This is the journey of Suhas Saya who went on from being a DIY trekker to the one who actively gives back to thousands of such trekkers who wish to trek on their own, by heading the Trek Documentation Team!

I completed my engineering five years ago. In the September of 2015, I was exploring around, going on solo treks, and did a few treks with my friends too.

This is a pattern which most people follow in Bangalore. We mostly start with treks around Bangalore, advance towards the Western Ghats and you always have the dream of going on a Himalayan trek one day. I had the same dream back then.

I was interested in going on the Kodachadri trek. I had my eyes set after doing the Kumara Parvatha trek earlier. The monsoon rains in the western part of Karnataka were furious.

I had kept a very close watch on the weather forecast and it showed pretty much heavy rains for 10 days straight. Finally, the forecast showed a day with lesser chances of rain. That was an opportunity I wouldn’t miss.

I immediately messaged my friends asking them to join me on this trek. Most of them were busy searching for jobs and as per my expectations, the numbers died down. From a group of eleven, it came down to four!

Just two days before the trek, the four friends who had confirmed earlier, came down to just one, as it was still raining heavily. His name was Veerendra.

We looked at each other. I said I was going on this trek no matter what — Veerendra nodded. He was ready to join me on an adventure.

Having known how going on a new trek felt, I was nervous and excited at the same time. I was going on another adventure! I did all my planning and preparations for the trek — in terms of what to carry, how to travel, and which route to take. I started reading many blogs and trekking guides to gather information about the trek.

The trek has three routes to the peak and we wanted to cover the best sections on this trek. One such route was via Hidlumane Falls, which was very enticing. I downloaded the trek information from the internet and printed it to carry on the trek.

We reached the bus stop as per the documentation I had taken with me, and started the trek on a small mud trail. We crossed a stream and went through a quaint village. The greenery around us with lush paddy fields was a beautiful setting. The trek already had cast a spell on me!

Later, the trek took us through the jungles of Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary and climbed towards the slippery rocks to reach the famous Hidlumane waterfalls. With misreading the information on the trek guide, I took a left instead of the right which was mentioned.

At this point, I misread the information on the trek guide and I took a left turn instead of a right.

It took us on a different path altogether. We climbed up through the forest floor scrambling on all fours, holding onto trees and shrubs to make our way out of the tree line. We were supposed to reach the jeep tracks in half an hour. There was no sign of the tracks even after an hour. We knew something was wrong. We had taken the wrong route!

Even after we crossed the three folds of grasslands, our quest was still on to find the jeep track. Half an hour later, we heard sounds of a jeep in the distance. We were relieved that we would find our way soon.

The three folds of grasslands which Suhas crossed after losing his way on the Kodachadri trek. Picture by Suhas Saya

I understood the importance of how one wrong turn changes everything on a trek. You might just end up lost for hours — which can either be an adventure or a misadventure. We got lucky that the weather prediction was right and it didn’t rain that day.

After reaching the Kodachadri peak that evening, we enjoyed the drama unfolding in front of us — the colourful display of clouds amidst the green grasslands and Shola forest.

The next day, we returned via another route. It was a dense forest section through Vallur. That day showed us how the monsoon rains are in the western ghats and we thanked the weather gods for being kind to us the previous day. This adventure still remains as one of the best experiences I have had. It’s right there on the top.

After joining Indiahikes and going through all our treks during the first few weeks, I found that the trek documentation that I had printed, was from our website!! I was thrilled to realise this.

Unfortunately, the sheets got drenched in the rains of Day 2. Otherwise, I would have had it with me still. I had no clue during that time that I’d be a part of Indiahikes.

When I reflect back now, it feels even more special. I just finished reworking on the trek documentation for the Kodachadri trek. From being a trekker who used this documentation to now working here and contributing to the trekking community. It’s such an amazing feeling!

To be a part of the Documentation Team from the past few months, giving out information to the community and putting out new treks is truly a proud moment.

I imagine these detailed trek guides giving an opportunity for someone like the younger me to go explore, to learn from the outdoors, and to have an adventure that he/she would remember for their lifetime!

How many of us have been lucky enough to give back to the community from where we have received so much? Suhas's is one such rare story!

