Where It All Began
The sound of the wind through the pine trees now takes us back to the beginning. But now, it reminds us of the beginning — at “Bikalpa – Child Development Care Centre”, where we first started believing that our children could do much more than we thought.
When we planned our first trek, it was meant to be a fun activity, nothing more. Yet deep inside, we carried silent worries — would they be able to manage? Are we expecting too much?
As parents, we often feel we know what’s best for our children. We love to guide and protect them, and sometimes, without realizing it, we might hold them a little too close. Every trip with our children is more than just exploring the outdoors—it’s a meaningful journey into our own fears, hopes, and growth. This story shares how a few treks with our autistic children transformed how we see them—and ourselves. They have shown us that true strength, courage, and freedom often start right where our fears end.
The First Trek – Chitrey
In 2023, we started our first trek, thinking it as an “experiment.” We imagined a simple outing. But when we saw the long, steep steps of Chhaghare (a tiny Himalayan village at the Indo-Nepal border), our confidence started to fade. We were cautious, nervous, and afraid of the terrain. But our children surprised us pleasantly. They climbed steadily, without complaints or fear. Their inner strength gave us courage.
An unexpected situation made us realize the advanced limits of adaptability & coordination skills already possessed by our kids. Our seemingly moderate hiking trail suddenly became an arduous climb as we stumbled upon partially laid water pipes on a dug-up trail, forcing us to balance ourselves on those unfinished pipes for almost 1+ km. With steep slopes on one side, our brave kids walked on those loosely fixed pipes, balancing every step on the way. We, as parents, felt nervous and fearful of every step, cautious of each move, but our children crossed it with calm confidence and steady balance. That moment truly opened our eyes to an important truth: the limits we often worry about were never really theirs. They were ours—rooted in love, but also fueled by our own fears.
The Second Trek – Hilley, Barsey, and Gorkhey
By 2024, trekking had become more than an activity. It had become a way to understand our children and ourselves. The Hilley–Barsey–Gorkhey trek was tougher, and the weather was colder. Yet, what we saw during that trek changed our perspective. Children who once struggled to communicate were reaching out to friends to hold hands. Those who found groups overwhelming were walking in quiet rhythm with others. Their strong focus — something we once saw as a challenge — became their strength, helping them stay steady and aware of every step.
We stayed overnight at Barsey in the Guraskunj Trekkers’ Hut, situated deep within the rhododendron sanctuary. The nearest inhabited place was beyond a five-kilometer radius. This was a memorable stay under the stars, with the night sky clearly visible, as we spent the night without electricity. There were no lights, no familiar routines — only candles and the sound of the wind. We thought it would be difficult for the children. But instead, they adapted beautifully. Watching them in the dim light of the candles at near-zero temperature, we realized how much we had underestimated them — and how much we had to learn.
The Real Journey
When we began, we thought we were guiding our children. But along the way, we understood that it was they who were guiding us — teaching us to trust, to let go, and to truly see them for who they are. Our children didn’t just climb mountains. They broke the invisible boundaries we had built around them — made of fear, doubt, and overprotection. Now, even when we’re back home, the lesson stays with us. The real mountain is not outside; it’s within us. And as parents, our role is not to clear every stone from their path, but to show them the way — and watch them walk their own path.
Our trekking adventures with our amazing super-kids are far from over. This October, we’re setting out on another trip—ready to see what new strengths and surprises our children will reveal this time. Every journey teaches us something new, but one truth stands out: life truly begins at the end of our comfort zones. Until then, take care and happy parenting.
Every parent dreams of helping their child reach the top. But sometimes, the most beautiful moments come when we step back and let them climb — at their own pace, in their own way. Our children have shown us that courage doesn’t always look loud or bold — sometimes, it’s walking quietly up a mountain, one steady step at a time.
