In 2009, I left my home in Haryana and moved to the Himalayas—a journey that unknowingly set the course for my life’s purpose. My disciplined upbringing at Military School Ajmer instilled in me a deep sense of patriotism, and my heart was set on serving the nation by joining the Army. But after clearing my written exam, I couldn't get through the rigorous seven-day interview process. With that one opportunity gone, I found myself at a crossroads.

I enrolled at Punjab University to study Humanities, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It gave me the freedom to explore, to travel, and eventually to fall in love with the mountains. Trekking became my escape, my solace. The first time I pitched a tent in the wilderness, cooked my own food, and listened to shepherds recount their encounters with wildlife, I knew I had found my calling. By 2010, I had become a regular in Manali, trekking through the Himalayas, immersing myself in its beauty, and witnessing first-hand the changing landscape. But with every trek, I also saw a side of the mountains that broke my heart—piles of waste left behind by travellers, plastic choking the pristine trails, and local communities struggling to keep up with the surge of tourism.

The Himalayas were never prepared for this. Neither the indigenous communities nor the government had the means to handle the waste crisis that was unfolding. I found myself in a dilemma—did I need money to protect these mountains, or was pure intention enough? For a year, I wrestled with this question. And then, in 2016, Healing Himalayas Foundation was born.

It all started with a solo cleaning drive near Hamta Pass. I couldn’t ignore the plastic waste scattered along the trails, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. What began as a one-man effort soon became a movement. Friends joined in, then volunteers, then entire communities. In just a year, what was once an individual’s mission became a collective force for change.

Today, Healing Himalayas has removed over 1,633 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste from fragile Himalayan ecosystems, conducted more than 1,000 clean-up drives, and established six Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)with more under construction. We are working towards a decentralized waste collection system and centralized recycling approach to ensure that the waste generated in the mountains does not end up polluting the rivers, forests, and trails that make this region so breath-taking. But this journey is far from over. We need your support to scale our impact and create a sustainable system of waste management in the Himalayas.

We are not just picking up trash—we are building a movement. 

A movement that protects these mountains, educates travellers, and empowers local communities to take charge of their own waste. This is about preserving the Himalayas for generations to come.

Every contribution, big or small, will help us create a cleaner, greener future for the Himalayas.