ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE, SMALL GROUP, LOW IMPACT TREKKING COMPANY IN INDIA
We Only Organize Lesser Done, Uncrowded, Customizable & Personalized, Small Group Private Trekking Tours In The Himalayas

Who Should Refrain From Using Our Services

I feel sorry that I have to write this on our website, but I think that it's high time we start talking about these issues publicly and not just within our closed circles. I surely hope that awareness is the only way forward. Well, let me start.


There has been a lot of boom in the Trekking Industry and unlike that of the past, now every other person who has trekked once or twice in the Himalayas opens up a new venture in the Adventure Travel Industry these days, with a few local contact. It works not just as a side income for a few of them but also helps them break the monotony of their corporate life and relieve stress. On the other hand, the volume of trekkers in our Country has also exploded significantly. Unlike in our times or that of our seniors, when only a few people used to venture deep into the Himalayas, now everyone wants to trek.

Please do not get me wrong. We absolutely do not have problems with mushrooming trek companies or loads of trekkers venturing deep into the Himalayas. What we have problems with is the way they do it, their irresponsible money-making ways and unsustainable practices.

Continuing with the current practices, we are very sure that in the near future, our future generations won't be able to enjoy the Himalayas as we do today. Thinking practically, even we actually do not get to experience the Himalayas as the way our brothers or fathers did in the past. No, I am not talking about Global Warming and other menaces deteriorating the forest cover and melting glaciers. That's obviously there, but I am talking about the ruined ambience of trekking deep in the Himalayas. Unwanted noises echoing in the otherwise silent valley, DJ parties, drinking parties, smoking parties, big campfires made for fun, unmanageable big groups, litter all over, cost-saving fixed camps ruining the beautiful sight of the high alpine meadows, etc. Oh, I can go on and on!

 

Mountains Are Calling And I Must Go... 

While in the past we or our seniors ventured respectfully into the mountains, have crafted so many new routes, and showed us not just the way to love but also care for the Himalayas. Nowadays, everyone wants to trek in the Himalayas not but be responsible for their impactful and damaging footprints. People come and go back from the Himalayas without being able to recall the name of the campsites they spent a night in, forget about understanding and respecting local sentiments and culture, or clean up the campsite before they leave, or the trail they pass through. Not knowing how to pack their rucksack well even after doing multiple treks, or learning other nitty-gritty of trekking.

A big bunch of trekkers these days want to answer their call from the Mountains and hence join a huge group and trek like a sheep in a large flock tamed by their leaders. Few of the take pride in doing a SOLO trek by joining a big group. They come with impractical expectations in the remote mountains. They come to socialize, have fun, make noise, party hard, spread litter, act insensibly towards local sentiments, be overdemanding and a lot more things. They finally return to the pseudo society on the internet and share their thrilling adventure experience in the Himalayas, which definitely calls for a lot of attention! All this without even understanding the sport or the place that they went to or slept overnight in. I confidently say so, because to understand the Himalayas, you need silence, solitude, and rawness which comes at a cost and sacrifice. They return back with more of their friends and the vicious cycle continues. Well, top Indian companies have worked too hard to glamorize doing a trek in the Himalayas and they sell it well. Not just that - they take pride in being India's Largest Trek Company, colonizing fixed-camps in the remote Himalayas to lower their operational cost, setting up large toilets in the eco-sensitive zones dumping tons of human waste every year, littering plastic and food waste in huge quantities across the remote and sensitive zones in the Himalayas, etc. Though it's food waste, it's unwanted waste in such regions!

 

Exactly on the opposite end, we stand with a different belief system, different approach and thought process

We believe that mountaineering is the only sport that you do for your own self and ignores glamourization and media, hence we practice it. Not to prove ourselves to society, but to better ourselves as an individual, and become stronger and humbler with each venture. To get closer to mother Nature by being far away from our comfort zones. To make us reinstate the belief that we human beings are so so very small creatures with reference to the mighty Himalayas and mother Earth. Whoever I am in my World, mountains treat me equally with everyone. Here love means hard work and honest intentions, else you fail and the punishment is severe, might be even death.

