Ankit Rana: From Village Fitari to Trek Guide – A Journey of Resilience 🏞️
High in the hills of Uttarakhand lies a quiet village called Fitari, surrounded by dense pine forests, winding trails, and the whispers of ancient winds. It was here that Ankit Rana was born — a boy who would one day turn his love for the mountains into a movement.
Today, Ankit is the founder of The Trek 360, a growing trekking community and travel company that connects people with the raw beauty of the Himalayas. But his journey to this point wasn’t easy — it was built on years of hard work, challenges, and an unshakable dream.
The Hills That Raised Him 🌿
Growing up in Fitari, Ankit lived a life close to nature. His days were filled with hiking steep mountain paths to school, helping his family in the fields, and listening to the stories of travelers and shepherds who wandered through his region. These stories sparked a fire in him — he wanted to see more, learn more, and bring others into the magical world he was lucky enough to call home.
The Early Struggles 🥾
Coming from a modest background, the road ahead wasn’t smooth. With limited resources, no big-city exposure, and very few opportunities in rural Uttarakhand, Ankit faced doubts from both outside and within. But what he lacked in resources, he made up for in grit.
He began assisting in local treks, learning every aspect of guiding — from navigating difficult trails to managing group safety and understanding the environment. He walked for miles, sometimes barefoot, just to gain experience. Slowly, people started recognizing his deep knowledge of the terrain and his natural leadership skills.
The Birth of The Trek 360 ⛰️
With experience came confidence. Ankit realized that he didn’t just want to be a trek guide — he wanted to create something bigger, something that would give others the opportunity to fall in love with the Himalayas the way he did.
Thus, The Trek 360 was born — a trekking company with a purpose. It wasn’t just about reaching summits. It was about creating immersive experiences, encouraging eco-friendly trekking, supporting local communities, and empowering the next generation of hill youth.
From Kedarkantha to Bali Pass, from the untouched trails of Garhwal to the spiritual paths of Kumaon — The Trek 360 quickly gained popularity for its authentic, safe, and soul-enriching adventures.
Final Words: A Journey That Continues
From a boy walking barefoot on muddy trails to becoming a respected trek leader and entrepreneur, Ankit Rana’s story is not just inspirational — it’s transformational. His journey reminds us that greatness doesn’t always start in big cities or elite colleges. Sometimes, it begins in a small village surrounded by pine trees and echoing bird calls.
And as Ankit often says to his trekkers at the end of each journey,
“The mountains don’t just test your stamina, they test your spirit. And every time, they teach you something new.”
Inspiring a Generation
Ankit’s story isn’t just about trekking — it’s about dreaming beyond boundaries. Today, he employs local youth, trains them in mountaineering and safety, and encourages them to stay rooted while building careers in ecotourism.
For him, every trekker who leaves with memories of the mountains also carries a piece of Fitari with them — its warmth, its resilience, and its silence that speaks volumes.