JAMMU, Jun 10: The Dharamshala Himalayan Trekking Programme, organized by Tawi Trekkers J&K, the premier trekking organization of Jammu and Kashmir, commenced today with enthusiastic participation from students of St. Xavier Convent Senior Secondary School and MHAC School.
A contingent of 47 students from St. Xavier Convent Senior Secondary School, including 29 girls and 18 boys, departed for Dharamshala under the leadership of veteran trekker Amit Khajuria. The group is accompanied by teachers Sukanshi Sharma, Archana Sharma, and Sakshi Kotwal.
The MHAC School contingent comprises 34 students, including 20 girls and 14 boys. The group is being led by trained mountaineer and experienced trekker Sourav Deep Singh, while teachers Ameet Rajput and Shaveta Badrala are accompanying the students.
Adding youthful energy to the expedition, three promising sport climbers—Harmann, Saksham, and Shiven—are serving as junior leaders during the programme.
During their four-day stay in the Dharamshala region, the participants will explore several renowned tourist, cultural and religious destinations, including McLeodganj, Chamunda, Tsuglagkhang Temple, Bhagsunag, Bhagsu Waterfall, Dharamkot, HPCA Stadium, Norbulingka Institute, Tapovan and Nagini Devi.
A major highlight of the programme will be a visit to a tea estate and tea-processing unit, where students will learn about the complete tea production process, from cultivation and plucking to manufacturing and packaging.
Besides trekking and adventure activities, participants will receive guidance on personality development, environmental conservation and responsible trekking practices, with special emphasis on maintaining cleanliness and preserving natural surroundings.
Earlier, the St. Xavier contingent was flagged off by Vice Principal Mridhu Padha, while the MHAC School group was flagged off by Principal Sonia Anand from MA Stadium, Jammu. The ceremony was attended by Ram Khajuria, Sumit Khajuria, Shawetica Khajuria, school staff members and a large number of parents who wished the young trekkers a safe and enriching journey.