RAKSHA ASCENT 2024
We hosted 20 girls on the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, a five-day, 40-mile journey that included a 10,354-foot elevation gain, with the base camp reaching 14,763 feet.
Each evening, we delved into self-development topics. We began with confidence, emphasizing that while our self-worth is constant, building confidence requires us to gather evidence through actions and keep promises to ourselves. On the second day, we explored relationships, discussing the three attachment styles and how understanding them can improve our interactions with others. We also examined the traits of healthy versus unhealthy relationships, reinforced by the “human knot” activity to practice teamwork.
On the third night, just before summitting, we addressed fear, acknowledging its protective role but stressing the importance of distinguishing between useful and limiting fears. We discussed how courage helps us grow, and a "trust fall" exercise allowed the girls to confront their fears directly. Day four focused on forgiveness. We talked about the importance of forgiving ourselves, others, and our pasts. In a powerful activity, participants wrote down their pains, anger, and regrets, and then symbolically released them by tossing their notes into a fire. Many girls tearfully expressed how freeing it was to let go.
The trek concluded with a reflection session, where the girls shared lessons from the journey, the beauty of the landscapes and villages, funny stories, and moments that inspired them. The experience was transformative and liberating, with many expressing that connecting with nature and overcoming their fears made them feel capable of achieving anything in their lives.
RAKSHA ASCENT 2023
We hosted 20 girls on the Mardi Himal Trek, a five-day, 35-mile adventure that included a 9,350-foot elevation gain, culminating at a base camp at 13,779 feet.
Each evening focused on different self-development topics. We began with confidence, highlighting that while self-worth is innate, confidence is built through our actions and commitments. On the second day, we explored emotional intelligence and regulation, using an activity where participants wrote down their pains and regrets and symbolically let them go by tossing them into the fire. Day three addressed fear, emphasizing its protective role but also the importance of not letting it control us. A "trust fall" exercise helped the girls face their fears. We then examined relationships, discussing attachment styles and traits of healthy versus unhealthy relationships, complemented by the “human knot” activity to practice teamwork. The trek concluded with a reflective meeting where the girls shared their insights and personal vision statements. The experience was transformative and liberating, with many expressing that connecting with nature and overcoming their fears made them feel capable of achieving anything in their lives.
RAKSHA ASCENT 2020
Our first Trek!
We hosted 15 girls on the Poon Hill Trek. The trek was five days, a total of about 38 miles, an elevation gain of about 9,000 ft, and a summit of 10,531 ft.
The training covered important topics. We started with personal identity, emphasizing that their past does not define them. On the second day, we explored the concept of success, discussing how it should be personally defined rather than influenced by cultural pressures. Day three covered personal responsibility, highlighting the power to shape their future and the importance of a positive mindset. We then discussed relationships, identifying traits of healthy interactions, and the importance of removing oneself from harmful situations. The trek ended with a celebratory barbecue and dance, and a closing meeting where the girls shared their reflections and personal vision statements. We also gifted each participant a journal to document their journey and future goals. The trek was a transformative experience, with many expressing how they plan to apply the lessons learned.
Out of the alumni from this trek, some have started businesses, one is now studying in Australia, one is training to become a trekking guide, some are attending university in Nepal, one is studying hotel management, one is managing a retreat center, and many have become yoga teachers and reiki masters.
We couldn’t be more proud :)