Lakshmi Selvakumaran heads the Trek Experience team at Indiahikes.  She handles the Training and Human Resources functions of Indiahikes.  She is keen to make Indiahikes the best learning place for everyone.  

She also heads our Green Trails Initiative. With her team, she is constantly working towards making trekking a more sustainable sport in India.  Personally, she is a strong advocate of zero waste and vegan lifestyle.
You can reach her on lakshmi@indiahikes.com

Lakshmi Selvakumaran

How A Collaborative Leadership Program Prepares You For The Modern Work World

collaborative leadersihp program experiential learning goa institute of management GIM MBA 

In this post, we clarify why deep pit systems are the best human waste management systems on Himalayan treks and why they are followed world-wide.

Why Deep Bio Toilet Pits Are Ideal For Human Waste Management on Himalayan Treks

The COVID-19 Lockdown is a fantastic opportunity for you to become more sustainable. And we have 6 simple steps to help you with that.

6 Ways You Can Be More Sustainable During This COVID-19 Lockdown

Get your family and friends to join you on your sustainability journey. Read on to get some great ideas and tips on how to get them started.

Tips On How You Can Get Your Family To Join In Your Sustainability Journey

Reduce your inorganic waste to zero by following this step by step guide. Become a sustainability champion and help us find more sustainable alternatives!

How To Reduce Your Inorganic Waste To Almost Zero

If you're new to the process of composting your organic waste, here are 9 things you should do and not do to make the process easier.

9 Tips From Our Experience To Make Great Compost

The second part in the series on how to become a Sustainability Champion, learn all about how you can compost your wet waste in just a few steps!

A Guide To Composting Your Wet Waste - With Tips From Experts

Shifting to a zero-waste lifestyle is not an easy task. Here's a step-by-step process you can follow to ease into it and become a sustainability champion!

What You Need To Do To Be A Sustainability Champion

Here is the full script of the TedX Talk by our Green Trails Head, Lakshmi Selvakumaran. Here, she talks about waste crisis as a behavioural problem.

Why Waste Crisis Is A Behavioral Problem - A TedX Talk By Our Green Trails Head

An internal email sent to our Trek Leaders by their trainer. This post gives you some wonderful insight on the year that was, our vision and our worklife at Indiahikes.

Reflecting on 2018: The Highs And Lows That We Saw At Indiahikes

In this week's updates of Green Trails activities, we bring to you latest developments from three of our base camps - Lohajung, Sari and Jaubhari.

Here&#039;s How Lohajung Fights Waste : 3 Dumpsites Replaced In A Day!

Here's How Lohajung Fights Waste : 3 Dumpsites Replaced In A Day!

Lakshmi Selvakumaran writes about why the Annapurna Base Camp trek left a lasting impression on her. A must read for anyone looking to trek in Nepal.

Notes From My Recce Of The Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Our team collected 11 sacks of non-recyclable waste on the very first day of clean up at Lohajung. Read our latest Green Trails updates here!

11 Sacks Of Waste Collected In One Day At Lohajung!

We are looking for interns with specialized skills to take Green Trails projects forward. Find details of the ongoing Green Trails Projects here and apply!

Ongoing Green Trails Projects

The Deuter Futura Vario 50+ 10 is a backpack that is in with you for the long haul if you are a high altitude trekker. Here's a detailed review.

Deuter Futura Vario Backpack Review: Well-Engineered For Long Treks

Most commercial toiletries are laden with lethal toxins. Our Green Trails crusader Lakshmi shares alternatives that detox your body. Read about it here.

Detox Your Body: Make Chemical-Free Toiletries For Your Trek

Here is the first high altitude case study by Indiahikes. We will be sharing our learnings about altitude sickness regularly through these case studies.

Can you get Acute Mountain Sickness on an Easy Trek? Here&#039;s a Real Life Case Study

Can you get Acute Mountain Sickness on an Easy Trek? Here's a Real Life Case Study

The Indiahikes team, along with local folk, created an eco-village at Jaubhari on the Sandakphu trek. Now, it is a role model to all surrounding villages!

How an eco-village at Jaubhari triggered a major movement at Sandakphu

Trekking in the mountains is a source of joy. This wouldn't be true if you had to climb a mountain of plastic. So if you go on a trek, go green trekking.