Another noteworthy problem is, with a multifold increase in the number of trekkers, there must be companies who should stand up to their demand and make money out of it. This has turned a Specialized SERVICE Sector of ADVENTURE TOURISM into a PRODUCT industry. Yes, trekking tour nowadays has become similar to that of buying potatoes or fish from the market. The cheaper you get, the more it sells. Few companies who actually don't arrange treks by themselves but only sell it to local agencies at a very cheaper rate actually offer cash backs and promo offers turning it into a product-based industry. They depend on extremely large groups because only then they can offer a cheaper price. The bigger the group, the better coz there will be more FUN!

It's just like a fish or vegetable market, the more you buy, the cheaper you get. Lower the quality, more the noise in the market, and cheaper is the price!

This is rather a very big problem in making. This phenomenon is not only degrading the quality of trekking in the Himalayas but people are losing their lives to it as well. The biggest loser of it is the local stakeholders. They are losing their ground either to the big companies who dominate the cost and sell at a much cheaper cost due to their command of social media and other marketing and communication efforts. The problem becomes bigger when few of the local agencies compete with these companies from the cities and offer further cheaper prices. Well, you have to cut corners if you offer unrealistic prices. Hence, news of trekkers not getting proper tents, smelly sleeping bags, and falling sick on or after the trek has become common. Nowadays I think the population of our country has become so large that even the news of trekkers dying on treks due to mismanagement doesn't even cause any rage in the news channel and administration. Only in the year 2021, more than 15 trekkers died on treks due to mismanagement and bad quality guides. We also have witnessed cases of fights between trekkers and agencies on the trek, agencies not having control of who their trekkers are, other company's trekker using their facilities going unnoticed, trekkers hitting guides, guides hitting trekkers, porters running away ditching the group midway, companies not buying proper permits, etc.

Who is the loser in this race ?? Well, good trekkers and ultimately the Himalayas lose in this race and competition

Such are the consequences of this problem that I am having to write about it on our website and put it up in the header as well. Well, our peace too is important in order to serve you well. So here it goes...

 

WHO SHOULD NOT CHOOSE TO TREK WITH US

  • Trekkers looking to travel in big groups with over 12 members. Our maximum group size for the very few fixed departures that we do is 12 members, though we prefer 10. If you are a school/college/organization, there is an exception and you may trek with us in multiple back-to-back batches.
  • Indisciplined Adults wanting to be unrealistic Bollywood Stars in the mountains and not abiding by our policies.
  • Trekkers looking for organized parties, games, and big campfires on the trek. We won't entertain any such request unless it's for survival. Yes, we will rather help you out if you want us to arrange a special bird-watching guide, a photography expert to assist you on the trek, or a mountaineer to teach you skills of the sport.
  • Trekkers looking to smoke up and go wild drinking alcohol on the trek. If we are deceived and we find it, your trek ends right there without any refund.
  • Trekkers with a 'know-it-all' attitude and not listening to our Trek Leaders or causing problems to other trekkers in the team. You Should Trek on your own rather, not with a group.
  • Trekkers disregarding our Safety Protocol with a 'Chalta Hai' attitude.
  • Trekkers who wish to trek in Jeans, Sneakers, and Low-Ankle Sports Shoes. You should be in a shopping mall, not in the mountains.
  • Unfit trekkers straight out of the office desk. There are many other companies to serve you biryanis and samosas on the trek. Not us, please.
  • Trekkers wanting us to keep a horse for a backup in case they are not willing to walk.
  • Trekkers asking the current girl-to-boy ratio in the group before joining.
  • We do not fix our camps, trek like a large flock of sheep, etc. These are the practices used by companies to save costs at the expense of Nature. We manage each of our groups very meticulously and cautiously to make it as low impactful as possible. Hence we might not meet your 'Market Price' expectations.
  • Most importantly, we arrange fixed departures for only about 1 or 2 treks that too with a limit of not more than 12 trekkers in a batch. Rest we only cater to customized treks for small private groups focusing on experiencing and living a trek rather than just DOING a trek and ticking it off.

We filter our trekkers and not everyone is allowed to trek with our team. We try to form a team of like-minded, hardcore trekkers having respect for the Himalayas, Local Values, Culture, and Religious Practices and possess a humble attitude towards the locals. 

