Banyan Backpacking
Ages 14-18 | August 3 - 7, 2026 | Sierra Nevadas
Banyan Backpacking is a time to experience community, reflect, and push yourself to see what you can do. Expect to make lifelong friends, cook Ayurvedic food, hike, and engage in South Asian practices of connecting with the elements. This expedition is beginner friendly but we recommend you engage in regular physical activity during the months prior to prepare.
Early Bird Registrations Get 10% off until March 30!
A day of Banyan Backpacking
Here’s what a typical day of Banyan Backpacking would look like.
The Details
Where
In the Sierra Nevadas - only beginner friendly trails will be used. This trip will leave from Rockridge BART Station. Maps of the trails and campsites will be provided to all parents & guardians in advance of the trip.
Who
14-18 year old youth with any ancestral connection to South Asia
When
August 3-7, 2026
Lead Instructors
Our experienced outdoor educators are skilled at keeping teens happy, safe, healthy, and curious in the great outdoors.
Sheil Grandhi: an ex-NOLS & Outward Bound outdoor educator with a passion for seeds, South Asian cooking, and adventure!
Sonali Bhandari: an outdoor educator who worked at Kids in Nature in Santa Cruz!
Cost
This program costs $1600.
These costs enable us to provide:
Food: 3 fresh, healthy meals a day, and snacks
Gear: Tents, Stoves, First Aid, and all other supplies (except your personal clothes, backpack, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad)
Guides: 2 experienced South Asian outdoor educators (one identifies as male, one as female)
We offer scholarships if the cost prohibits you from participating. Please reach out to info@the-banyan-tree.org for more information. We welcome contributions beyond the stated cost to help us provide scholarships for any participants who need them.
Banyan Tree Inc operates under permit on the Stanislaus National Forest (tentative).
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Want to learn more?
Schedule an introduction call with one of our team members to learn more about our programs, our organization, our staff, or any questions you may have!