NEW YORK -- Jamshyd Sethna has always loved the mountains. After his school days in Darjeeling, India, he would often camp in the Indian Himalayas, where he would admire the mountain views and find peace in the area's remote surroundings.
"It's misty and cloudy, but you are very close to the mountains," Sethna said. "The clouds clear, and you have the incredible mountain range so close you can almost touch it. It takes your breath away."
But it wasn't until Sethna, the founder of Shakti Himalayas and its sister company, Banyan Tours, embarked on a 150-mile trek in the snowy mountain range that he really began to think about it differently.
"On that trip, I thought about what I was missing," Sethna said. "I was missing my espresso in the morning. I missed regular food.
"I thought, 'If I'd like to have all this when I'm here, I'm sure there are a few hundred people around the world who would like the same things.'"
Soon after, Shakti Himalaya was born, offering itineraries designed to explore "India's soul, her people and culture," according to the company.
Sethna launched the company in 2004. He began promoting the first village walk in the Kumaoni foothills in the Western Himalayas, and the company has since expanded to offer clients four customizable, seasonal itineraries.
Trips are not tour-based: Sethna said his client base ranges from individual travelers to small groups of friends and families.
From now through September, guests can take part in a privately guided "village house" experience called "Shakti Ladakh."
During the day, travelers participate in village walks as well as visits to local schools, monasteries and markets. At night, guests stay in traditional village homes.
Prices for this summer itinerary begin at $3,609 per person. This price includes private accommodations in village homes, all meals and all activities, including two rafting trips. Travelers will also have at their disposal an English-speaking guide, a private chef and a car.
The remaining itineraries -- the Shakti 360 Degrees Leti resort, Shakti Kumaon Village Walk and Shakti Sikkim Village Walk -- are available Oct. 1 to April 20.
Prices for winter itineraries begin at $2,161 for a three-night stay at the resort, double, including accommodation in a private cottage. All meals, activities, an English-speaking guide and a car at the traveler's disposal are also included. The two village walks range from $1,926 to $2,491, depending on the itinerary.
Embracing the philosophy of "inner journeys ... outdoors," Sethna said he wanted to offer his guests an escape from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives, a time when he believes their "minds are never still."
"There's an incredible stillness that prevails the higher up you go in the mountains," Sethna said. "And the sheer kind of size and scope of what you behold, it puts everything magically into perspective. ... It's an incredible, humbling experience."
This article has been updated to reflect Shakti Himalayas' current pricing.