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Rajesh Ojha and Captain Ajay Sud started it all in
1994, giving birth to the very first Banjara Camp in
Sangla valley. It remains a labour of love for them and
the realization of the dream for which they abandoned the
pursuit of conventional careers.
There is no real division of roles in Team Banjara.
However, because of his army background, over the years
Ajay has naturally taken on the role of the logistics
expert, ensuring that each of the camps and retreats run
with informal yet military efficiency. On the other hand,
the more affable Rajesh does what he does best and as a
person looking after marketing and guest relations, his
face is the one you are likely to encounter more often.
Prakash Thakur was the village Pradhan of Thanedar
from 1985 to 1995 and Zila Parishad member from 1999 to
2000. This 46 year old gentleman farmer shares two vital
traits with Team Banjara - an undying passion for the
Himalayas, and an unyielding commitment to the
preservation of the beautiful and enchanting way of life
among these majestic mountains. He is today a much loved
member of the team.
Mr. C. P. Dorjay His love for Ladakh was enough
to make this mountain man head towards his home after he
had obtained his Doctorate in Geology from Punjab
University. He was the President of Ladakh Buddhist
Association for three years where he actively got involved
in conserving the local culture. CP has been organizing
Geo-tourism in Ladakh for the past 10 years and his
personal interest in each and every guest combined with
the old world hospitality has ensured a steady stream of
visitors to Ladakh. At present, the ever smiling CP is the
President of the Ladakh Heritage Conservation Council.
Rajinder Rajinder is a localite of Spiti Valley
and an extremely knowledgeable one at that, so much so
that he is a true asset to have around when on a tour of
Spiti . He is involved with a local NGO which carries out
projects for the benefit of the Spiti's environment and
people. He is actively involved in running the Tabo and
Kaza retreats and his cheerful personality can be seen at
the retreats ready and willing to interact with guests.
His goal is to put Spiti on the Global Tourism map.
And of course, there are the back-room boys -too many to
mention individually -who go about their work with silent
efficiency that ensures your total comfort. They are
sometimes seen, but hardly ever heard, contributing
greatly to the tranquility of the surroundings. Also, the
story will be incomplete without the mention of the
inimitable Dhanpat, the man behind the great
meals, and his merry band of culinary assistants. Among
them, they have enough of a magic touch to be able to
constantly delight your palates with a varied fare that
tastes just right in these faraway places.
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