Class VIII students from both the boards  ICSE and Checkpoint , nearly thirty in number , accompanied by three teachers went for a week-long excursion to Dalhousie and Amritsar on Jan6, 2020

After   a long train journey to Pathankot,  the next day we headed for Dalhousie by bus. As we climbed the hills, the breathtaking  view of the mountain  terrain  was enthralling. But we could also feel the dip in mercury levels.  Not surprising because Dalhousie was inundated with snow. The access to the hotel had been cut off so students trudged the 2-5 km stretch amidst snowfall. Going by car or any other four wheeler was ruled out as it was a dangerous  proposition with vehicles slipping precariously on the snow.

On the morning of Jan 8, it continued to snow so activities  and visits which were scheduled for that day were cancelled. However,  students enjoyed the spectacular views of the snow –capped mountains and the green valleys  from Subhash chowk where they had  trudged uphill.

  On day four  the weather being pleasant students went on a short trek to Subhash Baoli and Gandhi Chowk.  They  also shopped for souvenirs and woollens. We then  proceeded to Amritsar.

In Amritsar we visited the Golden Temple and Jalianwala Bagh. The Golden Temple with it scintillating and sacrosant presence was a sight to behold, Memories of it will stay etched in our hearts  as long as we live! The last but the most memorable part of our itinerary was the visit to  Wagha Border to witness the Beating Retreat Border ceremony , a parade performed by soldiers from both the countries India and Pakistan which culminated in the perfectly coordinated lowering of the two flags. A few students participated in the song and dance show before the parade. The show really enthused the patriotic fervor of each and every individual  present there. One could  see  that the” josh “on the Indian side was really high. On Sunday we returned to Ahmedabad with happy memories of our trip.

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