Trekking holidays in the Indian Himalayas

We have a strong environmental policy, carrying all non-biodegradable produce off these trips with us and disposing of it in a responsible manner. We bury all organic matter deep in the ground, and this breaks it down over a short period of time.

We use eco-friendly toilets or pit toilets on these trips. This is essentially a pit dug in the ground where all waste is covered with a mixture of soil and lime, and no water is used. Furthermore, we source almost all of our drinking and cooking water from fresh water springs. If this is not possible, water from the river is filtered.

We have teamed up with an environmental organisation, Climate Care, to help you to repair the impact of your flights on the global climate. Climate Care funds sustainable energy and forest restoration projects in India and all over the world that reduce carbon dioxide on your behalf, by the same amount as your share of the plane’s emissions.

We sponsor Clean Himalaya, a recycling and waste management project, dedicated to maintaining the sanctity and beauty of the Ganges and Himalayas.

Kuari Pass Trek, Uttarakhand: We are proud supporters of the responsible travel movement. In line with this we have made strong ties with the local communities in the areas in which we operate. We train local people in cooking, guiding, English conversation and First Aid. For instance, we have a special relationship with Malakundi village on the banks of the Ganges River. We employ three guides (Rana, Jay Singh and Gappu), two cooks (Safpal and Ramish), one driver (Camel), and three porters (Beam Singh, Bethal and Neggi Ji) all from Malakundi Village. Their understanding of the country’s flora, fauna, local culture and the many dialects ensure you get a true insight into the Indian way of life.

Employing people in villages like Malakundi has enabled them to install complex irrigation systems for farming and solar panels to power lighting. We take our clients to the local primary school where they can donate books, paper and toys. We also arrange for the school to be painted by our school groups. We encourage our clients to learn about the local culture and to share their culture with the villagers and local people they meet on this trip.

Dodital Trek, Uttarakhand: We are proud supporters of the responsible travel concept and employ local staff on all our trips. This trip is no exception. Your guide on this trip will most likely be Vaasudev or Anil. This father-son combination form one of the best teams in the area. They are from Bhankoli village, 3 km from the starting point of this trek. Vaasudev started as a porter and mule driver until he took the Basic Mountaineer Course at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Uttarakhand. He has not looked back since, and now 28 years later he is vastly experienced having climbed innumerable Himalayan peaks. His son Anil seems born for the job and with all the support of Vassudev is likely to become one of the finest guides in the area. Trekking with these two is a true pleasure, their knowledge of the local customs and legends and the indigenous flora and fauna always add that special touch to any trip. We also use local support staff for this trip.

Ruinsara Lake Trek, Uttarakhand: We do this trek just once per year and keep group sizes to less than twelve, reducing soil erosion on the trail. This also helps us to minimise our effect on the local communities we pass on the trail.

We also employ three men from the nearby Tons valley. Kaanha Singh is our regular safety kayaker on all major rafting and kayaking expeditions. Johnny, only 17 and recently married, is an enthusiastic porter and is contemplating the idea of training as raft and trekking guide. And last but not least Pa Thach is one our finest cooks. Employing these three allows them to support their families at the Tons. It also given them the opportunity to learn new skills such as kayaking, rafting, English conversation and First Aid.