Working At Indiahikes

I have been a trekker for many years now and have only been at the receiving end of the experience of completing a trek. It was only during my time with Indiahikes, I felt how rewarding it is to give that experience to the trekkers.

The training team that we had played a big role in teaching us the responsibilities and duties a trek leader has to carry in order to make a trek a successful one. The safety scenarios and the facilitation skills taught to us really made the job easier for us. All the learnings we had were in a fashion that made the training part feel like a playground where we could experiment with our own style of leading a trek, and not in a manner that may seem robotic.

The joy and sense of accomplishment on the faces of trekkers is a reward that cannot be explained in words. You have to sign up for this to feel what it really is. I thank Indiahikes for this opportunity.

Coming from a corporate background, the ATL Internship was a refreshing and transformative shift for me. The 15-day training gave me a strong foundation in safety, facilitation, and leadership, and the shadow trek helped me understand the real workings behind a successful trek — from logistics to teamwork.

What meant a lot was the trust Indiahikes placed in us. After shadowing one group, I was given the opportunity to lead treks solo as an intern. Seeing everything we learned come alive on the ground was incredibly empowering. The interactions with senior members and even the founders made me feel genuinely valued — it showed how grounded and mission-driven the organisation is.

The internship helped me grow both personally and professionally. While we learned essential safety and medical processes, what stayed with me most was understanding people, decision-making, and group facilitation. It also made me more aware of my own physical, mental, and emotional strength.

The guidance and support from the senior team made the journey feel safe, meaningful, and almost like being part of a family. Overall, the internship strengthened my confidence, leadership skills, and emotional awareness — shaping me into a more grounded and empathetic leader.

ATL internship with Indiahikes has been one of the most meaningful journeys of my life. After completing a detailed questionnaire and going through a three-round interview process, I was given the opportunity to join an organisation I have long admired, not just for its treks, but for its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Ever since my first trek with Indiahikes as a trekker, I knew I wanted to be a trek leader, and the Assistant Trek Leader internship opened the door to that dream.

From the very beginning, I was surrounded by some of the kindest, most humble, and genuinely caring people I have ever met, individuals who truly embody the core values that Indiahikes stands for. What made the internship special was how immersive and hands-on it was: a rigorous 15-day medical training, shadow treks, and eventually the opportunity to lead treks on my own.

Living in the mountains and adapting to their ever-changing environment taught me lessons no classroom ever could. The experience pushed me physically, mentally, and emotionally, while also giving me immense joy, purpose, and a deep connection with the outdoors.

The learning curve was steep and rewarding. The medical training gave me strong foundations in safety and high-altitude care, helping me stay calm and confident during medical emergencies. Shadowing a senior trek leader and later leading treks independently taught me how to make quick decisions, manage diverse groups, and ensure a safe, enriching trekking experience for everyone.

A highlight of my internship was facilitating a Collaborative Leadership Program (CLP) for IIM Indore, an experience that transformed me as a trek leader and strengthened my leadership and communication skills.

Every trek, every team, and every challenge helped me grow into a more responsible, grounded, and compassionate leader. My ATL journey gave me not only the skills needed to lead in the mountains but also a deeper understanding of what it truly means to care for people and nature.

I am deeply grateful to Indiahikes for this opportunity and for shaping me in ways I will carry throughout my life and career.

My ATL Internship with Indiahikes has been one of the most transformative journeys of my life. Coming into the mountains as an intern, I expected to learn trek management — but what I gained was far deeper. The internship taught me humility, sustainability, and the true meaning of being part of a team. Living in the outdoors every day, observing the impact of our actions, and working closely with trekkers has shaped the way I look at life, people, and the environment.

During my time as an ATL, I developed skills that no classroom could ever teach. From real-time trek operations, planning, and team coordination to handling unpredictable situations on the slope, every moment was hands-on learning. I also built strong communication skills, learnt to guide with empathy, and understood group dynamics more deeply. One of the biggest takeaways for me has been the medical training — being trained in Wilderness First Response and practicing these skills in real situations gave me confidence to care for trekkers and respond calmly during emergencies.

The internship didn’t just make me a better trekker; it made me a better human being. Trekking has had a profound impact on my life — it taught me to slow down, listen, observe, and stay mindful. This experience helped me discover my strengths, identify my weaknesses, and grow into a more grounded, responsible, and aware version of myself. I’m genuinely grateful to Indiahikes, my fellow team members, and every trekker who contributed to my learning. This journey will stay with me forever.