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A Heartfelt Message from the Founders – Reflecting on 2024

As we sit down to reflect on the year gone by, we’re filled with a mix of emotions—gratitude, pride, and hope. 2024 hasn’t been without its challenges, but it has been a year that reminded us of why we started this journey in the first place.

ChaloHoppo has always been more than a company for us. It’s a dream rooted in the belief that travel can be transformative—for those who experience it and for the region we hold so close to our hearts. This year, that belief has only grown stronger.

We’ve seen first-hand the power of connection: between our guests and the incredible landscapes they explore, between our team and the purpose that drives us forward, and between the local communities who so generously welcome us into their lives. Every step we take, every milestone we cross, is because of people like you.

This letter is not just a reflection of the year but a thank you to every single one of you who have been a part of our journey.

To Our Team: The Heart of ChaloHoppo

We start with a simple truth—none of this would be possible without our team. From the moment we conceived ChaloHoppo, it has always been about working with people who share our vision, our values, and our passion for North East India.This year, our team has faced a mix of challenges. Running a company is never straightforward, but it is the behind-the-scenes work of our incredible team that keeps everything moving smoothly—whether it’s creating unforgettable itineraries, managing logistics on the ground, fine-tuning systems and processes, or sharing stories through content creation and marketing. Each of you has played a vital role in making this year a success.

We are deeply grateful for your unwavering commitment. You all continuously rise to the challenge, demonstrating the dedication that fuels ChaloHoppo’s mission. The energy and passion you bring every single day make us proud, and we are thankful to have such a talented and diverse group by our side. Thank you for everything you do.

To Our Guests: Thank You for Trusting Us

To our guests, we want to extend our deepest thanks for trusting us to be part of your journey. It’s not just the destinations you visit with us that are special; it’s the experiences you create, the stories you share, and the memories you take home.

In 2024, we were fortunate to welcome over 2,500 travellers from all corners of the world. Whether you were here for the first time or have travelled with us before, your enthusiasm and curiosity inspire us to push the boundaries and create even more memorable experiences. Your feedback, your stories, and your trust continue to motivate us, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share the beauty of North East India with you.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to welcoming many more guests in the future, creating experiences that last a lifetime.

To Our Local Partners: The Pillars of Our Work

A special note of gratitude goes to our local partners—the heart and soul of everything we do. We wouldn’t be able to offer the authentic, immersive experiences that we do without the knowledge, expertise, and generosity of the communities we work with.In 2024, we have continued to expand and strengthen our partnerships, and we’ve been fortunate to discover new regions, meet new faces, and collaborate with more communities than ever before. We’ve made deeper connections, and with that, we’ve been able to provide even richer experiences for our guests.Your work is invaluable, and we are immensely grateful for everything you do. From sharing your culture and traditions to helping us explore hidden corners of North East India, you’ve helped bring our vision to life. We look forward to continuing to grow and evolve together in the years ahead.

Key Milestones of 2024

It’s been a year of growth and accomplishments for ChaloHoppo, and we want to celebrate a few key milestones that are a testament to the hard work of our team, our guests, and our local partners:

  • ATOAI Award for Excellence for North East India: We are deeply honoured to have received this recognition for our efforts to promote the beauty, culture, and heritage of the region. It is a shared achievement with everyone who believes in our mission.
  • Ministry of Tourism Certification: We are proud to announce that we are now officially certified by the Ministry of Tourism at both the state and national levels. This recognition reflects our commitment to safe, responsible, and high-quality travel experiences.
  • Google Reviews: We are humbled to have maintained a 4.9 rating on Google, with over 300 reviews from our guests. Your feedback continues to inspire and push us to keep raising the bar.

These accomplishments remind us of how far we’ve come, and they motivate us to keep going further.

Expanding Our Reach: New Regions and Experiences

2024 has been a year of exploration and discovery. As always, our commitment is to share the authentic experiences of North East India with the world. This year, we expanded into new regions and refined the experiences we already offer:

  • Mizoram: We are thrilled to have ventured into Mizoram, a state that has been on our radar for a while. The landscapes, culture, and traditions here are a perfect fit for ChaloHoppo’s philosophy, and we can’t wait to share this beautiful part of the region with our guests.
  • Eastern Arunachal Pradesh: Our exploration into Eastern Arunachal Pradesh has opened up new possibilities for adventure and cultural immersion. This region is rich with untapped beauty and a fascinating history, and we are eager to continue expanding our operations here.
  • East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya: We have also extended our operations to the East Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, an area that offers breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity, and a cultural heritage that deserves to be shared with the world.
  • Assam: This year, we’ve focused on creating more experiences in Assam, particularly along the mighty Brahmaputra River. From dolphin sightings to birding expeditions, we’ve been able to offer unique insights into the natural wonders of this remarkable river.
  • Adventure Treks: 2024 also saw us venture into adventure tourism with treks such as the Bailley Trail, the 7 Lakes Trek in Arunachal Pradesh, and a riverside trek in Meghalaya. These treks, designed for adventure enthusiasts, are built on our deep understanding of the region’s terrain, combined with an emphasis on quality, safety, and responsible travel.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

As we look towards 2025, we are filled with excitement for the future. There is still so much more to do, and we are eager to continue building on the foundation we’ve set. Our vision for the future is clear: to offer transformative, authentic experiences that allow our guests to engage deeply with the culture, landscapes, and people of North East India.We are committed to supporting local communities, expanding our operations thoughtfully, and creating more diverse travel experiences. We’re also excited about continuing to innovate, refine our systems and processes, and engage with the wonderful people who make ChaloHoppo what it is.We could not have made it this far without the support of our team, our guests, and our local partners. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.

With sincere gratitude,

Devraj Barooah & John Raphael

The ChaloHoppo Team