Putting The ‘Experience’ in Experience Manager
When people think of us, their minds probably drift to scenic treks through the Himalayas, hidden waterfalls in the Sahyadris, or maybe even one too many attempts at crafting clay at a weekend pottery workshop. But there’s a crucial ingredient that truly makes our adventures unforgettable. It’s not the places we go to or the food we try (though they’re pretty great too). It’s the people—specifically, the Experience Managers (EMs) who take what could be a standard trip and turn it into something that sticks with you long after your boots are back in the closet.
Let me set the record straight: our Experience Managers aren’t just glorified trip coordinators who tell you when to eat breakfast or where to pee on the trail. No, they’re the heartbeat of every trek, campfire, and frankly, most of the mildly questionable decisions that turn into hilarious inside jokes (IYKYK). Over the last 10 years, we’ve been graced with some of the most diverse, skilled, and occasionally oddball (in the best way possible) people to hold the title of EM. They’re not just there to ensure you don’t wander off into the wilderness—though that’s also part of the gig. They’re there to make sure you have the kind of experience that makes you want to quit your 9-to-5 and live in a tent (or at least seriously consider it).
EM ENERGY IS CONTAGIOUS!
Here’s the thing about EMs: their energy is absolutely infectious. You could arrive at the base of a mountain in the foulest mood—maybe work’s been a nightmare, or you’ve just realized halfway through the bus ride that you’ve forgotten your trusty rain jacket (again). But the moment you meet your Experience Manager, everything shifts. Suddenly, the “what-am-I-doing-here” thoughts fade, replaced by a grin that won’t quit and a willingness to trust that, yes, this complete stranger will lead you to a place you didn’t even know you needed to see.
It’s not just their eternal optimism either. EMs are somehow always on top of things. You could be huffing and puffing your way up a steep trail, cursing the existence of gravity, and they’ll glide by with the grace of a mountain goat, casually asking you how you feel and if you want to take a quick break—translation: “You look like you’re about to pass out. Let’s stop before you make this awkward.”
OUTDOOR KNOWLEDGE? Check! VIBES? Double Check!
Experience Managers are walking, talking Wikipedia entries of the great outdoors—minus the dry tone. If you want to know which plant might cause you to break out in a rash, or why that particular bird has been stalking the campsite all morning, an EM’s got you covered. They know the trails, the weather, the flora, the fauna, and probably where to find the best chai even in the remotest spots.
But here’s the kicker—they do all this while being some of the most laid-back, approachable humans you’ll ever meet. Imagine the coolest person at your high school, but instead of skipping class to hang out at the mall, they’re skipping across boulders like it’s second nature. And instead of intimidating you, they make you feel like you’re part of their tribe. If there’s one thing that truly sets EMs apart, it’s this ability to create an atmosphere of camaraderie and friendship from the moment you meet. You’re not just signing up for a trek; you’re signing up to hang out with someone who, by the end of the trip, feels like the sibling you never had.
THE EXPERIENCE ISN’T ALWAYS PERFECT, BUT THAT’S THE POINT!
Let’s be real. Not every moment of an outdoor adventure is Instagram-worthy. Sometimes, it rains. Sometimes, you get blisters. And sometimes, you’re stuck in a tent with three other people who snore like chainsaws. But here’s the thing: an Experience Manager knows how to roll with it and makes sure you do, too. They’ve been through every possible scenario, from carrying injured trekkers down from Kalsubai (don’t ask) to navigating group dynamics that make an episode of Survivor look tame.
Instead of forcing a picture-perfect trip, EMs are all about embracing the chaos. Did your tent just collapse in the middle of the night because someone forgot to peg it down properly? An EM will be the first to laugh about it with you at breakfast, turning what could be an utter disaster into a shared memory you’ll be retelling for years. There’s no sugarcoating with our EMs, but there is a hefty dose of humor and perspective!
IT’S MORE THAN JUST A JOB!
Here’s the part where I get a bit senti (don’t worry, it’ll be brief). Over the last decade, we have been home to countless EMs who have come and gone, each leaving behind their own unique mark on the community. They’ve led treks in Himachal, hosted night hikes in the city, taught you how to travel light (for the hundredth time), and somehow managed to make every single moment feel like the most important one.
What makes the EMs so special isn’t just their technical skills or their ability to keep you from wandering off a cliff. It’s their heart. They genuinely care about the people they meet and the experiences they help create. For them, it’s not just about getting you from point A to point B—it’s about everything in between. The laughs, the struggles, the connections. They are the experience.
So, the next time you’re considering a trip with us, remember: you’re not just signing up for a trek. You’re signing up for the kind of unforgettable, laugh-until-you-cry adventure that only an EM can offer. And trust me, once you’ve been on one of their trips, you’ll never look at the outdoors the same way again!
PS: Think you can be an EM too? We have freelance positions open. Cheggit out here.
Elton Mendonce