 

 

HIMALAYAN HIGH ALTITUDE TREKS AND EXPEDITIONS (OPC) PRIVATE LIMITED

CIN: U72900WB2016OPC215969

Registered Head Office:
SA 408, Siddha Happyville,
Rajarhat Chowmatha,
Rajarhat - Kolkata 700135
West Bengal, India


Branch Offices:

Pragati Tole, Jaigaon ( Indo - Bhutan Border), PinCode: 736182, West Bengal, India


Logistical Offices/Stores In:
Sankri - Uttrakhand,
Leh - Ladakh,
Maneybhanjyang - West Bengal,
Kolkata - West Bengal,
Kathmandu - Nepal

 

What We Do

  • Arrange Customized and Private Trekking Expeditions With Full-board Services from nearest city assisted by a Trained, Certified, and Experienced Leader
  • Organize Full-board Private Mountaineering Expeditions Above 6000 Meters, Including Arrangement of Personal Climbing Equipment with Trained, Certified, and Experienced Leaders
  • Provide Trekking and Mountaineering Equipment On Rent From Trek Bases
  • Provide Trustworthy, Experienced, and Skilled Local Resources on Hire From Trek Bases
  • Provide Cosy Homestays To Stay In Trek Bases
  • Provide Free Expert Consultancy For Your Upcoming Treks

all by following Sustainable Eco-Tourism Principles Causing Minimal Impact On The Environment in the Himalayas of India, Nepal, and Bhutan only!

What We NEVER Do

  • Take huge groups to the serene mountains
  • Disturb the silence of our favorite Himalayan Jungles with inappropriate mountain manners
  • Outsource our services to other third party agencies
  • Not provide experienced, trained, and capable trek leaders
  • Not engage locals of the land for working with us, to save cost
  • Not buy from locals but from cities in bulk instead, to save cost
  • Not pay our local resources well for their hard and life-risking work, instead, negotiate hard on their wage to save some more cost
  • Set up Fixed Camps in the Himalayan Forest for long periods, to save cost and bring more people everyday, damaging ecology in the process
  • Disrespect local traditions, style, cuisines and humility
  • Not trek ourselves but manage the trek from a corporate office in the cities
  • Arrange parties, play loud music, make campfires, etc. in the mountains to please our clients
  • Litter Around and practice improper waste management
  • Not Serve local cuisines and cook using organic local produce of the villages, instead serve packaged food to save cost, time, and effort
  • Not filter but allow everyone instead to join our group

this means, with us you get to experience the Himalayas in her full rawness and glory; Be Safe; Not take back the guilt of hampering nature in the process of trekking; Make new good friends from the mountains, Relish local cuisines, traditions, and other ways of living, and a lot more experiences which have the potential to truly change your life and outlook.

With us, the mountains feel like the way it is and not like any other tourist destination or the same cities that you live in.

