During the lockdown of COVID, as I was sitting back, flipping through photos of the last four years I’d spent exploring the Himalayas, it hit me. I saw how being out there, in the wild, had this incredible impact on people. And I kept talking with friends, and we all felt the same – that there wasn’t really anyone out there, an organization, really talking about what you learn from the Outdoors.
And that’s where OWLS comes in. Born, really, from this deep desire to give back some of what I’d soaked up, what I’d lived, through all those years. The idea? It really cemented itself when I was on a bike trip, all the way out to Tsomoriri, in Ladakh. You know that feeling when an idea just clicks? That was it. And hey, a little secret for you: OWLS? It stands for Outdoor Wilderness Learning School.
OWLS is my passion project, born from a simple but profound idea: to offer the most authentic outdoor experiences imaginable. These aren’t just tours; they’re curated journeys into the heart of nature and culture.
My own travels have shaped OWLS. I’ve journeyed to remote terrains, immersed myself in local life, and witnessed wildlife in its raw beauty. Now, I’ve crafted these experiences to invite you to step into this world.
That’s the essence of OWLS – an invitation for you to experience the world as an explorer, to experience outdoors in its most authentic form.
While you might see me out front a lot, the magic at OWLS truly happens thanks to our incredible team. My amazing wife, Anagha, is the creative heart and soul at OWLS, keeping me (mostly!) sane through the journey. My best friend of 15 years, Akash, has been key in overcoming big challenges and delivering major projects at OWLS. And two mentors(and friends), Kranthi and Anupam Dada, who’ve been with me since the start. It’s this whole crew that makes the OWLS experience what it is.
Himanshu Singla
(Founder)
Dr. Anagha Parate
(Co-Founder)
Akash Jain
(Advisor)
Kranthi Gundavaram
(Investor and Advisor)
Anupam Dutta
(Business Advisor)
Growing up with limited resources in my village, I made the decision to pursue further education in Kota, which ultimately led me to IIT BHU. Like many fresh graduates with big dreams, I jumped into the startup world by joining OYO in its early days. That job taught me a ton, especially how crucial building connections is in any business. Honestly, I was never really unhappy with the 9-to-5 routine – it just didn’t bother me. But, I did get a little too comfortable and maybe put on a few extra pounds! All the while, there was this constant pull towards the Himalayas that I kept ignoring.
Finally, I decided to take the plunge. I left my job and backpacked through Southeast Asia for a bit. I also took a mountaineering course, and that’s where I met Devang. He opened my eyes to the possibility of working in the mountains. As an Outdoor Educator, I ended up leading over 100 batches in the Indian Himalayas. It was during an experiential learning program with IIM that my perspective really shifted. I witnessed firsthand the powerful transformations that happen through challenge and discovery. That’s when the seed for OWLS really started to grow in my mind.
Every now and then, I get these amazing glimpses of my vision coming to life – seeing people uncover little pieces of themselves and tap into their true potential. For me at OWLS, the people I work with are everything. They’ve hugely impacted my own journey in the outdoors, and I truly hope the outdoors has a similar impact on you too.
