OUR STORY
From Bike Trip to an International
Skincare Brand: The Inspiring Journey of Himalyan Naturals
Have you ever dreamed of leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city and escaping to the mountains for a simpler, more sustainable way of life? That's exactly what the founders of Himalyan Naturals did when they embarked on a bike trip through the remote regions of northern India. Along the way, they discovered the incredible potential of permaculture farming and the healing power of herbs that grow naturally in the Himalayas.
Inspired by these experiences, they decided to start their own permaculture herbs farm, and the brand Himalyan Naturals was born. Today, this sustainable farm produces a wide range of forest-derived products that are renowned for their anti-aging and healing properties. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating story of how Himalyan Naturals found its roots.
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In April 2010, the journey of Harman and Navneet began as they embarked on an exhilarating bike trip across Uttarakhand. Exploring uncharted territories for 28 captivating days on their beloved bike Niurka, they stumbled upon the untouched beauty of Chopta—a moment that would sow the seeds of their deep connection with the mountains.
Enchanted by the majestic peaks, the couple's path led them to England within a year, where a brilliant idea took root: a permaculture herbs farm. Inspired by the striking similarity between England's lavender and herb farms and the Uttarakhand they had fallen in love with, the pieces of their vision fell seamlessly into place. The journey of bringing English permaculture to the heart of Uttarakhand had just begun.
From a Demo Farm to Herbal success
Driven by an unquenchable curiosity, Harman embarked on an exciting journey along the beautiful Mediterranean coast. As he discovered different landscapes, a brilliant idea struck him—smaller trees grew successfully on hillsides that were considered unsuitable for traditional farming. This clever insight sparked a newfound passion in Harman, motivating him to bring this innovative approach back to the majestic Himalayas. Inspired by this ingenious approach, Harman, along with 2 companions, established a small demo farm spanning 4.5 acres in the higher reaches of Uttarakhand.
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Their mission held a deep social significance as it aimed to reverse the trend of youth migration from the hills. With unwavering support from their family, the farm took root in an area that posed logistical challenges, needing help to reach from the road. However, the team at Gussain remained undeterred and committed to their cause.
Rosemary's Triumph: A Journey from Setbacks to Recognition
In 2016, the initial crop of lavender faced a disappointing setback, but amidst the failure, a glimmer of hope emerged. Rosemary, on the other hand, thrived remarkably well, surpassing all expectations in its first harvest. The farm soon garnered attention, attracting numerous officials, enthusiastic volunteers, and curious visitors. This influx of interest presented the team at Gussain with an opportunity to contemplate expansion.
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In 2017, the first harvest of Rosemary was transported to Dehradun with the intention of selling it to wholesalers. However, the trio quickly dismissed the notion of selling their prized crop for meager returns. Coincidentally, during this time, the farm was hosting a team of three volunteers from Italy, including Liza, a medical student. Liza and her friends proposed the idea of processing the Rosemary leaves into finished products like Tisanes (herbal teas) and venturing into the organic market. This marked the inception
of the finished products category and ignited the spark of innovation.
Over the next three months, the team successfully exported their inaugural consignment, comprising just 100 boxes of Rosemary and Nettle Tisane and a few bottles of pure Walnut oil sourced from the surrounding forests. The consignment was meticulously hand-delivered across India and reached the enchanting nation of Bhutan through Phuentsholing. Thus, the seeds of a brand that would epitomize the true spirit of "Forest to Table" were sown.
Navigating Challenges: Triumphs from Bhutan to Oman
The years 2018 and 2019 witnessed a promising trend as orders for hotel amenities, especially handmade soaps, poured in from Bhutan. The year 2020 brought a wave of opportunities from the Middle East, with the first substantial order valued at 20 lacs coming from Oman. However, the global lockdown temporarily disrupted operations, and it was not until 2021 that the business regained momentum. The year 2021 marked the first shipment to Muscat, prompting Harman to make a momentous decision—to dedicate himself fully to this venture rather than treating it as a mere side hustle. After successfully exporting their first order to Canada in 2022, Himalyan Naturals made a significant stride by entering the domestic market. This journey has been a rollercoaster of challenges, victories, and invaluable lessons.
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Today, Himalyan Naturals stands as a testament to determination and resilience. From an adventurous bike trip through Uttarakhand to transforming the Himalayan Hinterlands, they champion sustainability and social impact. With a distinct niche, they bring the essence of English permaculture to natural forest-derived products in the region.