The Soul Traveller Podcast: Guardians of the Himalayas with Ghanshyam Kalki Pande

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Nainital, The Soul Traveller sits down with the remarkable Ghanshyam Kalki Pande, a celebrated research professional, an award-winning author, and a true son of the mountains.

With nearly 15 years of experience dedicated to the Indian Himalayas, Ghanshyam shares his profound insights into the delicate balance of life in this majestic region. This isn't just a conversation; it's a journey into the heart of the Himalayas, exploring everything from sustainable livelihoods and community development to the soul-stirring world of adventure tourism. Join us for an inspiring discussion guided by one of the Himalayas' most passionate custodians.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• The Soul of Eco-Tourism: What does sustainable travel that genuinely supports local communities and ecosystems in the Himalayas truly look like?

• Citizen Science: How you, as a traveller or resident, can contribute to vital environmental research and conservation efforts in the mountains.

• An Award-Winning Perspective: The incredible story behind his contribution to a globally acclaimed FAO publication on Indigenous Food Systems, which won the Hallbar Hall of Fame Award.

• Livelihoods and Landscapes: The deep, intrinsic connection between the Himalayan people and their natural environment, and the challenges they face today.

• Adventures with Purpose: Ghanshyam’s personal stories and thrilling experiences from over a decade of fieldwork, from wildlife studies to coordinating trekking programs.

About Our Guest

Ghanshyam Kalki Pande is a distinguished research and development professional with close to 15 years of experience focused on the mountain and development sector of the Indian Himalayas. He is a winner of the prestigious Hallbar Hall of Fame Award for his contribution to the FAO's "Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems," recognized as the Best in the World Sustainability Publication in 2021 by the Alfred Nobel Museum, Sweden. His wide-ranging expertise includes eco-tourism management, community development, natural resource management, and citizen science. A skilled documentarian and designer, Ghanshyam brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge and creative communication to his mission of preserving the Himalayan ecosystem.