Under the vigilant eye and exemplary leadership of the
Chapris, early explorers trekking through the Western
Himalayas surveyed some of the most treacherous terrain
in the region. What began as a leisurely diversion for
the men of the family over the years transformed into
a full time vocation; more than 130 years later, since
the first of the family stepped out to lead a band of
braves in the most dangerous mountain range (Karakorams)
in the world, the Chapri legacy survives to this day,
alive with the dash and dynamism of its founders.
Since 1870, when the first Chapri trekking outfit took
shape, the family owned unit has grown from a minnow (Kashmir
Trekking and Tours) into a graceful dolphin (Discovery
Journeys) that knows and swims the seas (the tourism industry)
skilfully. Discovery Journeys not only draws upon its
century old experience but has a qualified team of dedicated
tour specialists to back up and live up to its century-old
expertise, and Indian hospitality.
The Discovery family itself is a microcosm of diverse
Indian faiths and cultures and draws its strength from
this miscellany. Its members are recruited from around
the country and are thus capable of explaining and highlighting
the diversity of India, with clarity and confidence to
all guests. This is necessary, as with time the company’s
horizons have extended and it now covers a wider range
of luxury holidays, keeping in mind the needs of the modern
traveller.
Over 10 years now, Discovery has been associated with
some of the leading tour operators in UK, Europe and USA.
Synergising interests with its collaborators it has stimulated
growth on all fronts for its agents within and outside
India, discovering new routes and destinations, and putting
together fresh itineraries. The entire tour operation,
from the stage of planning to its execution, is carried
out with meticulous detail through its offices in Delhi,
Udaipur, Kochi, Leh and Srinagar, and associate bureaus
across India, Sri Lanka and Nepal; all teams monitor visitors’
activities, in their respective areas, to ensure a smooth
passage for the guests.
Discovery Journeys affiliations & corporate social
responsibilities
Since its inception Discovery family has addressed environmental
problems. Whether it was deforestation in the Kashmir
Valley or poaching of wildlife, it has always vociferously
spoken against the rot that has set in. One of the major
issues it raised was the protection of the Dal Lake and
waterways of Srinagar in Kashmir, which have fallen prey
to garbage disposal and being choked by litter and water
hyacinth. The concern led to the formation of the Jeel
Dal Protection Union and a disaster was averted, if not,
the famous Dal Lake would have been a one large heap of
rubbish and tangled vegetation.
Discovery continues to espouse the cause of conservation
and supports a number of organisations that include World
Wide Fund for Nature – India, Bombay Natural History
Society, Oriental Bird Club, Indian Wildlife Club, and
Travel Operators for Tigers. Each year a percentage, of
the company’s profits, is donated as “environment
fund” to aid programmes, run by these institutions.
They have now taken up the cudgels to save another rare
animal whose life and fate hangs tenuously from a thread,
on our planet. Discovery has thrown its weight behind
the Malabar Foundation in their fight to save the highly
endangered Olive Ridley Turtle breeding along the Malabar
Coast in Kerala. Another objective of the foundation is
conservation of the birds of Malabar whose habitat is
under threat owing to urbanisation and trawling along
the coast.
Discovery Journeys in the past has helped organise a number
of mega events, and has also played host to several international
celebrities.
Each year Discovery arranges “Brook Horse Rides”
in Rajasthan, for the Brook Hospital from UK; it has organised
the “Classic Himalayan Car Rally” across Rajasthan
and the Himalayas, as well as the “Silk Road Journey”
charting the ancient silk route through India. The year
2007 concludes for the company with the “Taj Mahal
Marathon” in Agra.
The company’s contribution in some ground breaking
scientific research needs special mention. It has played
a part in the botanical studies of Dr. Oleg Polunin, the
world-renowned botanist, culminating in the field guide
“Flowers of the Himalaya” – a bible
for those interested in the Himalayan blossoms. Another
major feather in Discovery’s cap is their role in
the ornithological research of Dr. Robert Fleming on Himalayan
birds and his superbly written and illustrated field guide
“Birds of Nepal and India”.
In addition to their botanical and ornithological contributions
Discovery has been privileged to be associated with Heinrich
Harrer, the author of “Seven Years in Tibet”
– a critically acclaimed book, made into a Hollywood
epic starring Leonardo DiCaprio; while Alistair Shearer,
Sanskrit scholar and teacher of meditation, who has authored
several books and travelogues on India and Hinduism –
“Buddha the Intelligent Heart”, “Hindu
Vision”, “Guide book to sacred places in North
India”, “Spirit of Asia” – has
been a friend, philosopher and guide to Discovery for
more than a decade.
Years ago, when Discovery Journeys was still Kashmir Trekking
and Tours, the Everest hero Tenzing Norgay called upon
the Discovery family. It was indeed a pleasure and privilege
to have him as a guest, and he in turn was considerably
pleased with the hospitality extended to him. At that
time he was personally guided and assisted by Yusuf Chapri
– the patriarch of the family.
In 1999 the President of Estonia arrived in India on a
state visit; he and his entourage were immensely impressed,
not only by the excellent arrangements and services provided
to his delegation by Discovery Journeys, but also deeply
touched by the cooperation and courteousness of its members.
In 2006, the celebrated lead singer of Rolling Stones,
Mick Jaeger spent a fortnight in Ladakh with his family
and took back pleasant memories of his stay in India and
the expertise of his hosts – Discovery Journeys.
A tribute to a family hero
In the year when India celebrated her freedom from the
British Empire, a tragic event marred Discovery’s
own festivities. Yusuf Chapri’s brother-in-law –
maternal uncle of the present directors Altaf and Bilal–
lost his life on an expedition in 1947.
Affectionately called “Raja” (king), he was
one of the pillars of the Discovery family; a veteran
of Himalayan journeys, in those days he had explored and
charted several routes in the Western Himalayas. His youthful
exuberance was like an elixir for everyone who travelled
with him and gave confidence to them in their own abilities
to perform better.
In that fateful year he led an expedition to China: this
was no regular trekking party out for Himalayan air, but
a special operation. He commanded a team who was on a
literary mission, flagging off from the Vale of Kashmir
through Ladakh into Tibet and China, and whose work on
the expedition is immortalised in his classic “Golden
Doorway to Tibet”.
Raja was killed somewhere in Tibet; his body was never
found! Discovery salutes its hero!
