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I’ve always felt at home in the mountains. Growing up in Amer, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Rajasthan’s hills, my youth was defined by endless hours of exploration. In those days, before digital life took over, we didn’t have smartphones or screens to keep us occupied. My friends and I spent our time outdoors running through the hills, climbing trails, and immersing ourselves in the natural beauty around us. It’s those early experiences that planted a deep love for the outdoors in me, something that has stayed with me through every stage of my life.
Even now, I’ve built my life around this passion. I live along the Columbia River in Washington State, drawn to its mountains and water resources. I’ve traveled to over twenty-five countries, hiking and exploring wherever I could, with Nepal being one of my favorite destinations. But the mountains of Amer have always been special to me, they’re where my love for nature began.
In 2019, my professional journey took me from the U.S. to Asia for a long-term assignment. I began in Thailand, working on a project for Krungsri Auto, before moving to Singapore for a government initiative. When the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, I traveled back to India to check on my family and ended up staying in Amer longer than expected. During this time, I decided to build Zero Amer, a hospitality project inspired by the heritage and culture of the region. It was also during this extended stay that another idea began to take shape.
One of my close friends, Yash, is an advocate by profession but shares my love for hiking. Every morning, he would explore the Aravalli Range and the trails around Amer Palace and Jaigarh Fort before heading to work. During my stay, hiking and running with him became part of my fitness routine. One morning, as we climbed the trails together, we realized how special these paths were, not just for their beauty but for the sense of peace and connection they offered. That’s when the idea of creating a guided hiking experience was born.
Building the experience strategy
We were confident that Amer’s rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural wonders would captivate visitors. But we also knew that creating a meaningful experience required thoughtful planning and a clear strategy. To build credibility, we began by offering free hikes to friends, local groups, and visitors. These early hikes weren’t just a way to refine our routes; they were about gathering feedback, capturing moments, and understanding what made the experience truly special. Yash and I would always host these hikes together, ensuring each visitor felt welcomed and cared for, even if it was just one person joining us.
Over time, we started documenting these hikes with photographs that highlighted the beauty of the trails, the incredible sunrise views, and the stories tied to each landmark. When it came time to create the Airbnb listing, we focused on sharing these visuals and emphasizing the authenticity of the experience. Once the listing was approved, we continued hiking together until I returned to the U.S. in July 2022. By then, we had built enough rapport with visitors and gathered enough momentum for the experience to stand strong on its own.
Continuing the journey
Since my return to the U.S., Yash has taken the lead in hosting the experience. However, life has brought changes for him as well. With the arrival of his newborn baby and his growing responsibilities as an advocate, time has become more limited. To adapt, we’ve kept the Airbnb experience calendar flexible, opening it only when Yash has the availability to meaningfully host. This approach ensures that every visitor still gets the best possible experience.
"An unforgettable sunrise hike with stunning views of Amer Palace and serene trails filled with peacocks. Yash’s storytelling and the delicious samosas made it a perfect experience." - Laura, March 2024
"Incredible from start to finish! Yash tailored the hike to explore hidden temples and shared fascinating stories. The sunrise over the Aravalli Hills was magical." - Sara, January 2024
"A hidden gem in Jaipur! The peaceful trails, incredible wildlife, and Yash’s deep knowledge of the region created a truly unique experience." - Pondy, March 2023
"An inspiring hike with breathtaking views and rich history. Discussing philosophy with Yash while watching the sunrise was an unforgettable highlight." - Charles, October 2022
As I write this in January 2025, the experience has reopened after a brief pause, and bookings continue to pour in. The flexibility of the Airbnb platform has been a tremendous help, allowing us to balance personal and professional commitments while staying true to the essence of the hiking experience. The journey that started as a simple idea during a morning hike has grown into something that continues to connect people with the natural and cultural treasures of Amer, one step at a time.
If you are planning to visit the region, I encourage you to explore this unique hiking experience. You may also reach out for any support with hospitality or travel related needs in Rajasthan.