From a DIY Trekker to the Head of Documentation Team at Indiahikes -- My Journey

Working at a startup can be extremely rewarding and equally frustrating. In our organization everyone seems to be doing everything! It is very different from a corporate culture. Here responsibilities are high, work is busy. Yet, people like what they are doing.

We are looking for people to join us. We think you’ll love our world of treks.

On this page, you’ll find different roles we have and the application process. At the end you’ll also find a video on what it really means to work at Indiahikes. Take a look at the video once before applying.

Indiahikes started primarily as a trek documentation organization. We explored, wrote and documented treks. We did this in great detail so that everyone could organize their own treks. We believed no one needed an organization like Indiahikes to take them on treks. This was our philosophy.

To fund our documentation process we also organized treks. The participation on our treks grew. People loved the Indiahikes experience. Today, Indiahikes is India’s largest trek organization.

What made Indiahikes grow? We believe we redefined the way trekking was done in India. If you look at it most trekking trails, trekking processes, safety systems, environment policies was introduced to Indian trekking by Indiahikes. Trekkers saw it first hand. They loved what they saw and they spread the message to others. Almost 20,000 people trek with Indiahikes every year.

For our work requirement we are looking at those who are keen to define the future of trekking in our country.

In this context read our work requirement below. 

Just like us you want to define the future of trekking in our country. While trekking is a passion, the main reason to work with us is the opportunity to create an  impact on the trekking world. You want to be involved in this world in some way or the other. 

Which is why at Indiahikes role change is constant. You may join the trek coordinator team and shift to operations. A content team member may go on to start a new division. Or a trek leader can become a slope manager. With this in mind the roles available are:

Trek Coordinators run Indiahikes treks from our office in Bangalore. It is a role that has communication at its crux. Along with running treks efficiently, you build trek experiences that stays with trekkers. You talk extensively with trekkers, understand and learn from their experience. You also work closely with our operations team setting experiences in place.

The role requires you to handle trekker queries, help solve their problems and be an adviser to them. The skills learnt here is like an MBA program. Which is why as you grow in the role you usually get into core Indiahikes management. Salary starts at Rs 4.2 lacs per annum.

Applicants for Trek Coordinators must fulfill the following criteria:

Must have done treks (we prefer if you have done Himalayan treks)

Must have 2 years work experience (in other industries).

Must have excellent English and Hindi communication skills. We would like to test your written English.

Male/Female. An independent thinking, humble person is what we are looking at.

2. Assistant Trek Coordinators (Part-time, home based)

Assistant trek coordinators help trek coordinators carry out their responsibility efficiently. Usually assistant trek coordinators (ATC) are given independent responsibility that they need to look into. The role has communication at its core.

You need to commit to 5-6 hours a day for this. This would be at usual office hours, but with some flexibility. We work on Saturdays too, so the work is between Monday and Saturday. This role cannot be done after office hours. It does not suit those who would like to supplement their regular income after office hours.

The role, needless to say, requires impeccable written English skills.  You are expected to know good communicative Hindi as well. Salary starts at 2.4 lakhs per annum.

Applicants for Asst Trek Coordinators (ATCs) must fulfill the following criteria:

Must be willing to commit to 5-6 hrs of work at regular working hours

Trek leaders lead the Indiahikes teams in the mountains. Trek leaders ensure that more than leading trekkers on a trek, trekkers take back a permanent change in their mind, body and spirit. We believe the outdoors have a profound impact on us. It is the trek leaders job to bring about this change.

Trek leading is a skill that is learned. You devote up to one month for Asst Trek Leader Training (ATL), followed by a period of 4-6 months as a Provisional Trek Leader (PTL). Training is imparted on leadership, safety, operations and climbing skills. At the end of the PTL program you go on to become a trek leader at Indiahikes. 

The ATL program pays candidates a stipend of Rs 4,000 per week (this lasts approximately 30-45 days). During the Provisional Trek Leader training, candidates get a stipend of Rs 25,000 per month (for about 4-6 months). After the training program, trek leaders earn between Rs 4.2 and Rs 6.0 lakhs per annum. Some earn more depending on their performance.

Applicants for Trek Leaders must fulfill the following criteria:

Must be at least 24 years of age. Male/Female.

Must have a Basic Mountaineering Course certificate from a reputed Institute.

Must have done at least two high altitude Himalayan treks (above 14,000 feet).

