Traveller's Diary: Four-year-old Dev's first Himalayan trekking experience

By Nehal Shah

One more instance to believe that 'if you trust your child, he will achieve anything'. Never underestimate a child's capacity. All your child requires is your trust, confidence, encouragement, love & motivation. In fact, if they are given the right environment, they will be motivated & inspired to achieve their best and turn out to be the best version of you.


Dev and Ved



Snehal (Mother) and Dev (Son)

We were in Himachal (Shoja, Kullu) for a family holiday. One of the things, I had on my mind was to take my 4-year-old son, Dev, for a trek. It was fine even if he did not complete it but I just wanted him to get an experience.

On 28th Morning, we all set out for Jhalori Pass for the Sreolsar lake trek. We had a fabulous host, who doubled up as a perfect guide for us. I casually told my son to go ahead with our guide, Ved, for the trek. The two of them proceeded ahead chatting like old pals. I was happy & content that my son was in safe hands & it was completely fine to let him go.


Dev (4 yr)

I lagged behind with our group taking ample breaks to ensure everyone in the group was ok. Due to the difficulty levels, the elders in the group decided to turn back. Therefore, I kept asking people on their way back from the trek if they saw a small boy going up & if he was being carried or if he looked tired. I received mixed responses, but most of them said they saw a boy happily walking with a man. That gave me some solace & also motivated me to continue in spite of being exhausted... I had to meet Dev!


Dev and my Girl-gang

After the group started returning, I continued my journey ahead & when I reached the top, I saw Dev comfortably eating with his newly found trek pals. What a sight it was! As I got back to my girl-gang, they all enquired, how old my son Dev was. They were all shocked to know that he was only 4. He made me a 'Proud Mommy'! All I could do was shower him with hugs & kisses.



After the stopover, we proceeded to Sreolsar Lake, enjoyed the view of the great National Park & the trio - Me, Ved & Dev were all set to climb down. I checked with Dev, if he was ok to climb down & he replied positively with enthusiasm. We walked, chatted, soaked in the beautiful nature on the way down & created wonderful memories which will last a life-time in my heart!

Don't sit and think anymore, get your kids outdoors; there is no better teacher than nature!