Snow Leopard Adventures was founded in the ’90s when adventure tourism was still in its nascent stage in India. The man behind the company, Ajeet Bajaj, is a daredevil himself. He is a Padma Shri awardee, and also the first Indian to complete the Polar Trio by skiing to the North Pole, the South Pole, and the Greenland Ice Cap.
Excerpts from the interview with Ajeet Bajaj, Managing Director Of Snow Leopard Adventures
T+L India: Adventure tourism is growing in popularity. How did you come up with the idea of starting Snow Leopard Adventures, and what unique experiences do you offer adventure enthusiasts?
Ajeet Bajaj: My expeditions and travels across the world exposed me to the vast potential of adventure tourism. For me, adventure isn’t just a hobby; it’s a passion and a profession. Recognising India’s diverse landscapes brimming with unexplored avenues, I was inspired to establish Snow Leopard Adventures in 1990.
Our mission is to offer genuine, unforgettable, and sustainable experiences that bring individuals closer to nature. We meticulously curate trips including river rafting, trekking, mountaineering, sea kayaking, and wildlife safaris, both in the Indian subcontinent and globally.
T+L India: You’ve received numerous awards and recognitions for your contributions to adventure and tourism. What achievements are you most proud of in your career?
Ajeet Bajaj: While I truly appreciate the awards, the moments I cherish the most are the adventures I’ve had with my daughters, Deeya and Meghna—going kayaking, scuba diving, and skiing with them. Watching them flourish in the great outdoors fills my heart with immense pride. More than just a personal achievement, our experiences together convey a powerful message to our society—when given the opportunity, proper guidance, and encouragement, our girls can tackle any challenge and achieve unparalleled heights.
T+L India: What role do you see adventure and exploration playing in promoting environmental conservation?
Ajeet Bajaj: Adventure and exploration serve as a bridge, connecting individuals directly to the wonders of nature and the vulnerabilities of our ecosystem. There’s an unparalleled understanding that comes from witnessing phenomena like melting polar ice caps. Such experiences instill a profound respect for the environment, driving adventurers to become ambassadors for conservation and guardians of the pristine beauty they’ve been privileged to witness.
T+L India: What are some of the new adventure destinations around the world that you would recommend?
Ajeet Bajaj: India’s incredible North East is a mosaic of cultures, landscapes, and untapped adventures waiting to be explored; rafting in the Grand Canyon in the US is exhilarating; scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands; exploring Bhutan’s hidden treks; skiing in the Alps; and expeditions to Antarctica.
TAB Selects
Favourite adventure destination: India followed by the US for its world-class wilderness areas and highest safety and sustainability standards.
Travel essentials: First-aid kit, water bottle (to avoid single-use plastic), chocolate, sense of humour, and a spirit of adventure.
Related: TAB 2023: Meet Vasim Shaikh, Founder And CEO Of The Q Experiences
Written By
Adila Matra
Deputy EditorAdila Matra is a Delhi-based writer who likes to hop on board a bus and head to the Himalayas when she hears the call of the mountains. An ardent lover of hummus, Adila makes it a point to sample strange local dishes wherever she goes. When she is not travelling, she can be found lazing around, watching cool sci-fi shows or reading historical fiction.