Must be willing to acquire a BLS certification (basic life support). A BLS certification can be done in any metro city at reputed hospitals.

Must have excellent English and Hindi communication skills.

Work experience in a leadership role in a different industry is preferred.

Must follow an active fitness regimen. BMI (Body Mass Index) must be between 18.5 and 24.9.

Smoking and drinking is not permitted under our work conditions. If you smoke or drink then it is something that you need to leave behind.

Would you like to assist Indiahikes trek leaders? Perhaps be a future trek leader? The ATL program is suitable for:

Individuals who do not fully satisfy trek leader selection criteria (background, qualification, age, etc)

But looking to be future trek leaders with Indiahikes

ATL applicants must meet the following criteria:

Must have done at least two high altitude treks in the Himalayas. (Triund and Kheerganga do not count as trek experience).

Work experience in other industries is given preference

Must have excellent English and Hindi communication skills. 

Must follow an active fitness regimen. BMI (Body Mass Index) must be between 18.5 and 23.9.

ATLs undergo extensive training before being considered as trek leaders with Indiahikes. The training is in two stages. First stage is an assessment period of 30-45 days. If your assessment is successful, after forty five days you become a Provisional Trek Leader (PTL). The PTL training program can last between 4-6 months. During the first assessment period you earn a stipend of Rs 4,000 per week. As a PTL you earn a stipend of Rs 25,000 per month.

In between or after the training program you must get a basic mountaineering course done. After the course you get promoted as Trek leader. Once a trek leader, your earnings range between Rs 4.2 and Rs 6.0 lakhs per annum. Some earn more depending on their performance.

Before you apply for the post of an assistant trek leader, read this article about what the job involves.

This video interview of our Trek Leader will also give you a good idea about what the role involves. 

The digital content team at Indiahikes is in charge of taking the Indiahikes digital experience forward. This entails content creation, social media management, SEO and conversion rate optimization. Indiahikes is primarily an information and content-driven organisation. Our content is known to be authentic, thought provoking and, above all, the last word on trekking. We want the digital content team to grow that.

As a digital content team, you write thought provoking articles, create videos and podcasts. There are opportunities to grow our social engagement and a chance to work on our community. The variety in the role is enormous; the work is global. Growth in the role is rapid, usually within months.

The skills learnt here are applicable in any organisation where digital content is made. Salary starts at Rs 4.5 lakhs per annum. What we require:

Someone who writes well. By “well” we mean simple, honest writing that shows knowledge, maturity and good command of English.

Someone who is curious about the world of trekking.  You need to be someone who is instinctively curious, willing to research and learn about the mountains. Yes, you must like trekking.

Preferably from a media background. We prefer if you are a journalist or from the media.This is not an absolute must, but someone who has an idea about how to write for the web, how to structure articles, what kind of content works, will really help. We’re alright if you are from a different line looking to switch to writing, provided you fulfill point one.

Someone with at least two years of work experience (any industry). Work experience does not have to be in writing or media. When someone comes with work ex, they bring in new perspectives and wisdom from their previous work. If you are freshly starting out then impress us with your writing.

Someone willing to be Bengaluru based. This is an absolute must. We’re looking for those willing to work full time from our Bengaluru office.

Apply by writing a 300 word piece on “How content is changing the future of trekking”.

6. Asst Creative Coordinators (part-time, home based)

This is a part-time home based role for those who cannot join our office. This role suits those who are temporarily not at their current work. The role requires you to be part of our writing team.

The responsibilities are varied, but usually specialised. For example, you may be required to write articles for our trek pages, or sometimes write independent articles. Or you may be asked to work with our social media team. Each of these roles are usually very independent and creative in nature. It requires you to nurture the responsibility on your own.

Which is why we are not looking for those who are fresh out of college. Prior work experience in other industries in good positions best suit these roles. You do not need prior experience in creative or writing roles. However, if you do have journalism background, it helps. We’ll anyway put you through a training program to show you how to write for these roles.

This role cannot be done after office hours. It does not suit those who would like to supplement their regular income after office hours.

The role, needless to say, requires impeccable written English skills. You need to commit to 5-6 hours a day for this. This would be at usual office hours, but with some flexibility. We work on Saturdays too, so the work is between Monday and Saturday. Salary starts at 2.4 lakhs per annum.

