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PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE HIMALAYAS

Beyond Tourism—A Movement for Change

From the Founders of India's Toughest & Highest Rally – Rally of Chamba

WHO WE ARE

Not Just a Travel Company—A Movement

At Himalayan Locals, we are not just a travel company—we are a movement towards sustainable, offbeat, and community-driven tourism in the Himalayas.

We specialize in offbeat, remote, and high-altitude expeditions, taking travelers beyond conventional routes into the hidden valleys, unexplored trails, and culturally rich villages of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir.

Founded by the creators of India's toughest and highest motorsport rally – Rally of Chamba, we have spent years working in some of the most extreme and remote terrains of the Himalayas, promoting responsible tourism while ensuring direct economic benefits for local communities.

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Rally of Chamba

Recognized and supported by:

Hero Motorsports
Apollo Tyres
JK Tyres
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Ministry of Sports, Government of India
Himachal Pradesh Government
District administrations across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir

OUR JOURNEY

A Movement Rooted in Community & Sustainability

The Beginning (2018)

Himalayan Locals started with a vision beyond tourism. Our team initially traveled to some of the most isolated and challenging terrains in the Himalayas to understand the local challenges related to tourism, economy, and development.

Community Collaboration (2018-2020)

We worked closely with locals, helping them develop solutions that could provide sustainable economic opportunities through tourism. By 2020, the locals themselves joined our mission, transforming our efforts into a collaborative movement.

Government Partnership

This dedication led to an official partnership with the Government of Himachal Pradesh and the District Administration of Chamba, where we played a key role in the "Chalo Chamba" campaign, an initiative to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in lesser-explored regions.

Rally of Chamba

Through this project, we conceptualized and executed the Rally of Chamba, which brought nationwide travelers to the region, significantly increasing tourism and economic opportunities. Recognized by the Ministry of Tourism and Himachal Pradesh Government, our work set a benchmark in the adventure travel industry.

WHY CHOOSE US

Masters of Offbeat & Remote Travel

We don't just take you where others go—we take you beyond. We specialize in extreme, offbeat, and remote location tours, ensuring that you experience the true Himalayas, untouched by mainstream tourism.

Authenticity

Every experience is led by local experts, cultural storytellers, and Himalayan hosts.

Best & Lowest Prices

No middlemen, ensuring that all revenue directly benefits local communities.

Full Administrative Compliance

All tours are registered and monitored by local administrations, ensuring safety, transparency, and ethical tourism practices.

Exclusive Locations

Our network allows us to operate in regions that mainstream travel companies do not cover, offering access to hidden valleys, ancient monasteries, and unexplored trails.

"Unlike commercialized travel agencies, we build tourism models that support local economies, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainability."

OUR COMMITMENT

Community-Based Sustainable Tourism

While our event-based tourism model successfully promoted new destinations, we realized that its impact was short-lived. To ensure long-term development, we rebranded in 2023 as Himalayan Locals, introducing our Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Model.

80%

Of all revenue directly benefits the local community

Every tour is hosted and conducted by local guides, providing them with sustainable income

Small-group travel prevents over-tourism and environmental degradation

True Eco-Conscious Travel

Our small-group approach makes our tours truly eco-conscious and responsible

WHERE WE WORK

Transforming the Most Remote Regions of the Himalayas

Our work is currently focused on some of India's most challenging and underdeveloped Himalayan regions, where tourism has the potential to generate income, create employment, and reduce migration.

Zanskar

The Land of Hidden Monasteries & Frozen Rivers

One of India's most isolated Himalayan regions, cut off from the world for nearly six months every year. We're developing long-term income sources through cultural tourism, heritage conservation, and traditional craftsmanship, while supporting monastic education, local artisans, and trekking communities.

Zanskar, Himalayas

Pangi Valley

The Last Frontier of Himachal

Considered one of India's most remote and least explored valleys, with little to no tourism infrastructure. We're introducing winter tourism initiatives to generate income year-round and reduce migration, while developing adventure sports & trekking circuits to showcase Pangi's untouched beauty.

Pangi Valley, Himalayas

Chumathang & Beyond

The Future of Responsible Travel

We're expanding homestay networks and community-based tourism in remote Ladakhi villages, investing in education funding, school support, and skill development programs for the local youth, and creating eco-friendly tourism models to ensure sustainable growth without harming fragile ecosystems.

Chumathang & Beyond, Himalayas

OUR TEAM

Meet the People Behind Himalayan Locals

Our diverse team brings together local expertise and international experience to create meaningful travel experiences.

Aksh Baghla

Co-Founder | Cultural Ambassador | Creator

YouTube creator known for live-looping and mashups. Recognized as India's Cultural Ambassador, he founded India's first next-gen boyband and Himalayan Locals, blending marketing expertise with a passion for sustainable tourism & community empowerment.

Norbu

Policy Advisor

Hailing from Leh, Norbu is a key advisor for our operations in the Leh district. A main team member he offers valuable insights on sustainable tourism models ensuring that our work aligns with regional and governmental policies.

Tenzin Mirupa

Operations & Policy Advisor

Born and raised in Sissu, Lahaul, Tenzin has extensive experience in hospitality and tourism management. As the owner of PLM Dhara, one of the oldest hotels in the region, he ensures seamless logistics, accommodations, and travel experiences for visitors while promoting responsible tourism that benefits local communities

Stanzin Gawa

Community Development

A native of Padum, Zanskar, Stanzin is deeply committed to wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism, and rural development. A graduate of Panjab University, Chandigarh, he is an accomplished archer and ice climber, currently pursuing a master’s in rural development.

Tenzin

Tenzin – Community Development

Head Based in Purne village, Tenzin runs homestays and eco-camps, providing travelers with an authentic Himalayan experience while ensuring that local families benefit from tourism.

Anshul Thakur

Fleet Coordinator & Manager

A young and passionate adventurer from Manali, Anshul is an experienced off-road driver and motorsport enthusiast. He brings his expertise in navigating the rugged Himalayan terrains to Himalayan Locals.

TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE

Explore the Himalayas Through the Eyes of Locals

With Himalayan Locals, you don't just explore—you contribute, connect, and create change. Our tours aren't just about breathtaking landscapes; they are about people, culture, and impact. Come, experience the real Himalayas through the eyes of those who call it home.

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