Meet Mala Honnatti: The One-Woman Army Behind the Success of MaHo Adventures

That's what happened to me when I got the chance to interview Mala Honatti, the courageous heart and soul of MaHo Adventures. Her life has been all about breaking barriers, rising above all social norms, and making a mark in the world. She’s a true icon, indeed. 

So let me introduce you to her interesting life trajectory so you too can take inspiration from her story. 

Mala Honnatti, a former banker, who later shifted her focus towards nurturing her soul and transformed into an experienced trekker, mountaineer, marathoner, adventurer, skier, karate and yoga expert. 

The currency of Mala's life, as she quotes, is fitness and adventure. And her zeal towards it has only grown in the past 30 years. 

And it shows as well.

I could feel passion emanating from her every word as she spoke in depth about the very beginning of her expeditions and how the idea for her own business took seed in her mind. 

Beginning of MaHo Adventures, the brainchild of Mala Honnatti

It all began with an earthquake.

Yes. Let me tell you more about it.

You see, Mala, an adventurer through and through, has climbed the Himalayas extensively since 1984. Nothing rejuvenates her more than those lofty snow-covered mountains that remind her of nature's miracles. And at the age of 62 back in 2015, Mala decided she wanted to make it to the very peak of Mt. Everest. 

How enthralling! 

To all the young women who face such adverse circumstances that leave them disappointed so early in life, reading about Mala's decision to add making it to the peak of Mt. Everest to the list of her achievements is very inspiring indeed. 

Well, she began working toward that end. Arranged the funds, made the deposit, and with fire in her heart and soul, she set on her journey to feel the most-coveted peak under her feet!

But who knew her plans were soon to be disrupted by a natural tragedy? A severe earthquake hit the mountains causing an avalanche so disastrous that the expedition had to be aborted.

The rockfall buried all her dreams, hopes and a lofty 25 lacs deep into the snow and she had to return to the base.

Mala's Himalayan Odyssey 

Sure, tragedy struck. But Mala's optimism soon replaced the sorrow. 

Sitting in the base camp at North Face, as she contemplated what she wanted to do next, she struck gold. 

Mala decided to make use of her years of expertise in trekking the mountains and turn it into an opportunity for others. There are so many people out there who dream of mapping the peaks but never get the strength and courage to turn it into reality. Well, that's what Mala aimed to change. 

She wanted to introduce more and more people, especially women, to the glorious Himalayan adventure and help them find their true calling. That's how Mala came up with the plan to take small groups of 11-12 and lead them across the Himalayas. 

That is no easy task when you factor in all the arrangements that one needs to do with the local travel agents, the people around the areas, and mapping the route to lead a group safely. Such a role comes with so many responsibilities and Mala handles all of them alone, which is commendable beyond reason. 

Even today as Indian societies advance towards a more broad-minded perspective, there are still people who would seek to judge a woman who wants to find her calling and leave the conventions of the world behind. 

And Mala Honnatti, determined as ever, charmingly navigated every single taboo and turned it all into stepping stones that led her to MaHo Adventures' commendable success. 

In Mala's own words, 

"Himalayas are the greatest life coach. Each trek makes you confident, courageous, and resilient and prepares you for the challenges of life. From each trek, you come back with a sense of accomplishment, self-esteem, a positive outlook, and a different perspective towards life."

True indeed, Mala. 

Mala Honnatti - The Runner. The Yogi. 

Talking to Mala, I instantly got to know how seriously she takes health and overall well-being. That also speaks volumes about her dedication to being a trekker. 

After all, to be able to lead such potentially life-changing expeditions at the age past 60 can't be a cakewalk! 

Here even 20-year-olds are getting back aches and then there's the sparkling Mala Honnatti, who runs marathons and is a dedicated yoga practitioner. Every word Mala speaks radiates the kind of positivity that can only come from complete inner peace and self-fulfilment. 

Not to mention that Mala has run 26 marathons in total, including two ultra-marathons across the world! 

You see? This is the woman who you are entrusting your trekking journey to! Count yourself lucky, people. It isn't every day that you come across someone as experienced and passionate about her work and dedicated towards her people as Mala is. 

Mala Honnatti's promise to her trekkers. 

Apart from dedication and a fearless approach to life, trekking in the Himalayas requires an optimum level of fitness - both mental and physical. This is what Mala brings to the table as the lead of her expeditions.

That's why, every single trekker in her group feels confident to follow her every piece of advice, and where required, command. 

If Mala's there, they don't have any fears. 

About anything. Her experience speaks for itself. 

Trekkers sign up with MaHo Adventures with the kind of blind faith that only comes when the person behind it is so inarguably one of the best in her fields. You simply cannot go wrong with choosing MaHo Adventures. And the zealous trekkers know it too. 

MaHo Goes Global

Mala's passion and commitment to her cause and dream have helped MaHo Adventures have a footing internationally as well. 

Yes. Mala Honnatti is a global player, with partnerships in Nepal and Kilimanjaro as well, to broaden the trekking experience for every single person who chooses to travel with her. 

Signing up with MaHo Adventures is the first step towards finding out who you are outside the social norms, and exploring the world as it was supposed to be explored. On foot. 

And with Mala as your guide and lead, you couldn't ask for a more transformative experience. 

There's always a helping hand to help you navigate the tricky spots during your treks. You won't find yourself alone in any situation if you choose MaHo Adventures as your trekking partner. They are with you every step of the way. 

MaHo Adventures - Exclusive yet Fastest Growing in its Niche

Indian Adventure Tourism is at a steady growth percentage of 20% currently. That's to be expected as COVID hit the Tourism industry straight in the guts. And that's a fact. 

But Mala's dedication to MaHo Adventures has helped it grow, even during these times. Her business, though small in size at the moment, has seen a whopping 40% growth post-COVID. 

Can you imagine? Such a good amount of growth in such a short period? That in itself is a testament to the quality of the services MaHo Adventures provides. 

The trekkers' safety and security is their prime concern. Nothing goes past Mala's experienced eyes. She knows what to do and how to navigate even the most difficult situations. And it's this confidence that people have in her as their lead that's in part responsible for the boom in her business. 

So, what are you waiting for? If you are a trekker by heart and looking to explore your inner calling, then let MaHo Adventures help you materialise your Himalayan dreams. Get in touch with them today and you'll see how this seemingly daunting task of mapping the high peaks becomes easy with Mala Honnatti.