Spreading happiness and creating impact
I want to create a community for people who, like me, feel a deep connection to the mountains and to nature.Through shared hikes, I hope to bring together like-minded individuals who aren’t chasing performance or speed, but simply the joy of being outdoors—in the stillness, vastness, and beauty of the natural world. People who cherish this simple, honest happiness and are eager to share it with others.
But my vision goes beyond the mountains: I want to carry this shared joy to places in the world that hold a special place in my heart. Traveling in remote regions of the world made me deeply aware of the safe and privileged environment I was born into. I have had access to free education and the opportunity to build a career that provides for my life. With that privilege comes a sense of responsibility to give back to the communities that have welcomed and inspired me along the way.
Where my heart found a home while travelling, I want to open up new opportunities for young people by supporting and helping to build educational projects. Ever since I volunteered in community projects in Guatemala, I have dreamed of building something lasting that supports young people in accessing education. Over the years, I have met many bright and motivated individuals whose lives were shaped by a lack of educational opportunity. At the time, I felt overwhelmed and unsure how to offer meaningful long-term support. But that changed. For the past two years, my mother and I have been financing the education of two young students I met during my travels in India. Their journey reminded me of the dream I had been holding onto for so long: to start a charitable initiative of my own.
Shanti Treks is not only a travel business. It is also a financial platform to support educational projects in places like Guatemala, Peru, Nepal, and India, where I have volunteered or visited schools and community initiatives. Once the administrative work of setting up Shanti Treks is complete, my next step will be to establish a non-profit organisation. A portion of the company’s profits will go directly into this organisation, starting with the support of two schools that offer free education to children in need—one in Jaipur, India, and one in Antigua, Guatemala. Because I truly believe that happiness grows when it is shared—and education is one of the most powerful and lasting ways to pass that happiness on.
At the moment Shanti Treks is supporting a young Nepalese woman to obtain a career in the trekking business in collaboration with the Akasha Academy (read more about it here). Shanti Treks is also financially supporting Urina, a young Nepalese girl that is currently undergoing cancer treatment (find my crowdfunding campaign here). In the future, I plan to expand the support to more schools and communities. Selected Shanti Treks will include visits to these educational projects, allowing guests to connect with the places and people their trip helps to support.
