Black Women Beyond Boundaries: Sisterhood, Self-Discovery, and Inner Strength in the Himalayas

So here I am, just back from the Indian Himalayas, trying to put this journey into words. I’ve travelled across 85 countries (yes, 85!), but this recent retreat? It was different. Really different. The kind of journey that doesn’t just take you somewhere new but takes you deep into yourself. This one was about Unbecoming. It wasn’t about “finding ourselves”—we were peeling back layers, shedding the expectations we’ve carried around, both from society and from ourselves, to see what’s underneath.

When I imagined this retreat, I pictured a space where women could come together and let go, step out of the noise, and into their own essence. But here’s the thing: every single one of the women who joined me was Black. It wasn’t something I planned, but it happened. And as we moved together—not only through the mountains but also through bustling cities and sacred sites—I realized just how powerful this journey was. For us, as Black women, stepping into these remote, untouched spaces felt… liberating and humbling.

Navigating Curiosity and Being Seen

There were moments when we felt the weight of being “different” in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived it. In the cities like New Delhi and Agra, we drew looks that reminded us we were very much outsiders. But those stares? They weren’t unkind. They were curious, sometimes even fascinated. People came up, asking if they could take photos with us, like we were as much a marvel to them as the Taj Mahal. It was surreal—here we were, travelers, yet also, in a way, part of the attraction.

But when we moved deeper into the mountains, things shifted. The stares softened, the questions turned to smiles, and by the time we reached the villages, we were welcomed, even celebrated. Each glance felt warmer, more open, until we were no longer strangers but part of something bigger—a shared humanity.

Moments of Courage and Connection

Every day in the Himalayas asked something of us. It pushed us a little further out of our comfort zones and deeper into our true selves. There was the hike to a waterfall, an experience that wasn’t just about the physical challenge but about letting go of doubt and fear. Can I really do this? some thought, as we climbed higher. But each step we took together reminded us of just how capable we are. And when we finally reached the waterfall, there was this moment of awe, as if the water cascading down mirrored our own release, our own courage.

And then there were the quieter moments—forest bathing beneath towering trees, letting nature’s peace seep into our bones. The cold plunges in the river that left us laughing and gasping, cheering each other on as we embraced the icy cold water. It was as if each plunge stripped away something old, something that didn’t belong. Together, we rediscovered our inner power and just how capable we are of doing anything we set our minds to.

Building Connections Across Borders

The women in the village welcomed us into their homes, sharing masala tea and stories through smiles and gestures, a language beyond words. There was this universal sisterhood—a bond that doesn’t need translation. And there were moments of pure connection, like when we gathered in the river, forming a circle surrounded by the Himalayas, singing “By the Rivers of Babylon” as the cold water surrounded us. It was like time stopped, just for that moment, to let us remember that wherever we go, we carry our roots and our voices with us.

Morning Yoga and Planting Trees in Our Honor

Most mornings began with yoga on a shala rooftop, the mountains standing quietly around us as we grounded ourselves in the strength that had carried us this far. Meditation by the river became a time to let go, to listen, to be truly present. And then there was our farewell celebration—dancing in vibrant saris, gifted to us by local women who embraced us like family. As a beautiful tribute, our generous hosts invited us to plant trees and plants in our honour, leaving a part of ourselves rooted in this land—a legacy of gratitude, a way of saying, “We were here”.

Giving Back to Ourselves

This journey wasn’t just about stepping into a new space; it was about reclaiming space. In a world that often tries to define where we belong, we were saying, “This, too, is ours.” And for so many of us, as women who are used to giving, nurturing, supporting, this was a rare opportunity to give back to ourselves. As their leader, I’ve travelled many paths before, but this journey held its own lessons for me too. It was a reminder that the world is wide and welcoming, and that we belong in every part of it.

Dream Catcher Global: A Vision for Women’s Journeys

Fueled by my passion for travel, Dream Catcher Global became a way to share transformative journeys—creating spaces where women are free to explore, to dream, and to break beyond the roles we so often hold onto. My hope is that these retreats don’t just offer beautiful landscapes, but rather, become sacred spaces for community, self-discovery, and, yes, unbecoming. I want each woman to leave with her cup full, her spirit uplifted, and her heart open to new possibilities. Because it’s not just about seeing the world—it’s about seeing ourselves in it, fully and freely.

The Power in Unbecoming
This journey reminded me that unbecoming isn’t about finding ourselves; it’s about freeing ourselves. It’s peeling back the layers of who we think we “should” be to reveal who we truly are—unencumbered, unfiltered, and unafraid. As Black women stepping into these remote spaces, we weren’t just claiming space for ourselves; we were paving paths for others who might follow. It was a journey of release and reclamation, of voice and vision. Each step, each moment, each laugh and tear was a quiet but powerful reminder of what it means to be both rooted and free.

Gratitude for Partnership

Bringing this vision to life was a collaboration, and I’m grateful to have partnered with Fernweh Fair Travels to create a space where these transformative moments could unfold.