Being a talkative child, he had made friends with everybody around him. He would assist the team in setting up tents. He enjoyed it a lot. Because of him, we had fun.

Throughout the trek, Ayan was curious about everything. He collected various leaves, twigs, stones, and whatnot. He would ask about the mountains, villagers, birds, animals, everything. Ayan has made a wonderful collection of stones, sticks, leaves, and feathers, all of which caught his attention on the trek route. He plans to make a scrapbook that he will decorate with memories of his very first trek. “He also drew a map of the trek route. The map shows rivers, mountains, trees, etc. He recollected his memory of the trekking trail. We were quite surprised at how much he observed and engulfed in such a short time,” smiles Subhadra.

Right after returning home, Ayan wants to go on another trek. He loves being in nature, staying in tents, and asking questions about the true world we live in. Subhadra hopes that the trekking experience shapes his thoughts and makes him grow as a good human. “I believe every kid must be exposed to some outdoor experience. We live in concrete jungles filled with academic pressure and the internet, killing our curiosity. Also, parents are busy earning a livelihood. They have no time for the child or to witness them grow. A trek is a perfect time when the family bonds, the children learn, and their curiosity and innocence are preserved. We, as parents, must just take one step forward and the kids will happily follow us. “

The Patil family has made up its mind to continue the routine of going on Himalayan treks. They hope that through treks, Ayan conquers more amazing trails and gives him the courage to build his life!