Heco – an award-winning social enterprise
Global Resilience Partnership Awards 2025
We’re honored to have been awarded by the Global Resilience Partnership, in collaboration with the highly respected ICIMOD Nepal and the UK’s International Development department, for our project “Reimagining Tourism for a Sustainable Ladakh.”
The award — Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs — recognizes social enterprises driving sustainable and resilient development through bold and innovative solutions.
The entire Heco team warmly thanks the Global Resilience Partnership for their recognition, the villagers of Photoksar for placing their trust in this new venture, and our invaluable local partners Chamba Tsetan and Padma Rigzin for their unwavering support.
A recognition that speaks volumes
When a social enterprise sets out with a bold, innovative vision, there’s always a bit of uncertainty about how it will be received by the wider world. That’s why receiving this award meant so much to us. Our project was carefully reviewed by a panel of experts, and their recognition is a strong vote of confidence in our initiative.
Now, it’s your turn to be part of the story. Join us in Photoksar and experience our unique nomadic camp at the basecamp of the Tso Marpo trek in Zanskar!
You can read more about this pioneering initiative by Heco here.
Regenerative Travel Impact Awards 2024
We have been selected as a winner for the Agency of the Year of the 2024 Regenerative Travel Impact Awards ! This award shine a spotlight on individuals and initiatives that embody the essence of regeneration, making the world a better place for all.
We were picked by Regenerative Travel’s esteemed panel of judges that was carefully selected for their extraordinary expertise, diverse backgrounds, and unwavering commitment to creating a better world.
As a trek and tour operator for the Western Himalayas, we have been rewarded for creating immersive experiences that respect local cultures, empower communities, and preserve delicate ecosystems.
The perfect coincidence !
Just one day before receiving this award, our two women’s Self-Help Groups – those crafting local products and those who have become trekking guides – were celebrating their achievements of 2024. During this celebration, they decided to unite and form a larger movement for women’s empowerment in their valley.
Socially Responsible Tourism – International Award 2022
In 2022, Himalayan Ecotourism was the winner of the To Do international Award for the Socially Responsible Tourism.
The award was presented to us at the ITB Berlin 2022.
Indian Responsible Tourism Award – Overall Winner
Out of 650 organizations, Himalayan Ecotourism was the overall winner of the prestigious IRTA 2019 by the Outlook Traveller magazine.
Overall winner of the IRTA 2019
Best Adventure Operator – Gold Winner
Himalayan Ecotourism was the Gold winner of the prestigious IRTA 2019 by the Outlook Traveller magazine in the category of the Best Adventure Operator.
Best adventure operator – IRTA 2019
Skal International – Sustainable Tourism Award
Himalayan Ecotourism was the winner of the prestigious Sustainable Tourism Award 2019 by Skal International in the category of the Tour operators and Travel agents.
Biosphere – Sustainable Tourism Award
Himalayan Ecotourism was the winner of the Special Skal Biosphere Award 2019. This makes us the overall winner of an international award in the field of Sustainable Tourism.
Other Awards granted to Heco
Heco (Himalayan Ecotourism) was the Tourism of Tomorrow award 2025 by Environmic for our sustainability efforts in doing tourism.
Heco (Himalayan Ecotourism) was the Luxlife Travel & Tourism Award 2025 for our community empowerment in the Himalayas through tourism.
