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!