Trekking to Shidaka with Wild Voyages

 

13th August'23, I along with my Podar International school friends Ansh and Naksh went on an adventurous trek to Shidaka mountain range with kid's batch. This trek was planned to create awareness among school students and younger generations to pursue trekking, be self-reliant, be confident, shed fear of height and embrace & appreciate natural beauty and environment surrounding us.

I am thankful to team #WildVoyages that selected me and Ansh and also allowed our friend Naksh to join as this kid’s batch comprised of school kids from Navsari. We three were the only kids from our school - Podar International Jahangirabad branch and from Surat as well.

The night before journey on Saturday 12th August'23 Ansh stayed at night at my house. We were so excited that instead of sleeping we kept on talking. Then my mom told you both better have some rest else after trekking you are going to be extremely tired and reminded us that on Monday, we have our EVS cyclic test at school which can't be missed. Early morning around 2.30 a.m. Navdeep uncle and Naksh came to pick both of us and my father too joined us. We started our journey to Navsari in Navdeep uncle’s car. We reached Navsari pickup point around 4 a.m. where after a few minutes Wild Voyages Bus came to pick up all 3 of us. Ansh and I already had our maiden trekking with Wild Voyages team but for Naksh this was his first time. All three of us were too excited hence we didn't fall asleep once the bus started. I was busy capturing view that were passing by.

Then the bus stopped for us to have breakfast at a Sai tea stall near. We had delicious poha. And our journey to reach base camp started. We chatted for the entire journey for a long time, had snacks which we had carried from home. Once we reached base camp Vaibhav sir - our trek leader gave us prior instructions to be followed. 

Sir told us we shouldn’t throw away any plastic or any waste while trekking. Its ok if its banana peel as it will decompose and is good for environment. Sir also advised us, being kids, we should go in line and not take any shortcut or overtake anyone in front of us. We should not hang or balance ourselves on bag that is worn by the child walking Infront of us. It's always a learning experience to hear from Vaibhav sir. Last time he even taught us how trekking helps local communities financially.

Then our actual trekking started. Once we reached the base of the mountain, we were asked to sit and have lunch. Kinjal ma'am had already given a list of things to be brought. To avoid wastage of paper plates etc. We were instructed to bring an empty lunch box, so that the team could pack lunch for us in that. I was so happy to see stuffed paratha with chutney. Though it was delicious, it was pretty heavy and huge too. A single paratha was double the size of what my mom makes at home for me. Hence, I couldn’t finish both. But my stomach was full. After a yummy lunch we had time to spare.

We enjoyed the scenery. Everything was lush green. While on the journey to reach the peak of the summit we passed through a beautiful path with many small water streams flowing down. Monsoon made everything picturesque. It was nature at its best. 

As Vaibhav sir had warned us, the path was slippery. I too fell twice but it was not only a learning experience but enjoyable too. Many of us fell but it wasn’t risky, it’s common to slip due to path being slippery with water streams flowing down continuously in monsoon. None of us got hurt but it made us realize we are stronger both mentally and physically than we really think about ourselves. Challenges make us realize our true potential.

Our summit was the highlight of our trek – Needle hole which makes it visible from miles away. 

According to ancient myths, it is believed that the hole was created by Goddess Saptashrungi when she kicked the mountain during her pursuit of the demon Mahishasura. The other myth believed is that when the Goddess shot the arrow it pierced through this mountain making a hole in it.

To reach there we climbed up the stairs that the Wild Voyages team provided us. At first, I was skeptical about climbing due to my mild Acrophobia, but Vaibhav sir said “Jaison chal upar aa na!” and I gathered strength and reached the top of the needle hole. 

From there it was such a beautiful view to look around. I am glad that Vaibhav sir encouraged me else I wouldn’t have experienced the best part of the trekking. 

All three of us along with other kids climbed the Needle hole and sat there to enjoy the view. The team even captured those moments for us to cherish.

After spending some time there, we climbed down and began our journey back to base and then boarded our bus. 

I enjoyed live music and lighting on the bus. Then we reached Sai hotel at Vansda and had our dinner. After dinner we boarded bus again and reached Navsari where Jatin uncle was waiting for us. We said our goodbye to the team and reached Navsari railway station. Our train came around 11:45 p.m. and we reached Surat around 12:15 a.m.

 I was so happy thrilled and excited with my journey that I didn't came home tired. Even that night my mom asked me to share my trekking story the next day and sleep for now as it was after 1 a.m. and I just didn't have regular school but cyclic test of EVS next morning.

https://www.wildvoyages.in

My second trek with team Wild Voyages and my friends Ansh and Naksh couldn’t have been more memorable. Certainly looking forward to planning the next trek with team Wild Voyages with my school friends and family.