Why Choose Us

  • Smaller Groups: We like traveling in smaller groups as we believe that gives the best ambiance to experience the unique Himalayan spirituality, serenity, solitude, and rawness.
  • Instinct & Knowledge: We know the Himalayas well in terms of its cultural richness, diversity, differently graded terrains, and challenges. Since we are experienced trekkers, certified and practicing mountaineers ourselves, we possess the operational and technical expertise to plan your travel and build your Himalayan experience like none other.
  • Experience of the Sport: We work very closely with mountain lovers from different parts of the World and hence understand your requirements much better. We grow ourselves with each group we handle.
  • Flexible, transparent, and friendly: Right from the moment you start communicating with us, you will feel the difference straight away.
  • Tailor Made Itineraries: With us, you can customize your travel experience and stay free from any constraints enforced by other 'unregulated' parties in the group. You and Your Holidays are important for us and we mean that.
  • Not a Business, but for a living: We do not run Himalayan High as a business or a corporate house focused to make profits. We are trek guides and mountaineers ourselves. We make experience for our living. It also enables us to live our dream of staying connected with the mountains 24 X 7.
  • Operational Expertise: We have trekked and operated treks throughout the span of the Himalayas in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. We are well connected to professional local guides and other resources required on an expedition. We plan, operate, and lead the expeditions by ourselves.
  • No Outsourcing: Unlike many who buy and sell clients, we DO NOT OUTSOURCE our clients. We try to offer you the best deal possible, but without compromising on our quality, and safety standards, to get you in. We would rather pass you on to a local operator we know to handle your travel.
  • Quality Equipment: We are equipped with the best quality equipment required for the all-weather Himalayan Expeditions, which focuses on your Safety, Comfort, Hygiene, and Ecology.
  • Maximum Safety Assurance Protocol: We follow very high standards of Medical Safety Protocol and for all of our treks, we plan the best evacuation strategies, carry all required safety gears and oxygen cylinders. Our trek leaders are also equipped with Pulse Oxymeters to monitor the blood oxygen saturation at high altitudes and also carry a High Altitude Medicine Kit. We are well versed to use those in the mountains. Read more on Himalayan High - Maximum Safety Assurance Protocol
  • Natural Acclimatization and Safe Itineraries: We follow a tight acclimatization regime and are believers in Natural Acclimatization and not the medicated breed. Our itineraries are designed keeping altitude gains in mind for the safety of all, including the porters who unlike us, carry much more load.
  • Experience Making is an Art: We are not here for Volume, but for Experience - a true, unpolished raw, and enriching experience of the Himalayas which adds to your personal growth and not just becomes a memory in form of photos. We hate meaningless glorification of a destination for touristic approach.
  • Quality: We are believers of Quality - Quality Treks, Quality Trekkers, Quality Local Staffs, Quality Equipment, and Quality Experience. We like to spend quality time ourselves and do not get bored by the monotonous and routine treks.
  • Word Of Mouth Recommendations: We are a very small organization of just 4 - 5 members and depend mostly on Word-of-Mouth recommendations which spread through the value and quality of service we provide to our clients. Giving you a good experience and service is not our duty but a lifeline on which Himalayan High stands.
  • Responsible Travelers: We are responsible travelers and respect fellow responsible travelers. The Himalayas are godly to us and we try to give back to the Himalayas in return for giving us food and making our dreams come true, by being responsible travelers. We raise awareness on the topic with our trekkers, locals, and officials while on the trek.

If you relate the Himalayas with Peace, Spirituality, Teacher, Adventure, Determination, Joy, Beyond Being Beautiful, we relate. You Should Experience us !!

Responsible Travels
  • Conservation of the local flora and fauna
  • Contribute to the well being of locals
  • Education and Awareness

Be Responsible. Trek In Smaller Groups

Impact Of Trekking On The Environment

Leave No Trace - Camp Eco Friendly - Camping Etiquettes

Making A Low Impact Camp Fire In Your Himalayan Treks

For The Community
  • We have our trek and other information well detailed and shared publicly on the internet to be used by all
  • We run a project name Detail The Himalayas with a sheer intent to provide correct information free and usuable to all. We seek the help of the community for it
  • We provide free consultation on the treks we know better and with our experience to help a trekker trek.  

Join our Community to Detail The Himalayas and help us help All !!

Giving It Back To The Himalayas
  • We are intended to organize cleaning expeditions to the Himalayas in association with NGOs and other similar societies atleast once a year to full strength.
  • We run treks following sustainable ecotourism principles and focus on local wellbeing and development

Do you have a suggestion or a developmental work for us ? Let us know and we might get into it with our full heart .

 

Chasing Dreams And Creating Ecstatic Memories
Since 2015

                                       

 

Recognition And Certifications

adventure Tour operator association of india recognition incredible india recognition indian mountaineering foundation recognition wesdt bengal tourism development recognition

 


© All Rights Reserved, 2015 - 2023
HIMALAYAN HIGH ALTITUDE TREKS AND EXPEDITIONS (OPC) PRIVATE LIMITED

Ecologically Sustainable and Low Impact Trekking Company in India
We Only Organize Lesser Done, Uncrowded, Customizable & Personalized, Small Group Private Trekking Tours In The Himalayas

 +91 80172 16725

 

 +91 94340 62849

 

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