An Unconventional Traveler – The Journey Behind DarkGreen Adventures

It all started fifteen years ago. I was just a shy, introverted, and physically weak boy from a middle-class family who had never experienced anything remotely adventurous. One day, I decided to join a local trek in Maharashtra. That first experience left me completely drained, both physically and mentally. I returned exhausted, overwhelmed, and honestly—scared.

That boy was me.

Today, I am the founder of DarkGreen Adventures (DGA), one of the fastest-growing travel communities in India. As your trek leader and trip captain, I’ve guided thousands of people on unforgettable adventures. But the journey from being a timid teenager to becoming a passionate, full-time traveler was anything but easy or conventional. It’s a journey defined by struggle, self-discovery, courage, and a relentless pursuit of a life lived on my own terms.

Let me take you through this deeply personal and transformative journey—the story of an unconventional traveler.

Early Days – From Desert Dust to Distant Dreams

I was born and brought up in a small village in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan. Ours was a modest household where education was valued, but physical fitness, sports, or the idea of trekking through the mountains was virtually unknown. My family had never heard of mountaineering, and certainly never encouraged outdoor adventure.

As a kid, I could barely run 100 meters without getting breathless. While I performed well in school and excelled academically, there was always a lingering emptiness—a feeling that something was missing. That void, I later realized, was a lack of connection with the outdoors and my own physical potential. But being reserved and introverted, I never had the courage to express this need to my parents. In our world, academics were seen as the only legitimate path to success. Physical development or emotional expression wasn’t even in the conversation.

Engineering Days – Discovering the Mountains

Despite my limited exposure to the world, I was always drawn to numbers and logic. Being from a Marwari family, Mathematics was in my blood, and I naturally gravitated toward Mechanical Engineering. I joined a college located near the lush green hills of Karjat, Maharashtra—a place I would later come to cherish deeply.

It was in Karjat that I first saw a mountain—not in pictures, but right in front of my eyes. It was like a switch flipped in my mind. For the first time, I started to feel an unexplainable pull toward nature, toward something much bigger than myself. But I also had a deep fear of heights, or acrophobia, which kept me from venturing out alone.

The First Trek – Finding the Courage

After several months of contemplating and hesitating, I finally convinced a few friends to join me on a trek to Bhimashankar, a well-known trail in Maharashtra. I was 21 years old when I stood atop that mountain for the first time. That experience opened my eyes. Despite the fatigue, blisters, and aching muscles, I had never felt more alive. I discovered a version of myself that had been hidden under layers of fear and routine.

That trek was more than just a weekend escape—it was a life-defining moment. It made me realize that the world was far more beautiful and accessible than I had ever imagined, and that I had the potential to explore it.

Becoming a Participant – A Newfound Obsession

Back in my postgraduate days, social networking platforms like Orkut were popular. Through Orkut, I stumbled upon a trekking group. Despite being riddled with questions—mostly around safety and fitness levels—I decided to join a trek near Karjat.

That single outing changed everything. It was my first time traveling with strangers, and yet, it felt more fulfilling than anything I had experienced in a long time. That was the beginning of my consistent journey into trekking, nature exploration, and adventure travel.

Through the years, I went on several trips, including the Rann of Kutch Festival, where I got to experience the vast, magical landscape and unique culture of Kutch. These adventures became my obsession, constantly fueling my desire to explore more places like Egypt, Cambodia, and Norway’s Northern Lights.

Corporate Slavery – Living Someone Else’s Dream

After completing my M.Tech, like many others, I followed the path laid out for me. I took a high-paying corporate job to meet family expectations, pay off education loans, and take on a home loan. I achieved all the socially accepted milestones—good job, decent salary, steady routine. But deep inside, I was suffocating.

The 9-to-6 schedule, performance metrics, endless meetings—they drained me emotionally. The only moments I looked forward to were the occasional treks I managed during long weekends. One day, while searching online for a Himalayan trek, I came across the Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC). To my surprise, the cost was nearly the same as a weeklong Himalayan trip. I thought, “Why not spend an entire month in the mountains instead?”

But the question was—would I ever get 28 days leave for it?

Layoff – Life’s Unplanned Push

I applied for the course anyway, knowing the waiting list was nearly 1.5 years. Six months later, I was laid off from my job.

It was a hard pill to swallow, but also a blessing in disguise. I would have never quit on my own due to financial pressure and responsibilities toward my aging parents. But that layoff was life’s way of giving me a chance—an opportunity to reinvent myself and walk away from the soul-crushing corporate treadmill.

Solo Treks and the Birth of DGA

During that uncertain period, I began doing solo treks to clear my head. One weekend, I decided to post online and ask if anyone would like to join me on a hike. A few people responded. The group trek was a success, and I started doing this regularly.

That small experiment soon turned into something far bigger than I had imagined. I realized something very important—I would continue organizing these treks even if I never got paid. That’s when it hit me: this wasn’t just a hobby. It was my calling.

And so, DarkGreen Adventures was born.

DarkGreen Adventures – From a Dream to a Movement

What started as a solo man’s attempt to reconnect with nature has today grown into a thriving community of thousands of adventurers. We’ve explored hidden trails, remote beaches, dense forests, Himalayan passes, and everything in between. We’re not just a travel company. We’re a family that believes in meaningful travel, community, and human connection.

Our trips now span the globe, from the serene Sikkim to the remote corners of Vietnam, and even the pristine landscapes of Mauritius. We make sure that every journey we take, whether it’s a leisure Greece Tour Package or a rigorous trek through the wilderness, leaves our travelers transformed.

Basic Mountaineering Course – A Milestone of Change

A few months into running DGA, I got the news that I had been accepted into the Basic Mountaineering Course I had applied to over a year ago. My company was just starting to take off, and leaving for a month seemed risky. But I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t afford to miss.

So I planned accordingly, ensured my family was financially covered, and worked hard on my fitness before leaving for the mountains.

Shaping as a trek leader:

Shaping as a Trek Leader

The BMC was transformative. Trekking through steep Himalayan terrain for hours with a 20kg backpack tested both my physical and mental strength. I returned a changed man. I later went on to complete the Advanced Mountaineering Course, ran half marathons, and backpacked solo across virgin islands, forests, and snow-covered peaks.

These experiences not only made me a better trek leader but a better person—more resilient, patient, empathetic, and grounded.

The Present and the Future

Today, DarkGreen Adventures stands tall as a brand built on trust, safety, community, and real connections. Our trips aren’t about rushing through checklists. They’re about making memories, overcoming limitations, and rediscovering the joy of nature.

From weekend treks to international expeditions, from first-time hikers to seasoned mountaineers—we cater to all kinds of travelers, always with the same philosophy: authentic, mindful adventure.

Do I regret any of my decisions?

Does anyone ever regret a long warm hug at the end of the trip? Does anyone ever regret seeing the sparkle in the eyes of a little girl who saw snowfall for the first time? Does anyone regret making tons of memories with people all over the world? I don’t think so. Though I had my own struggles and still do at times, I believe all my decisions have made me the person I am today, a trip leader who makes every trip a tale!!!

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