DAY 4

From Monasteries to Mountains🏔: A Journey of Calm and Courage 

Day four of our educational tour unfolded with a slower rhythm, but one filled with enriching experiences and heart-pounding adventure. After a warm breakfast at our hotel in Manali, we set off to explore the cultural and natural gems the region had to offer. Unlike the adrenaline rush of the previous day, this one promised deeper connections—with tradition, nature, and ourselves.

Our morning began with a visit to the Tibetan Monasteries, quiet oases nestled within the town. These sacred spaces introduced us to the world of Tibetan Buddhism. The soothing scent of incense, the echo of chanting monks, and the vibrant colors of fluttering prayer flags created a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere. A unique and fun part of this visit was donning the traditional Tibetan Chuba, an elegant robe that gave us a glimpse into the daily life of the Tibetan people. With wide smiles and colorful clothing, we captured these moments in photographs that will surely remain treasured souvenirs of this journey.

TIBETAN MONASTERIES

From spiritual calm to natural beauty, our next destination was Van Vihar National Park—a tranquil forest retreat beside the Beas River. The tall deodar and pine trees offered shade and quiet, inviting us to pause and simply breathe. Some of us strolled leisurely through the winding paths, while others found comfort sitting on benches, listening to the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. The park offered a much-needed pause, reminding us of the quiet power of nature to heal and ground us.

Following this peaceful interlude, we returned to the hotel, packed our bags, and prepared for an activity that had been much anticipated since the start of the trip—river rafting in Kullu. We departed from Manali and reached the rafting site by around 2:50 PM. As we neared the riverbank, the thrill in the air was unmistakable.

After a detailed safety briefing by trained professionals, we suited up in life jackets, helmets, and raincoats. With 18 participants, we were divided into three groups, each climbing into a fibre boat guided by an experienced rafter. The 45-minute rafting session down the icy waters of the Beas was electrifying. The rush of the rapids, the splashes of freezing river water, and the teamwork required to navigate made for an unforgettable experience. Shouts of exhilaration echoed off the banks as we paddled through waves and tackled every twist in the current.

Once we reached the endpoint, we were greeted with a simple but deeply satisfying meal—hot Maggi noodles and freshly brewed coffee. Sitting by the riverside with steaming cups in hand, we relived the adventure, laughing and sharing stories of each splash and thrill.

As the clock neared 5:00 PM, we boarded our bus and began the return journey to Delhi. The sun dipped behind the mountains as our vehicle curved through the valleys. With the energy of the day giving way to the stillness of the night, most of us fell into quiet reflection or gentle sleep. A stop for dinner around 10:00 PM gave us one last moment together before resuming our overnight travel.

With our hearts full of memories and our spirits lifted by every temple, trail, and river we encountered, we closed this chapter of our journey—grateful, inspired, and changed in subtle yet lasting ways.