Reviews

“Traveling with Aghaghia is a Very Special Opportunity”

★★★★★

Traveling through Kinnaur with Aghaghia was an extraordinary experience. The region itself is breathtaking—towering mountains, beautiful valleys, remote villages, and spectacular hiking—but what made the trip truly special was experiencing it with someone who has such a deep knowledge of and genuine love for the area.

Going with Aghaghia offers a kind of cultural immersion that would be very difficult to experience as an ordinary traveler. Because of her long-standing connections in Kinnaur, we met people she knows, spent time in local communities, and visited fascinating places that we never would have discovered on our own. Instead of simply seeing Kinnaur, we had the opportunity to experience something of the life, culture, history, and traditions of the region from the inside.

The hiking was wonderful and took us through some incredibly beautiful landscapes, but the encounters with people along the way were every bit as memorable. Aghaghia’s knowledge of Kinnaur—its culture, history, geography, and people—is remarkable, and her affection for the region is infectious. She has a wonderful ability to provide context and insight while still allowing experiences to unfold naturally.

If you want more than a conventional sightseeing trip and are interested in really getting to know this beautiful and fascinating part of India, traveling with Aghaghia is a very special opportunity. I came away with not only wonderful memories of Kinnaur’s spectacular scenery and hiking, but also a much deeper appreciation for the people and culture of the region.

“What Made the Trip Special was all the Personal Connections”

★★★★★

“Attentive to Everyone’s Personal Needs”

★★★★★

One of the best trips I ever took was with Aghaghia. She knows the people of Kinnaur both academically and on a very personal level. It was a constant treat to be invited into people’s homes and have conversations about their fascinating lives. She took us to a part of India that most outsiders don’t consider seeing and helped us appreciate it on a very deep level. She also marched us up and down spectacular mountains, managing all the time to be attentive to everyone’s personal needs and limitations. Sign up for a trip with her and start training.

“Ranks Among the Most Memorable Trips We’ve Ever Taken”

★★★★★

My partner and I had the pleasure of traveling to India with Aghaghia a few years ago. Although we have traveled extensively, we had never been to India and really didn’t know what to expect. We had heard stories about how challenging traveling there can be, but honestly, none of that came to pass. Quite the opposite: we had an extraordinary experience that ranks among the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken. We traveled ahead of the group to the Golden Triangle, including the Taj Mahal, and with Aghaghia’s advice and guidance, had a wonderful experience. After those first few days, we met up with the group and continued on to Kinnaur.

Aghaghia had created an inspiring itinerary, with beautiful day hikes through the foothills of the Himalayas, ranging from easy to quite challenging. I chose to skip some of the more difficult hikes and instead spent time exploring a nearby town. Either way, there was so much to discover. The landscape was truly breathtaking, and the people incredibly welcoming.

Aghaghia has spent many years in this region. She knows the people, understands the customs, and has developed relationships that run much deeper than those of a typical tour guide. They welcomed her — and, by extension, us — like family. We received blessings from a village lama, spent an afternoon with a Buddhist scholar and translator, and witnessed a harvest blessing at a local temple.

This is not a drive-by tourist vacation. It is an immersive, meaningful, beautifully curated experience that allows you to connect with a place and its people in a way that most travelers never have the opportunity to do. It is an experience you will cherish for years to come.

“Knowledgeable Guide, This is a Once in a Lifetime Trip”

★★★★★

When I received the announcement of Aghaghia’s trip to the Himalayas, I had never been to India: too big, too hot, too scary, just too much to cope with. I have traveled throughout the world, and have seen spectacular sights: from the Galapagos to the Grand Canyon. I grew up in the Rockies and have visited the Alps many times, but the grandeur of the Himalayas, at this elevation, this far north, is unrivalled in my experience.

Aghaghia is also unrivalled. Her command of the language and familiarity with the country served us from day one, as we eased into a taste of Delhi, one of the most populated cities in the world. Then we headed north.  Aghaghia’s deep roots in the village of Kalpa, going back 16 years, made it a very personal trip for all of us. We were introduced to old friends and invited to sit at their fires and share their food.

One couple was preparing for the wedding of a son, which was a highly anticipated social event in Kalpa. We were invited into their tiny dwelling, while special foods were being prepared, homemade apricot wine was brewing, and festivities were in the air. Everywhere, we were offered chai and walnuts by strangers as we passed by on our hikes.

The hikes were well planned, well-paced, sometimes challenging, always thrilling. I opted out of a particularly long hike one day, and had a wonderful time by myself wandering in the village and environs.

I can’t stress enough how special it was to be with Aghaghia, as she continually shared with us her research and the knowledge she’s gained of the area and the people over the years.

The sight of terraced orchards of pink and white apple blossoms twinkling with a light touch of newly fallen snow, with a backdrop of some of the highest peaks in  the world – indescribable.

If you’re looking for a trip to India in which you’re sheltered behind the walls of a 5 star hotel, you should probably look elsewhere. But if you want to explore the remote north of the country, in a small group, with a knowledgeable guide, this is a once in a lifetime trip.

“I also Loved How Beautifully Everything was Curated”

★★★★★

I highly recommend this cultural immersion tour with Aghaghia!

What made this trip so special was the beautiful combination of hiking, cultural immersion, genuine connection, and an intimate small-group experience. I loved the rhythm of hiking each day, with time to rest, take in the incredible scenery, and form the kind of bonds that naturally develop when you spend long days walking together.

The village walks, high-mountain treks, and opportunities to meet local people were definite highlights. Being invited into people’s homes, sharing tea, hearing their stories, and learning about Kinnauri traditions gave the journey a depth that went far beyond simply visiting a beautiful place. Aghaghia brought tremendous knowledge, education, and language skill to the experience, drawing on her extensive studies to help us understand the culture, history, and traditions in a much more meaningful way.

I also loved how beautifully everything was curated. The hotel was warm, friendly, spacious, and comfortable, with beautiful views and wonderful food. Every detail felt thoughtfully chosen, with an impeccable sense of taste.

For me, it was the combination of adventure, beauty, learning, cultural connection, connection to the earth, physical activity, and time to simply be present that made this such a memorable journey. It felt like truly experiencing a place and its people rather than simply traveling through it.

“Beautifully Organized”

★★★★★

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to accompany Aghaghia and a small group of fellow travelers on an unforgettable journey to the Kinnaur region of the Himalayas. The lodging, the meals, local transportation and excursions into the surrounding countryside and villages were all beautifully organized. All we had to do was take in the breathtaking views of the 20,000-foot Himalayan peaks rising above and follow Aghaghia as she led us to some of her favorite villages and hikes. I can’t imagine a better guide. Aghaghia’s love of the land, her respect for the people and their culture, and her knowledge of the area enriched every day of our visit. It was a wonderful way to see this beautiful part of the world and learn about it firsthand.