At the Adventure Tourism Meet in Shillong, Altaf H. Chapri—Co-Founder and Managing Director of ABChapri Retreats and Director of Discovery Journeys India—spoke passionately about the enormous scope for adventure tourism in both the Northeast and Kashmir. “The entire Northeast has massive potential,” he said. “From the mountains to the rivers, the nature and the people—it’s a treasure waiting to be explored.” Chapri praised the event as a meaningful step in that direction. “This meet is a really great way forward,” he added. “It gives local populations and students a platform to learn and take away new ideas for the future.”
However, Chapri cautioned that while the Northeast’s natural wealth is unmatched, issues of stability and local infrastructure still need attention. Drawing parallels with Kashmir, he noted how the Valley’s adventure landscape has captivated travellers for centuries. “Kashmir has been a magnet from the Mughals to the British,” he said. “Adventure tourism has always been its core. From treks and river rafting to skiing and cultural trails, it offers everything an adventurer could want.”
Chapri elaborated on the diverse range of experiences Kashmir can offer. “There are treks that range from five to fourteen days, ski slopes in Tosa Maidan that can rival Gulmarg, and water safaris through the lakes—from our houseboat in Srinagar up to Manasbal,” he explained. “It’s a complete adventure ecosystem—mountains, rivers, and culture.” Yet, he was candid about the challenges. “Unless we have political stability and the right policies, there’s only so much we can do,” he said. “The private sector can invest its time and resources, but without a stable environment, progress will always be limited.”
For Chapri, the key to sustainable growth lies in early education and global-standard training. “Before building roads and bridges, we need to start in schools—educating children from Class 1 about sustainable and adventure tourism,” he emphasised. “We must also select the best guides from each area and send them abroad for safety and climbing training. Only then can we match international standards.”
Chapri’s vision extends beyond regions and destinations. He believes India’s adventure potential stretches from the Western Ghats to the Himalayas, from Kerala’s backwaters to Rajasthan’s desert hills. “India presents one of the best adventure portfolios in the world,” he said. “What we need now is focus, collaboration with local communities, and a collective commitment to sustainability and excellence.”
Through his work at ABChapri Retreats and Discovery Journeys India, Chapri continues to blend high-end hospitality with authentic exploration—proving that true adventure lies not only in the landscapes we discover, but in how responsibly we engage with them.