Thoreau once said, “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.” What good is all the month-end rejoicing for a salary if you haven’t lived a little? Fortunately, there are some people among us who are living an adventurous life full of no regrets. They stand tall as inspirations. Roots & Leisure loves bringing to you their stories in the hope that they change your weekend plans for the better.

So, say hi to Ashish Juyal, 28, who is a full-time traveler, trekker and biker, and permanently living in the Himalayas.

Ashish is from a small town called Satpuli, in the state of Uttarakhand, but is currently living in Rishikesh, in the Himalayas. He loves traveling on his bike, trekking and meeting new people. He is into photography as well and loves capturing the beautiful landscapes and life of the people living in the Himalayas through his lens.

He is also the founder of a travel and tour company called Incredible Outdoors that offers educational, camping, rafting and adventurous biking, motorcycle tours in the Himalayas, Rishikesh and Uttarakhand.

• Tell us a bit about yourself.

I started out as a door-to-door salesperson and working at a Reebok outlet. My life was pretty simple, until one day, my uncle hired me to work for his adventure travel company based in Rishikesh. I went to live with him and he made me join a mountaineering course at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in 2009. I gradually discovered my hidden love for the mountains and the life that was slowly about to unfold in front of me.

I am a Pahadi (a mountain-dweller) by birth, but I had never felt so great amidst the mountains like I do now. Life has changed for me since then and I never looked back.I currently run my travel and tour company along with my other team members. We plan travels and tours and create education and adventure learning programs for various schools and colleges across India.

• What were your most memorable trips since you started out?

My bike has been my consistent partner in all my solo travels. In 2010, I rode across the entire state of Uttarakhand on my bike. Later, I solo-travelled to Ladakh in 2011 and spent my entire winter there. I also participated in Kashmir Motorcycle Expedition in 2014 and Spiti & Pangi Valley Motorcycle expedition in 2015. I keep making short trips and treks across Uttarakhand from time to time.

“I have met a lot of people during my travels , but I fondly remember my meeting with Bachendri Pal (the first woman to climb Mount Everest, who belongs to Uttarkashi in Uttrakhand) at Kibber in Spiti valley.”

• Who has been your biggest inspiration to continue doing what you do?

I have met a lot of people during my travels across the time, but I fondly remember my meeting with Bachendri Pal( the first woman to climb Mount Everest, who belongs to Uttarkashi in Uttrakhand) at Kibber in Spiti valley.

I was a bit confused about life and my projections during that time. So, I made use of the opportunity and discussed my doubts with her, to which she responded positively. She was so happy to see me traveling fearlessly across the Himalayas for so many years now and we instantly shared a common vibe. She said, “You are doing just fine. Just keep following your heart, and everything will be fine.”

Ashish rides on his Royal Enfield Himalayan, around his hometown at Satpuli, Garhwal in Uttarakhand.

A post shared by Ashish Juyal (@travelling_monk) on Apr 27, 2017 at 9:05am PDT

Check out his travel venture Incredible Outdoors for some exclusive Himalayan tours. Here’s his Instagram, for daily travel inspirations.