The Anti-Aggregator Manifesto
We built The Hiking India because we grew tired of watching sacred Himalayan trails converted into commercial conveyor belts.
Why We Capped Every Batch at 10 Trekkers
Between 2016 and 2020, commercial trekking in India underwent a destructive shift. Large booking platforms realized they could maximize profit by packing 30 to 40 people per camp, hiring underpaid day laborers, and relying on loudspeakers to keep groups together.
The result was trail congestion, microplastics at high campsites, and a total loss of mountain solitude. We founded The Hiking India in 2021 to offer a quiet, high-integrity alternative.
We cap every single batch at 10 trekkers. No exceptions. This ensures zero crowding, a genuine 1:5 safety ratio, personalized acclimatization monitoring, and warm, unhurried conversations around campfires.
Core Operating Principles
- 01 No Outsourcing: Our trips are led only by our in-house, permanent mountain leaders.
- 02 Living Wages: We pay our local Garhwali & Himachali porters and cooks 40% above industry standards.
- 03 Leave No Trace: All expedition trash, including organic food waste, is packed out back to basecamp.
Why Only Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand?
We get asked every week why we don't offer Nepal, Ladakh, or Sikkim. The answer is simple: mastery requires boundaries.
Himachal Pradesh Basecamp (Old Manali)
From our mountain house in Old Manali, we personally oversee routes through Pir Panjal, Spiti, Kinnaur, and Kullu. Our local knowledge allows us to adjust trail routes during unexpected weather shifts and access private alpine pastures away from tourist trails.
Uttarakhand Basecamp (Dehradun)
Operating out of Dehradun gives us year-round direct access to Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, Garhwal ridge routes, and ancient villages. We partner directly with village headmen in Sankri and Wan for authentic local hospitality.
Meet the Team
No corporate officers or sales agents — only seasoned mountain professionals.
Brajesh
Advanced Mountaineering Course (HMI Darjeeling). Over 12 years guiding high-altitude passes across Kinnaur, Spiti, and Garhwal.
Niraj
Wilderness First Responder (WFR Certified). Oversees camp nutrition, medical guidelines, and small-group acclimatization schedules.
Suresh Negi
Native of Sangla Valley, Kinnaur. Certified by ABVIMAS Manali with over 8 years navigating high cols between Kinnaur and Spiti. Expert in alpine weather, glacier navigation, and mountain safety.
Devendra Rawat
Native of Sankri, Supin Valley. Over 11 years leading alpine expeditions with 60+ winter summits on Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, and Bali Pass. Veteran high-altitude mountain specialist.