Let’s Go Outdoors: Sandesh Lad’s Journey of Turning Travel into a Movement

Travel, for most of us, begins with a checklist, destinations to conquer, selfies to take, and milestones to flaunt. But for Sandesh Lad, the founder of Let’s Go Outdoors, the journey was never about lists or likes. For him, travel was, and still is, about immersing oneself in nature, learning from its rhythm, and letting the wilderness shape who we are. At 35, Sandesh Lad made a decision that would change the course of his life. He left behind the stability of a job and considered joining a well-known travel channel, even if it meant working without pay. That’s when his mentor asked a question that planted a life-altering seed: “Why don’t you start your own company?” And so began the story of a venture that would bridge people with the outdoors in the most meaningful way.

The Call of the Wild

Lad’s love affair with the wilderness began much earlier, back in his college days. What started as casual weekend treks soon evolved into something far deeper. The forests, rivers, and mountains became his sanctuary. “Forests, mountains, rivers, they have a way of grounding you, of teaching you patience, resilience, and presence,” he explains. This gradual shift from hobby to passion would later form the soul of Let’s Go Outdoors. The company was built not merely to provide travel services but to create experiences that allow people to grow, heal, and rediscover themselves. The tagline captures this ethos beautifully: “Let’s Go Where We Belong."

Every trail has a story, but one that Lad remembers vividly is the spontaneous hike to Laari in Spiti. The trek wasn’t even on the itinerary; it was added at the last minute, sparked by the group’s curiosity. What unfolded was a journey marked by unexpected obstacles, moments of doubt, and, finally, the miraculous appearance of local villagers who guided them through. “It reminded me how nature has its own way of teaching us trust, humility and surrender,” he recalls. The experience highlighted what the founder believes is the essence of outdoor travel: that often, it’s the unplanned detours, the laughter shared under star-studded skies, or the quiet companionship of fellow trekkers that make a journey unforgettable.

A Shift in Perspective

There are moments in the wilderness that leave a permanent mark. For the founder, one such instance came during a walk in the forests of Himachal. Sitting on a rock under towering deodars, he felt an immense stillness. In that silence, he realised how little it takes to feel complete. “That moment made me realise how little we actually need to feel complete, how beauty exists in simplicity and how noisy our lives have become chasing things that often don’t matter,” he shares. This perspective has become central to his philosophy. Trekking, he says, is not just about reaching the top but about the conversation between you and nature. It’s about pausing, reflecting, and embracing simplicity in a world that’s constantly pulling us in a hundred directions.

Starting Let’s Go Outdoors was not without its challenges. Balancing affordability with quality was a constant struggle. Lad wanted every trip to be cost-effective but never at the expense of authenticity, expertise, or safety. Social media, too, created hurdles, as many participants arrived with unrealistic expectations fueled by glossy posts and filters. Yet, these challenges only strengthened his resolve. He knew that his company needed to stand apart by focusing on what truly mattered: genuine experiences. To this day, the team emphasises preparedness, respect for nature, and the importance of safety over mere convenience.

Beyond the Instagram Moment

The rise of trekking culture, especially in regions like Maharashtra with its wealth of forts and trails, has been both a blessing and a burden. While it’s heartening to see more people step outdoors, over-tourism has left its scars, littered paths, damaged trails, and overcrowding. Lad addresses this with clarity: “Trekking should not just be about the Instagram moment, but about respecting nature, local communities and preserving these spaces for future generations.” His company actively discourages single-use plastics, promotes waste collection on treks, and educates participants about responsible trail etiquette. The mission isn’t just to explore but to protect, ensuring that these natural spaces endure for generations to come.

For Sandesh, the long-term vision is much larger than running treks and trips. He dreams of creating a community-driven ecosystem of responsible travel. “I want Let’s Go Outdoors to be more than just a travel company. I envision it as a movement where every trip becomes a story of learning, connection and positive impact,” he explains. From supporting local livelihoods to introducing first-time trekkers to the joys of the wilderness, the aim is clear: to make nature accessible while preserving its soul. Each expedition, whether to a hidden trail or a well-known fort, is an opportunity for transformation, for participants and for the communities that host them.

Advice for the First Step

When asked what he would say to someone planning their first trek, Sandesh’s response is both simple and profound. “Start simple and be open. Your first trek doesn’t have to be extreme; it just has to be yours,” he says. He emphasises staying hydrated, listening to one’s body, and resisting the urge to measure experiences against curated online stories. True magic, he insists, often lies in small, unfiltered moments, like sitting on a rock, watching the clouds drift lazily by.

For aspiring entrepreneurs in the travel space, his advice mirrors his journey: start small, stay authentic, and be prepared to do everything, from operations to crisis management. Above all, place safety and sustainability at the heart of the business. At its core, Sandesh’s story is about remembering. Remembering that nature is not a backdrop for our adventures but a home we return to. From spontaneous hikes in Spiti to quiet forest walks in Himachal, the journeys he has led are less about destinations and more about rediscovering ourselves. As he puts it best: “Trekking is a conversation between you and nature.” Through his company, Lad invites us all to have that conversation, to slow down, to listen, and to truly belong.