2022 has been a redefining year for @onhisowntrip . As Indians continue to go everywhere in hordes, we at OHOT decided we wouldn’t just bank on the Ladakhs, Spitis and Kashmirs to put up trips, but find new destinations.
On New Years itself, we opened up a new destination – Lakshadweep. The following week Radhika went off in the coldest month of the year to Everest Base Camp.
Radu too has played a big role in pushing OHOT to new levels. While I had my doubts about taking groups for high altitude treks, it was because of her insistence we put up Annapurna trek in May. The success of that, the beautiful landscapes, the emotions of the group, buoyed us on and now we are also introducing treks to Everest Base Camp this September.
This year, we became one of the first travel companies outside Kashmir to lead a Gurez trip. While the rest of Kashmir was bursting at its seams with tourists, we had a delightful time in Gurez. I remember telling my Kashmir agent to strengthen his operations in Gurez as within a year or two, its tourism will boom. Within weeks, we saw a rival travel company put up the same trip. We weren’t surprised. In the past, we have been among the first ones to start Kashmir winter trips around new years (2017), and were also one of the first companies outside of North East to start Nagaland – Dzukou valley treks which soon many others started. And of course, Balkans Europe, from India, only we do.
This August, we are also doing a trip to Kenya. It will be our first foray into Africa. We are also excited about bringing Tanzania and Mt Kiliminjaro, Uganda and the iconic Gorilla Trek, Ethiopia and it’s active volcanoes to the Indian audience by 2023.
In October, we are planning Turkey and Radu is scouring cute beach towns, cafes and we shall soon make the trip live with some unique activities. For New Years, we’re flirting with the idea of a trip to Northern Lights or to South America’s Peru.
One needs to do the same things well, and ideally better every day. But every now and then, one needs to push their comfort zones and venture into the unknown. A rolling stone gathers no moss, and here at OHOT, we are going to keep rolling, baby!