Our story
Born out of love for the Himalayas and its people
An award-winning social enterprise, run by locals in Kaza, making tourism beneficial for communities, travellers and the environment alike.
Since 2002
How it began
Ecosphere emerged from MUSE, an NGO founded by Ishita Khanna and friends, which initially focused on Seabuckthorn cultivation in Spiti before expanding into responsible tourism.
Our story began around 2000 with seabuckthorn — a hardy Himalayan berry — and grew into a social enterprise that today runs Sol Café, Taste of Spiti, Osel Rooms, Sol Eco-Hotel alongside our journeys. Our vision is simple: making tourism beneficial and memorable for everyone involved – the local communities, travellers and the environment.
What makes us different
A grassroots enterprise, not a tour desk
- Local, grassroots-focused operation since 2002
- Dual commitment to sustainable development and traveller experience
- Revenue-sharing model supporting community projects
- Integration of livelihood development with conservation and cultural preservation
- One of the most awarded and recognised responsible tourism interventions in the country
The people
Led by locals, driven by purpose
Founder
Ishita Khanna
Recognised as one of India's 50 leading social entrepreneurs, MTV Youth Icon, Ashoka Fellow.
Chhering Norbu
Operations Manager, traditional medicine practitioner
Anubhav Das
Finance & Marketing
Deepak Santosh
Adventure experience curator
Tanisha Bhandari
Social media & content
Vaishali Singha
Partnerships & Communications, MUSE
Plus a wider team supporting hospitality, driving, cooking and community dental services.
Recognition
One of the most awarded responsible-tourism interventions in the country
World Travel & Tourism Council Tourism for Tomorrow Award (2014)
Indian Responsible Tourism Award (2018)
Virgin Holidays World Responsible Tourism Awards (2010)
Ashden Awards Global Energy Award (2009)
Ashoka Fellowship (2008)
Sierra Club Green Energy and Green Livelihoods Achievement Award (2009)
Travel+Leisure Global Vision Award (2005)
Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award (2008)
L'Oréal Paris Femina Women Awards (2013)
CNN-IBN Real Heroes Award (2010)
Travel with us, make a difference
Every journey directly funds community initiatives across the Himalaya.