Sobendra Singh, the founder of Himalayan Dream Treks, grew up in Katkhet, a small mountain village located on the border of Tehri and Uttarkashi.
Like most children raised in the Himalayas, his childhood was shaped not only by breathtaking landscapes but also by realities that are rarely visible to visitors: long walks for basic needs, limited healthcare facilities, lack of nearby schools and scarce employment opportunities.
This lived experience is not unique to Sobendra alone. A majority of the Himalayan Dream Treks team comes from Uttarakhand and Nepal, born and raised in mountain villages. We have seen mountain life from very close not as tourists, but as locals who understand both its beauty and its challenges.
Uttarakhand is undeniably stunning. Many travelers visit once and dream of settling here forever. But behind the postcard views lies another truth.
Even more than two decades after becoming a separate state, many Himalayan villages still struggle with basic infrastructure, education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods. Migration remains common. Young people leave the mountains not because they want to, but because they have no choice.
This reality is what shaped not only Himalayan Dream Treks but also the birth of the HDT Foundation.
The Journey of Himalayan Dream Treks
Founded in 2019, Himalayan Dream Treks began with a simple yet powerful idea, local youth coming together to share their mountains with the world while creating dignified livelihoods at home.
What started as a small initiative gradually grew into a trusted trekking community. Over the years, we connected with trekkers, mountaineers, nature lovers and well-wishers from across the country and globe. We built a team that believes deeply in responsible tourism, local empowerment and ethical outdoor practices.
But as we grew, so did our sense of responsibility.
These mountains are not just trekking routes for us, they are where we learned to walk.
- Where our culture was formed.
- Where our deities reside.
- Where silence teaches more than noise ever could.
Giving back was never an afterthought; it was always part of the journey.
Why HDT Foundation Was Formed
In October 2024, this long-held intention took shape as HDT Foundation, a registered Public Charitable Trust based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
HDT Foundation was created with a clear purpose, to work beyond trekking, towards the long-term well-being of Himalayan communities and ecosystems.
The foundation focuses on:
- Education and awareness
- Environmental conservation
- Community welfare
- Sustainable outdoor learning
We believe that the Himalayas cannot be protected by admiration alone. They need awareness and accountability, especially from those who benefit from them the most.
Our Core Belief
Outdoor Learning as a Tool for Change
At the heart of HDT Foundation lies a strong belief: Outdoor experiences, when conducted responsibly, can shape confident, resilient and socially aware individuals.
Mountaineering, trekking and adventure activities are not just recreational pursuits
They teach:
- Discipline and teamwork
- Respect for nature
- Mental strength and resilience
- Leadership and responsibility
Through HDT Foundation, we aim to make these experiences accessible, safe, inclusive, and also educational, especially for youth from underprivileged and marginalized backgrounds.
What HDT Foundation Works Towards
- Training and Skill Development
The foundation provides structured training in mountaineering, trekking, rock climbing and adventure sports. These programs focus on skill-building, safety awareness, leadership development, and professional guidance through certified instructors.
- Promotion of Responsible Mountaineering and Trekking
We actively encourage safe and sustainable adventure practices by organizing treks, expeditions, workshops and outdoor learning programs. The focus is on minimizing environmental impact while maximizing learning and personal growth.
- Environmental Conservation and Awareness
Protecting fragile Himalayan ecosystems is a core priority. HDT Foundation conducts:
- Clean-up drives on trekking routes
- Awareness programs on waste management
- Eco-friendly practice campaigns
- Collaborations with local communities, NGOs and authorities
The aim is not just clean trails, but conscious travelers.
- Education and Public Awareness
The foundation organizes seminars, workshops, and community programs focusing on: environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, mountain safety and, and responsible adventure ethics.
These programs help bridge the gap between education and real-world application.
- Research and Documentation
The Himalayas are rich in biodiversity, culture, and history yet much remains undocumented. The foundation supports research and documentation of:
- Trekking routes
- Flora and fauna
- Cultural heritage
- Mountain communities
This knowledge plays a crucial role in sustainable tourism planning.
- Support for Local Communities
HDT Foundation works closely with Himalayan communities to:
- Promote responsible tourism
- Create local employment opportunities
- Support education and health initiatives
- Encourage self-reliance
True sustainability begins when local communities are active stakeholders, not passive observers.
- Service Without Profit
All activities under HDT Foundation are driven by service, not profit. Funds are raised through donations and contributions to support education, conservation and community welfare initiatives.
- Disaster Relief and Community Support
The foundation extends relief and assistance during natural calamities such as floods, earthquakes, fires and other emergencies, supporting affected communities and collaborating with relief organizations.
Working Together for a Sustainable Himalayan Future
HDT Foundation actively collaborates with:
- Local communities
- Volunteers
- Educational institutions
- Government bodies
- Like-minded organizations
Through grassroots initiatives, training programs and awareness campaigns, we strive to bridge the gap between education, environment, and community well-being.
Our Promise to the Himalayas
HDT Foundation stands on three pillars:
- Responsibility towards nature
- Empowerment through education
- Inclusive and sustainable development
This foundation is our way of giving back to the mountains that raised us, protecting their ecosystems, strengthening their communities, and ensuring that future generations inherit not just beautiful landscapes, but a healthy, thriving Himalayan way of life.
Because for us, the Himalayas are not a destination.
They are home.
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