The Moving Mountains Project is a new way of travelling. Its concept of not-for-profit trekking was born out of conversations with mountain dwellers in remote regions of the world. Mountain life has always been tough, and mountain dwellers are ruggedly self-sufficient, but in the 21st century, life is changing rapidly even here. People need to participate in a money economy and want their children to be educated. They know their subsistence mountain lifestyle is on the uneasy brink of change. Mountain dwellers recognise that visitors come to their countries to walk, and they want to be able to share in the benefits that can bring. They’re not after handouts, but rather partnerships to manage development in their villages in the best way they can. The Moving Mountains Project leads small groups of walkers on journeys through these remarkable regions. What we experience here is far more meaningful than tourist trekking. We’re immersed in the beauty of mountains and enjoy real cultural exchange. All after-expenses profits from our treks are used to support villagers’ own development projects, bringing tangible positive change to mountain lives.
Who we are
Gabi Mocatta, Founder, Australia
Gabi founded The Moving Mountains Project as a response to her own mountain journeys. Gabi’s wilderness and mountain experience ranges from Southern Africa to Siberia, the Alps to the Andes, Arctic Canada to Patagonia, and the Himalayas. She is based in the Australian island state of Tasmania, a wilderness lover’s paradise, where she hikes, bikes sea kayaks and trail runs. She has degrees in Languages and Political Science, and writes and photographs for newspapers and magazines. She’s also a Lonely Planet Author, and recently worked on Insight Guides’ new guide to Peru.
Rocío Carrera Huaranga, Guide, Peru
Rocío is a true Huayhuash native, born in the mountain village of Llamac. She has hiked the Huayhuash countless times and led walkers from around the world on Huayhuash expeditions. Professionally qualified as a maths teacher, Rocío is also an expert arriera (donkey handler), horsewoman and the only female Huayhuash guide. She now runs the trekking agency Casa del Arriero. Rocío and her family guide Moving Mountains Project walkers through the mountains they know so well.
Chandra Garbuja Pun, Guide, Nepal
Chandra is a native of the village of Nangi in the Myagdi district of Nepal. Chandra grew up close to the snowy peaks of the Annapurna range, and has hiked the area all his life. He currently spends his time in both Nangi and Kathmandu where he is studying computer hardware engineering. Chandra is an amazing musician, a talented traditional dancer and a tireless mountain walker in the tradition of the Ghorkas that come from the villages of this region. Chandra is chief guide for Moving Mountains in Nepal.
Deborah Bock, Trip Coordinator, Nepal
American Deborah Bock migrated from Washington D.C. to the mountains of Colorado as quickly as she could. There she has explored the rivers, rocks, and peaks by foot, mountain bike, kayak, and on skis. She has studied Environmental Science and worked as a rafting guide, outdoor educator, and adventure travel consultant. After hiking 5 weeks on the Colorado Trail, she packed up and moved to the highest mountains in the world. She currently spends most of her time in Nepal, walking and volunteering.
Download comprehensive trip notes on The Cordillera Huayhuash trek here:
> PeruTripNotes.pdf
