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Our story

Rooted in the Himalayas. Shaped by Experience. Driven by People.

Every remarkable journey begins with a vision.

For Culture & Nature Expeditions (CNE), that vision took shape in 2001, when a group of travel professionals came together with a shared belief in the extraordinary potential of Kashmir and the Himalayan region.

Kashmir

Founded by Abdul Rauf, Nasir Shah, Yaqoob Khan, and M. L. Zutshi, CNE emerged at a time of change in the travel industry.

Following the closure of SITA World Travels' Srinagar office, an opportunity arose to build something of their own—a company grounded in local knowledge, professional expertise, personal relationships, and a genuine passion for showcasing the region to the world.

Our Reach

Local Roots.
Regional Expertise. Limitless Possibilities.

With a strong presence across the Indian Himalayas and North India, CNE brings together destination knowledge, local connections, and professional travel expertise to create seamless journeys across some of India's most captivating regions.

Our operations are anchored in four key locations: Srinagar, Leh, Shimla, and Amritsar, giving us an on-ground understanding of the destinations we serve and the communities that make them unique.

From the enchanting valleys of Kashmir and the dramatic landscapes of Ladakh to the mountain retreats of Himachal Pradesh and the vibrant heritage of Punjab, our regional network enables us to deliver thoughtfully planned holidays, authentic cultural experiences, and personalised travel services.

Our reach extends beyond geography. Through a trusted network of hospitality partners, local specialists, and industry relationships, we bring together the right people, knowledge, and resources to make every journey smooth, enriching, and memorable.

Supported by a team of more than 50 dedicated professionals, we combine the strength of an established travel company with the personal attention of a team that knows its destinations intimately.

At CNE, our reach is measured not only by the places we cover, but also by the relationships we build, the experiences we create, and the trust we earn along the way.

Four destinations of expertise. One connected team. Countless journeys to discover.

  • Jammu and Kashmir

  • Ladakh

  • Himachal Pradesh

  • Punjab

Our Values

  1. Trust & Integrity

    We build lasting relationships through honesty, transparency, and commitments we honour.

  2. Excellence in Service

    We strive for exceptional quality, thoughtful planning, and attention to every detail.

  3. Authentic Experiences

    We celebrate local cultures, traditions, and meaningful connections that make every journey unique.

  4. People First

    We value our team, respect our partners, and put our travellers at the heart of everything we do.

  5. Responsible Travel

    We promote respect for local communities, cultural heritage, and the natural environment.

  6. Innovation & Growth

    We embrace new ideas, continuous learning, and evolving expectations to shape better travel experiences.

Say hello to

The CNE team

We know the roads, the seasons, the people, the properties, the experiences and the small details that can transform a well-planned journey into an extraordinary one.

  • Nasir Shah

    Nasir Shah

    Managing Director

  • Yasir Shah

    Yasir Shah

    Director Sales & Business Development

  • Farooq Ahmad

    Farooq Ahmad

    Deputy General Manager Sales & Operations

  • Lokman Bajard

    Lokman Bajard

    Regional Manager – Kashmir

  • Konchok Dogmo

    Konchok Dogmo

    Regional Manager – Ladakh

  • Hridesh Kapoor

    Hridesh Kapoor

    Regional Manager – Himachal Pradesh

  • Jaswinder Singh

    Jaswinder Singh

    Regional Manager – Punjab

  • Mueed Shah

    Mueed Shah

    Financial Controller

Looking ahead

The Next Chapter

More than two decades after our journey began, our roots remain firmly in the mountains and valleys that shaped us. But our vision continues to evolve.

We are building CNE for a new generation of travellers and travel partners — combining deep local knowledge, contemporary luxury, thoughtful design and dependable destination management.

Because ultimately, our role is not simply to arrange a journey. It is to make a destination feel extraordinary.

CNE — Rooted in the destination. Connected by experience.

Awards & recognition

Relationships built on trust. Recognition earned along the way.

Recognition shared by CNE from hospitality brands and tourism organisations across our region.

Tourism & community recognition

  • Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Alliance · 2017–18

    Outstanding Contribution to Himalayan Tourism

    Outstanding Contribution to Himalayan Tourism — Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Alliance, 2017–18.

  • Incredible India Kashmir Marathon Awards · 2024

    Incredible India Kashmir Marathon Awards

    Incredible India Kashmir Marathon Awards, 2024.

  • PILTOF · 2019

    Sacred Trails Excellence Award

    Sacred Trails Excellence Award — PILTOF, 2019.

Hospitality recognition

  • Radisson Hotels · 2025–26

    Outstanding Support in Business

    Outstanding Support in Business — Radisson Hotels, 2025–26.

  • Marriott Hotels · 2024–25

    Best Performance Awards

    Best Performance Awards — Marriott Hotels, 2024–25.

  • The Oberoi · 2023–24

    Certification of Appreciation for outstanding Contribution to Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and Trident Hotels

    Certification of Appreciation for outstanding Contribution to Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and Trident Hotels — The Oberoi, 2023–24.

  • Taj Hotels · 2025–26

    Outstanding Revenue Contribution

    Outstanding Revenue Contribution — Taj Hotels, 2025–26.

  • The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa · 2025–26

    Certificate of Recognition

    Certificate of Recognition — The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, 2025–26.

  • Grand Dragon Ladakh · 2025–26

    Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding contribution

    Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding contribution — Grand Dragon Ladakh, 2025–26.

A shikara on Dal Lake beneath the mountains of Kashmir
Kashmir

Your next itinerary starts with a conversation.

Tell us about the journey you have in mind. Our destination specialists will help you shape a bespoke itinerary across Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

Plan your journey
Ladakh