Do&#039;s and Don&#039;ts of Green trekking

The use and throw culture has become deeply ingrained in our society's fabric. Here Green Trails Crusader Lakshmi brings new life to disposed waste.

When waste turns into something you can sleep on

Indiahikes has been running the Green Trails initiative for over five years. Our aim is to leave the mountains in a better condition than we find them in.

Green trails - what, why and how?

Food is an inexplicable component of trekking. On any trek you can enjoy the local cuisine only if you know what to ask for!

Why you should reconsider ordering maggi or Wai-Wai while trekking in Sandakphu!

Indiahikes has been working hard to keep the mountains clean and to bring down the carbon footprint to zero in the Himalayas. Here's a peek into their work.

How is Indiahikes leaving mountains in a better condition?

Our team at Deoriatal Base camp spent a week at the Government school in Sari village teaching kids the value of hygiene.

Classes on Cleanliness at Sari

The silent threat to Sandakphu

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Choharnag Lakes Trek

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Bhrigu Lake Trek

Bijli Mahadev Trek

Gokarna Coastal Trek

Warwan Valley Trek

Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Brammah Valley Trek

Kedarkantha Trek

Surya Top

Narmada Backwaters Trek

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek 

Pangarchulla Peak Trek

Coorg Nelji Hill Trek

Kuari Pass Trek

Phulara Ridge Trek

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Ranthan Kharak Trek

Channarayana Durga Weekend Trek 

Buran Ghati Trek

Gidara Bugyal

Manali Kaisdhar Trek for Beginners

Minchukallu Betta Weekend Trek

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Bali Pass Trek

Dayara Bugyal Trek

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

Kedartal Trek

Beas Kund Trek

Nag Tibba Weekend Trek

Brahmatal Trek

Pench Tiger Trail

Everest Base Camp (Classic Route)

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

Georgia Atsunta Pass Trek

Rupin Pass

Miyar Valley

Khopra Ridge Trek

Goechala Trek

Mount Rinjani Trek

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri Trek

Har Ki Dun

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 

Gurez Valley Trek

Valley of Flowers

Nafran Valley Trek

Tulian Lake Trek

Hampta Pass Trek

Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek 

Dayara Bugyal Summer Camp 

Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

Bananthimari Betta Trek

Goa Netravali Forest Trek

Kedarkantha Summer Camp Trek

Kuari Pass Summer Camp Trek

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek

Aancha Top Trek

Mural Danda Exploration

Roopkund Trek

arnamalai trek

Deoban Weekend Trek

Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Bodpathri Trek

Winter Trekking Camp for Children

Youth Camp on Ali Bedni Bugyal

Benog Tibba Family Trek

Kanamo Peak Trek

Dafeybhir Pass Trek

Biligundlu Cauvery River Trek

Ghepan Lake

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Chirbatiya Weekend Trek

Benog Tibba Trek

Ala-Kul Trek - Kyrgyzstan

Gutirayan Peak Trek

Valle Malai Trek

Bidirukatte Trek

Pyramid Hills Trek

Koilkonda Fort Trek

Ramdevarabetta Trek

Sathuragiri Hill Trek

Ettina Bhuja Trek

Musattu Hill Trek

Parvathamalai Trek

Satpura Forest Trail

Athri Hill Trek

Nandi Hills Trek

Handi Gundi Trek

Kumara Parvatha Trek

Nishani Motte Trek

Kugti Pass Trek

Karnala Fort Trek

Kamalgad Trek

Horagina Betta Trek

Chadar Trek

Arshan Valley Trek

Makalidurga Trek

Please note that this is a special trek designed for stargazing enthusiasts. The trek fee is slightly more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

This is a trek specially designed for trekkers above 58 years. The itinerary is specially designed to be different from a regular trek. The trek fee is also Rs 3000 more than the regular fee (Please note this is only for Himalayan treks) Know more about the trek here.  

Our Adventure Therapy Trek is led by a trained therapist, who will guide you through reflective and therapeutic exercises during the trek. To accommodate this expertise, the fee is ₹5,000 higher than our regular trek fee. Know more about the trek here. 

