It’s not just the beauty of the mountains, but the beauty of the mountain folk that is unforgettable. There is something so utterly warm and friendly about people here, you can feel it radiating it from their open faces, their generous smiles.

Way beyond our decaying and grubby northern hill stations lie the real Himalaya… that’s where you will find Shakti.

Seven years ago I had a trek arranged for a friend and myself by someone who was recommended to be ‘the best trekking operator’ in India. What ensued was close to nightmarish and that is where the idea of Shakti came about.

I grew up in the eastern Himalaya and was fortunate enough to be exposed to, and develop a passion for, the Himalayan wilderness. Our sister company Banyan Tours has been in existence for over 15 years and has planned and executed over 50,000 luxury holidays for foreigners throughout India, Sri Lanka & Bhutan over this period. Seven years ago I felt it was high time I showed tourists and travellers what had ignited my enduring passion for the mountains and to be in a position to meticulously execute high end holidays in this terrain. We have created 13 lodges in Ladakh, Kumaon and Sikkim (including Shakti 360° Leti) and a team of 48 that includes wonderful guides, chefs, drivers and service staff… and private holidays that have captured the hearts of thousands already.

For the best from the mountains, stay tuned.

Please visit our website www.shaktihimalaya.com and read all about what journalists and our clients feel about what we have achieved.

See you in the hills.

Jamshyd Sethna, Owner and Managing Director of Banyan Tours & Travels and Shakti