SIDDARTH & BHAVNA ANAND
Siddarth (Sid)- Belonging to a family passionate about the 'great outdoors’ and having spent his early days camping, hiking and fishing with his father - The Himalayas have always been Sid’s home. From following Tigers and wildlife on foot, to trekking in the Himalaya, organising Teambuilding workshops for corporates and school groups, leading explorers to offbeat and remote treks, angling and rafting expeditions along the North- Eastern frontiers of Kumaon, birding and wildlife tours in the Corbett region and Western Nepal and being involved with local communities and village projects - he has always followed and shared his passion for the Great Outdoors. He has traveled extensively in the Himalayan region, stretching from Ladakh in the North West to Bhutan in the East. Sid later founded Blaze A Trail Adventures to bring people closer to nature and then Mountain Quail Lodge at Pangot as a base for adventures in the Himalaya.
Bhavna- Choti as she is fondly called is a hill girl born and brought up in the Kumaon Himalaya. A very keen outdoor enthusiast and a wonderful hostess with years of experience, Choti is very good at planning and coordinating logistics for treks and expeditions. She has traveled extensively in the Himalayas with her husband and is always excited about new travels to remote places.
Sid and Choti continue to explore the remote Himalaya when they are not helping out with the Lodge. They reside at MQL with three of their dogs, Aryaman & Faiza.
ARUSHI ANAND
Having initially grown up at Mountain Quail Lodge, Arushi spent her childhood out in the fields around Pangot, looking for juicy berries and playing in the mud. She is currently pursuing Art in the United Kingdom and is extremely creative. Always busy with a new project, Arushi loves to travel as well. She visits MQL during her vacations.
DEEPU
Been on board for 20 years, Deepu has been the backbone of MQL from the very start. Belonging to Pangot itself, Deepu joint MQL at the age of 16. He looks into all departments – from getting supplies for the lodge to guiding treks and birding groups. He has a fantastic eye for spotting wildlife in the forest and we are extremely lucky to have him as a part of our team!
ASHA
Been on board for 20 years, Asha is one of the oldest members of The Mountain Quail Family. Her warm smile and loving nature is sure to leave a mark on you. She looks into housekeeping and general cleanliness at the Lodge.
DARBAAN
Super Mario, as he likes to call himself is the MasterChef at Mountain Quail. Belonging to a remote village in the Pindari Valley in Kumaon, Darbaan gained experience working in Delhi but eventually decided to come back to his roots and work with us. He cooks with all his heart and you can tell that when you taste his food. His Kumaoni dishes and Momo’s are to die for. Bubbly Darbaan has been a part of the family for the past 7 years.
RAJU
Raju belongs to a remote village close to Pangot itself. He is our very own all-round Plumber, Electrician, Carpenter, Mason and is the go to man for any fixing at the Lodge. He is brilliant with guests and also looks into all other jobs at MQL. Raju has been on board for the past 8 yrs. You might get reminded of Peter Pettigrew while around him though!
GANGA
Belonging to a village by the name of Gogina in Kumaon, Ganga mainly looks into service at MQL. He is fantastic with guests and his extremely hard working, helpful and calm nature makes him a hot favourite with anyone who visits! Ganga has been on board for the past 7 years.
Gajju
An extremely hard worker with a keen interest in the outdoors, Gajju has been a part of the family for the last 3 years. He is majorly into birding, wildlife & photography and never gives up an opportunity to be on a trek or learn something new. He's also the doggies best bud!
SANJU
Sanju has grown up in the forests of Kaladhungi. A diligent worker, