Community Based Tourism for our Guests
We like to think of you as "Guests" instead of "Clients" or "Customers" because, to us, our guests mean much more than money. Our model is community-based tourism, which means using local, knowledgeable guides, staying in locally-owned accommodation and interacting with those you meet.
The main emphasis of our trips is to experience home grown culture. You stay with the people of the Himalayas and work with them in the fields. If possible, you visit ceremonies or you can also volunteer time for local causes. Our goal is to make bridges between the two worlds so that both guests and locals have a rich cultural experience. We make sure that you understand the culture and do not offend the people you will meet. A percentage of the money from the trips we organise helps support an orphanage in the Indian Himalayas.
Your Guide
Sarju Sooch
Here are a few details about my qualifications to lead a trip to India.
I was born in the Indian Himalayas and I worked for eight years as an organiser of hiking trips before immigrating to Canada in 2001.
After finishing my Master's degree in GIS and Remote Sensing from the University of Ottawa, I worked for two years in Ottawa. In my attempts to reconnect with nature, I left my comfortable job in Ottawa and came to the British Columbia for a two-month meditation retreat. Since then, when I am not travelling, I call Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast, my home.
In addition to organizing hiking and cultural trips to the Indian Himalayas, I offer cooking classes in traditional Indian cuisine and exhibit and sell my photos from India and Tibet.
Over the years I have returned to India often to visit friends and family, travel and build new contacts, many of who continue to assist me in developing these tours.
Features
Health and Safety
Acclimatization—Your body needs time to adjust to the altitude. We understand the health issues and do not impose a rigorous schedule.
Excellent knowledge of the area
Years of building friendships and contacts in the area will benefit you.
Individual attention
We keep a handle on how every member of the group is doing.
Small Scale
Groups are kept small in number.
Cooking Classes
Nutritious, regionally appropriate food prepared by one who understands himalayan cooking.
Indian Background
We have the cultural knowledge, ability with languages and the political/administrative connections so necessary for travelling in India.
We promise to give the ultimate in:
- Off the beaten track adventures
- Meeting locals in their villages, homes and monasteries
- Exciting Safe Travel
- The cultural experience of a life time