Indiahikes website is known for its high quality images. We are looking at photographers who can take the level of images higher on our website. 

Photographers with excellent photography skills suit the role. If your photographs have been featured anywhere, then you are already the kind of person we are looking at. 

This role does not suit those who want to go on treks and shoot photographs. This role is similar to a newspaper editors. Like a newspaper editor, here too you decide on which photograph to select, feature and showcase on the Indiahikes website. You are also required to take the website forward in terms of the quality of imagery. While you do get opportunity to go on treks, that is the not what happens everyday.

We like those who have multiple skills. A knowledge of video film making would be helpful. A good sense of design is required. Understanding website design and how it works is very important.

Technical skills: You must know Photoshop/Lightroom, Final Cut Pro/Premier Pro and After Effects. This role is based in Bengaluru and is full time.

To apply send us links to your photos (do not attach any images), along with the prescribed application process. 

7. Technology Coordinator (part-time, home based)

Sandhya Chandrashekarayya: You will work directly with me. I am looking at someone who will drive all technology projects at Indiahikes. At Indiahikes we have a lot of technology projects — some of them to make our work easier and some that takes trekking forward. As a technology coordinator you need to interact with developers, work out a time estimate and follow up with both the developers and Indiahikes team members. Yes, a bit of project management is part of the role. But the main role is to take technology at Indiahikes forward.

This role suits if you are in the IT world with minimum of 3-4 years of work experience. The work will take 5-6 hours everyday, in regular working hours. Salary starts at Rs 3.0 lakhs per annum.

Indiahikes is hiring. If you are looking for an adventurous career option in India, or any other career in the trekking world, check the openings here.

Working With Indiahikes

Kedarkantha Trek

Surya Top

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

Pangarchulla Peak Trek

Phulara Ridge Trek

Everest Base Camp (Classic Route)

Bijli Mahadev Trek

Har Ki Dun

Gurez Valley Trek

Bali Pass Trek

Dayara Bugyal Trek

Khopra Ridge Trek

Nag Tibba Weekend Trek

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri Trek

Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Brahmatal Trek

Dayara Bugyal Summer Camp

Kuari Pass Trek

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Trekking Summer Camp on Deoriatal Chandrashila

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek

Kedarkantha Summer Camp Trek

Manali Kaisdhar Trek for Beginners

Pench Mowgli Trek

Ala-Kul Trek - Kyrgyzstan

Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

Valley of Flowers

Hampta Pass Trek

Goa Netravali Forest Trek

Bodpathri Trek

Buran Ghati Trek

Minchukallu Betta Weekend Trek

Rupin Pass

Narmada Backwaters Trek

Goechala Trek

Brammah Valley Trek

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Bhrigu Lake Trek

Channarayana Durga Weekend Trek 

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Kedartal Trek

Miyar Valley

Warwan Valley Trek

Beas Kund Trek

Nafran Valley Trek

Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Tulian Lake Trek

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Ranthan Kharak Trek

Georgia Atsunta Pass Trek

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

Mount Rinjani Trek

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Youth Camp on Ali Bedni Bugyal

Winter Trekking Camp for Children

Bananthimari Betta Trek

Chandranahan Lake Trek

Benog Tibba Trek

Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek

Chirbatiya Weekend Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Gidara Bugyal

Deoban Weekend

Gutirayan Peak Trek

Biligundlu Cauvery River Trek

Kanamo Peak Trek

Ghepan Lake

Roopkund Trek

Dafeybhir Pass Trek

Horagina Betta Trek

Kumara Parvatha Trek

Chadar Trek

Arshan Valley Trek

Makalidurga Trek

Halu Chilume Gange Trek

Kugti Pass Trek

Netravati Trek

Satpura Forest Trail

Karnala Fort Trek

Neelkanth Mahadev Lake Trek

Kudremukh Trek

Bekal Beach Trek

Bijli Mahadev To Naggar Trek

Harishchandragad Trek

Doodhpathri Trek

Triund Trek

Pin Parvati Pass

Channarayana Durga Trek

Bhimashankar Trek

Rajgad Trek

Rajmachi Trek

Satopanth Tal Trek

Sathuragiri Hill Trek

Sinhagad Fort Trek

Kalavantin Durg Trek

George Everest Peak Trek

Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Trek

Auden's Col

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.  

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