“Most people retire from their profession; Captain Ajay Sud retired into his passion. Banjara Camp is not merely a destination—it is the story of a dream built stone by stone in the heart of the Himalayas.”

Words : Nidhi Sharma, Founder, Deventure India Travel Company

For nearly two decades, the Himalayas have been a part of my life. Since 2008, during the days of Raid De Himalaya, I have travelled extensively through Spiti, Kinnaur, and Ladakh. Year after year, I crossed Kinnaur on my way to Spiti and Leh, passing through Kalpa countless times. Yet, strangely, one of the region’s most beautiful destinations—Sangla Valley—always remained unexplored.

In May 2026, I finally decided it was time.

From 17th to 22nd May, I embarked on a journey that I had unknowingly postponed for years. As the founder of Deventure India Travel Company, I had sent hundreds of travellers to Sangla Valley, recommended its hotels, planned itineraries, and listened to guests return with glowing reviews. Yet I had never experienced the valley myself.

This trip was meant to change that.

Our journey into Sangla was adventurous from the very beginning. We reached the valley around 9:30 in the evening after navigating rough mountain roads. For most travellers, the road conditions might have seemed challenging, but for someone connected to the world of rallying and off-road driving, the route itself was part of the excitement.

For the next two nights, I stayed at the famous Banjara Camp & Retreat in Batseri Village. Nestled beside the crystal-clear Baspa River and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and apple orchards, the property immediately felt special. The beauty of the location was beyond anything I had imagined.

However, what made the stay unforgettable was not just the breathtaking landscape—it was meeting the man behind it all.

That evening, during dinner, I met Captain Ajay Sud, a retired Indian Army officer and the founder of Banjara Camp. What began as a casual conversation soon turned into hours of stories, experiences, and inspiration.

Like many retired officers, Captain Sud could have chosen a peaceful retirement. Instead, he chose to pursue a dream. Driven by his love for nature, trekking, and the mountains, he envisioned creating a retreat that would allow visitors to experience the true spirit of Sangla Valley.

The next day, as I explored the property and spent time with him, I began to understand the magnitude of his achievement.

Building a world-class retreat in a remote Himalayan valley was no easy task. Every stone, every wooden structure, every pathway, and every orchard represents years of hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment. The challenges of terrain, weather, transportation, and construction in such a remote location would have discouraged many people. Yet Captain Sud persisted.

What impressed me most was his continued involvement. Even today, he personally looks after the orchards and remains deeply connected to the property he created. Banjara Camp is not simply a business venture for him, it is a reflection of his life’s passion.

That evening, we gathered around a bonfire beside the Baspa River. The sound of flowing water mixed with the cool mountain breeze created the perfect atmosphere. As Pink Floyd played softly in the background, Me and Nidhi Bhalla enjoyed drinks, paneer tikka, and long conversations under the Himalayan sky.

Listening to Captain Sud speak about the early days of the project, the obstacles he faced, and the determination required to bring his vision to life was inspiring. Every corner of the property seemed to tell a story. The orchards spoke of patience. The stone walls spoke of perseverance. The entire retreat stood as a testament to one man’s belief that dreams are worth pursuing at any age.

During my stay, I realized that Banjara Camp is much more than a beautiful destination. It is the embodiment of a dream built through passion, courage, and relentless effort.

Our journey later took us to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Towering snow-covered mountains, pristine landscapes, and untouched natural beauty made for an unforgettable experience. We concluded our Sangla adventure with a stay at Sattva Pine Resort before continuing our travels.

Yet when I look back on this journey, what remains strongest in my memory is not just the scenery—it is the people.

Sangla Valley gave me exactly what I was searching for and much more. It introduced me to a destination I should have visited years ago, and it introduced me to a man whose story deserves to be told.

After visiting countless destinations across the Himalayas, I have learned that great places are often created by great people. Banjara Camp stands today because Captain Ajay Sud dared to dream beyond retirement and transformed that dream into reality.

Many travellers will visit Sangla Valley and remember its mountains, rivers, and landscapes. I will remember those things too. But I will also remember the evening conversations beside the Baspa River, the stories behind every orchard and stone wall, and the inspiring journey of a man who proved that passion has no retirement age.

Some journeys introduce us to new destinations. The best journeys introduce us to extraordinary people. Sangla Valley gave me both.