Johanna – Founder of Shanti Treks
Mountain Leader. Yoga Teacher. Bridge Builder.
After several years working as a competition economist for the British and German governments, I decided in 2020 to take a new path – quite literally. My deep love for the mountains, my curiosity for other cultures, and my desire to build something meaningful on my own led to the founding of Shanti Treks.
I completed my training as an International Mountain Leader (UIMLA) through the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides (VDBS) – a rigorous program combining alpine safety, group leadership, and nature education at the highest level. This qualification forms the foundation of my work in the mountains. Alongside that, I am a certified yoga teacher with over ten years of personal practice. I completed two internationally recognized trainings: a 200-hour teacher training in Nepal and a 300-hour training in India, both accredited by the Yoga Alliance (CYTT). For me, yoga is more than movement – it is a way to connect body, mind, and nature, a quality I weave into my treks whenever possible.
What makes my tours special?
I create an atmosphere where people do not just feel comfortable – they feel truly welcome, able to arrive in the moment, in the group, and in themselves. It is important to me that each group becomes a safe space of trust, openness, and belonging, where everyone is seen and feels safe.
My passion for this work is tangible. I run every trip with dedication – from the first email to the final step on the trail. No call is too much, no question too small. I am fully present, always – with heart, clarity, and care – to guide, connect and inspire. Because in the end, that is what it is all about: creating connection – to nature, to the body, to a quieter inner space, and to the people walking the path together.
I stand for a different kind of mountain experience: mindful, inclusive, and purposeful. A portion of the proceeds from each trip supports education projects in countries that have shaped me on my journeys – so that the joy we share on the trail can ripple outward and make a lasting difference.
