Our Team

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Partner at Drenmo Lodge

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler at two separate occasions as one of the “50 amazing ambassadors of sustainable travel” and “50 People to Know in the Himalayas,”Muzammil is a climber, trekker, wildlife enthusiast & a Kargil native who after much wandering around India for a few years decided to come back home and co-founded Roots Ladakh - a responsible travel company with his brother in 2013 with a vision to change the preconceived notion of Kargil as a “war zone”. Muzammil has a background in management, design & research. As a researcher, his work took him to travel to some remote locations in India where his love for traveling and exploration grew. He is passionate about learning new skills and seeing new places. Muzammil wears many hats. Besides running his travel company he loves taking people around his backyard as a qualified outdoor guide, an experienced culture guide, a museum curator, a wildlife conservationist and as a storyteller. He has helped set up various community-run tourism projects in Kargil and is a member of the local Tourism Advisory Board. He is the Founder-Trustee of Himalayan Brown Bear Trust, a non-profit dedicated to the conservation of this rare species. He also manages the Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum - his family museum dedicated to the Silk Route trade heritage of Kargil. He is a TedX speaker and was featured in a National Geographic wildlife documentary on Himalayan Brown Bears called “Giants of the Himalayas”. Recently, he was the Gold Winner at the Outlook Traveller Indian Responsible Tourism Awards 2023.

Partner at Drenmo Lodge

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler at two separate occasions as one of the “50 amazing ambassadors of sustainable travel” and “50 People to Know in the Himalayas,” Tafazzul is the CFO at Roots Ladakh which he co-founded with Muzammil. Fondly known as Tafu, he is responsible for all the operations and finance. Tafazzul comes from a commerce background. He could never take to a typical 9 to 5 job. So after finishing his Bachelor of Commerce from SRCC, Delhi University, he decided to come back home and join hands with Muzammil to create something of their own. For obvious reasons he is the main guy who ensures that the money is being spent well in the organisation and our guests get the best service possible.When he is not growing his beard, you might find him playing the guitar or rooting for Man United. Passionate about football, he has also started a street football tournament for locals called “Street Legends” which happens every year in Jammu/Kargil since 2010.

Partner at Drenmo Lodge

Karan is born n brought up in Bombay. 

There is hardly a bigger contrast than leaving a city with a population of over 20 Million and moving into the fringe of the Kanha National park where he owns and operates a Boutique Safari lodge called Flame of the Forest since over a decade. 

His vision was to live a simple life in the forest and share it with like minded people. He is a trained naturalist and hence the dream of living in the wilderness was omnipresent in this life. 

From the first time he visited Kanha, his heart was captured by the magnificent landscapes, the glorious Sal trees and the variety of wildlife the park has to offer. There is always something to discover, something to learn and cherish and certainly there is never a dull moment when you are on a drive with him. 

Karan is always looking for the next adventure, embracing opportunities to grow, learn and transform. He does not take life too seriously, what ever will be, will be. Life around him is full of energy and laughter.

Naturalist & Host at Drenmo Lodge

Fayaz is a native of Kargil and a graduate in Travel and Tourism Management from IITTM, Delhi. After spending a few months working with the Department of Tourism Kargil, he initially joined the team in 2021 as a tour guide. It did not take a long time to realize his qualities and today he plays a key role in managing the lodge operations and guest relations. 

His soft spoken and humble nature coupled with his intimate knowledge about the region makes him a great host. His special interests are cooking, gardening and ofcourse wildlife. 

Lodge Manager & Naturalist in-training

With over a decade of experience in the hospitality and travel industry, Maqbool has built a career centered around adventure tourism, wildlife exploration, and conservation. His work experience ranges from managing hotels to running motorbike expeditions, treks and cultural tours across Ladakh. As a passionate outdoor and wildlife enthusiast he has completed numerous treks across Ladakh and beyond. He recently took a formal training in trek guiding with IISM Gulmarg
Nature Guide Training with the Himalayan Brown Bear Trust on two separate occasions. 

He is on a mission to promote is home of Sangrah village in Suru valley as a wildlife destination and has been documenting the wildlife of his region since many years through photography.  

Currently working alongside Fayaz as the Lodge Manager and Naturalist in training, he is committed to bridging the gap between sustainable tourism and conservation while promoting eco-friendly travel experiences.

Steward at Drenmo Lodge

Manzoor Ahmed, a resident of Holiyal village in Drass, is a steward at Drenmo Lodge. Known for his hard work and dedication, Manzoor ensures that every guest at the lodge feels welcome and experiences the warmth of Ladakhi hospitality. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence make him an integral part of the lodge’s operations.

Living with his wife and 2-year-old daughter, Manzoor balances his professional responsibilities with his role as a devoted family man. His work at Drenmo Lodge not only supports eco-tourism but also contributes to conservation efforts in the region by creating a seamless experience for visitors exploring the unique biodiversity of Drass.

Manzoor’s journey exemplifies the role of local communities in sustainable tourism. 

Wildlife Tracker at Drenmo Lodge

As the region’s first female nature guide, Anjum is breaking barriers and inspiring change through courage and determination. Growing up in the stunning landscapes of Drass, Anjum’s connection to nature blossomed into a passion for conservation. Her journey began with the Nature Guide Training Program by the Himalayan Brown Bear Trust and Royal Enfield, where she learned biodiversity, guiding, and the ecology of the Himalayan brown bear.

Now working at Drenmo Lodge, Anjum leads nature trails, educates visitors, and champions conservation. Beyond guiding, she is part of a women’s self-help group crafting sustainable felt toys, fostering independence and livelihoods in her community. Anjum’s work has made her a role model for young girls, proving that eco-tourism and conservation can empower women and strengthen communities. Her story, and the efforts of grassroots organizations like the Himalayan Brown Bear Trust, highlight the transformative power of opportunity, conservation, and sustainable development in even the remotest corners of the world.

Wildlife Tracker at Drenmo Lodge

Mohd Hassan, a retired Indian Army soldier from Mushkow village in Drass, has embarked on a remarkable second chapter in his life as a wildlife tracker and conservation advocate. Drawing on his deep knowledge of the rugged terrain he calls home, Hassan now works full-time at Drenmo Lodge.  As a wildlife tracker, he leads visitors on guided nature experiences, helping them explore the stunning landscapes of Drass while raising awareness about the region’s unique biodiversity.

In addition to his work at the lodge, Hassan and his wife run a cozy homestay in Mushkow, welcoming travelers into their home and offering an authentic glimpse into the local way of life. Through his dual roles, Hassan not only contributes to sustainable tourism but also creates opportunities for his community by connecting guests with Drass’s rich culture and natural heritage.