Please note that the family treks are meant for families with a child/children under 18 years of age. If you do not fit this criteria, you can register for any of our regular groups. Read more about family treks here.

Please note, this is an open Collaborative Leadership Programme with a focus on networking and building Collaborative Leadership skills for young professionals and university students. The trek fee is 5000 more than the regular fee. Learn more about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/blog/open-collaborative-leadership-program

The Indiahikes Summer Camp aligns with the Adventurous Journey of the IAYP programme. Our treks provide a challenging outdoor experience where participants plan, train, and trek in an unfamiliar environment. They develop teamwork, leadership, and resilience while navigating trails, camping, and engaging with nature—fulfilling all the requirements of the IAYP Adventurous Journey.

You are joining our waitlist. Here are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind:

The chances of getting a confirmed slot totally depend on the cancellations we receive from confirmed trekkers. The cancellations cannot be predicted hence are uncertain.

We close the movement of the waitlist 7-15 days before the trek starts.

You don't have to pay right now. You will receive a notification upon confirmation of your slot. You will have 24 hours to pay and confirm your booking.

We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes. When you join our treks, we first make our No-Compromise Safety Promise. It’s our unwavering commitment to keep you safe, no matter what.

Our No-Compromise Safety Promise

Our commitment to the environment is relentless. We don’t just encourage responsible trekking; we insist on it. That’s why our Green Trails principles are non-negotiable. They don’t involve just our trekkers or our staff members. Our entire trek processes and policies are designed to favour the environment, even if it is often counterintuitive to our business.

Our No-compromise Sustainability promise

More than 30,000 trekkers trek with us every year. In addition, our outdoor learning division (InSoul) has participants from the who’s of the education organisation in India, from the IIMs to BITS to top international schools. More than 5,000 participants from these institutions trek with us annually. We do not spend a single rupee on advertising to get these participants. Our reputation precedes us.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have documented and brought out most of India’s famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023-24 alone, we brought out nine new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own. We believe everyone must trek.

Being pioneers of trekking in India

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey. 

Our treks are transformative

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.

We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.

We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.

We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.  

Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.

We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.

Trekking in the Himalayas comes with challenges such as heavy rain, roadblocks, floods, landslides, and permit restrictions imposed by the government. These situations are not within Indiahikes' control. 

Before you register, please be prepared for the possibility that your trek might be called off due to these uncontrollable factors. In such cases, Indiahikes will make every effort to offer you a safe alternative trek. If that isn't possible, we will cancel your trek and issue a voucher for the trek fee in line with our standard cancellation policy.

However, if you would like to receive a full refund of your fee under such circumstances, opt for the Indiahikes Shield while registering. This shield grants you the option to receive a refund in case your trek is cancelled due to external reasons. 

Why you should opt for Indiahikes Shield 

Security concerns and government orders often lead to last-minute cancellations in Jammu & Kashmir. While we make all the preparations to run the trek, we cannot guarantee that the trek will run. If such a situation occurs, we will try to organize an alternate trek within J&K or Himachal Pradesh, wherever possible. If not, we will cancel the trek and our cancellation policy will apply.

Such circumstances are under nobody's control, but it's best to be well-prepared.  As trekkers ourselves, we understand the loss that you go through when such circumstances arise. To protect against such circumstances, we have the Indiahikes Shield - where you can avail a return of your full trek fee by paying a small additional charge.  

We suggest you opt for the Indiahikes Shield, which will protect your trek fee during such uncertainties. You will find the option during the registration process.

Why you must opt for Indiahikes Shield on Kashmir Treks

When you offload, a mule or porter will carry your belongings.

Offloading is for those with injuries, health issues or other limitations

Book via Your Profile after trek registration. 

We will provide you with a weather-resistant kit bag to transfer your belongings.

The kitbag will be carried by mules or porters.

You will not need a backpack if you're offloading. However, you will need a small day pack.

Find details about the Indiahikes Offloading Process here.

At Indiahikes, we strongly believe that children must trek. Children aged 14 and below qualify for a 30% trek fee scholarship. Check out this article to learn more.


For every ten adult members (aged 15 and above) of the group, we waive off the trek fee for one person. Indiahikes will reimburse the said trek fee after you complete your trek.

Articles by Lakshmi Selvakumaran

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