Trek The Himalayas, a leading trekking company founded by accomplished mountaineers Rakesh Pant and Sandeep Rawat, has taken a bold step towards sustainable tourism with its HEAL HIMALA initiative.
At the close of the trekking season, their team collected and removed over 700 kg of waste from the Goechala trail, one of the most heavily trafficked and ecologically fragile routes in the Himalayas.
The company now invites volunteers to join upcoming clean-up drives, reinforcing its commitment to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
Restoring the Goechala Trail: A Model for Eco-Friendly Trekking
As the trekking season drew to a close, Trek The Himalayas’ dedicated team conducted an extensive clean-up drive along the Goechala trail, a popular but often littered route in the Sikkim Himalayas.
With more than 700 kg of waste collected and removed, the initiative was a significant effort to restore the pristine beauty of the region. “Our mission is to ensure that every trekker experiences the majesty of the Himalayas without leaving a trace,” said a company spokesperson.
The clean-up focused on removing plastic bottles, food wrappers, and abandoned equipment, all of which pose a threat to local wildlife and the fragile mountain ecosystem. The team’s work not only cleaned the trail but also set a powerful example for responsible tourism.
The HEAL HIMALA Initiative: Walking the Talk of Sustainability
The HEAL HIMALA initiative was launched to address the growing environmental impact of trekking in the Himalayas. High footfall on popular trails like Goechala often leads to significant waste accumulation, threatening the delicate balance of the region’s biodiversity.
Trek The Himalayas has made it a core part of their philosophy to actively engage in conservation and restoration efforts. “We believe that enjoying the mountains should not come at the cost of harming them,” said Sandeep Rawat, co-founder. “Through HEAL HIMALA, we are not just cleaning trails—we are fostering a culture of respect and responsibility among trekkers.”
Founders’ Vision: From Adventure to Conservation
The story of Trek The Himalayas is rooted in the passion and vision of its founders, Rakesh Pant and Sandeep Rawat. The duo met in 2007 during a Siachen expedition and bonded over their shared love for adventure and the mountains.
After years of mountaineering and exploring remote Himalayan trails, they decided to quit their jobs and start a company that would make the Himalayas accessible to everyone while preserving their natural beauty.
Today, Trek The Himalayas is recognised as one of India’s top adventure providers, with a strong emphasis on safety, sustainability, and community engagement. “Our goal is to inspire people to explore the Himalayas responsibly and to give back to the places that have given us so much,” said Rakesh Pant, CEO and co-founder.
Awards, Recognition, and the Road Ahead
Trek The Himalayas’ commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them numerous accolades, including the Best Adventure Tour Operator award by the Economic Times and the Himalayan Tourism Samman by the Government of Uttarakhand.
Their team comprises certified trek leaders and first aid responders, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all participants. The company is now expanding its HEAL HIMALA initiative by inviting volunteers to join future clean-up drives. “We want to build a community of guardians for the Himalayas,” said a team leader. “By working together, we can protect these majestic landscapes for future generations.”
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian applauds Trek The Himalayas for leading by example in the realm of sustainable tourism. Their efforts embody the values of empathy, harmony, and coexistence, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and adventure can go hand in hand. The HEAL HIMALA initiative is a powerful reminder that each of us has a role to play in protecting the planet.
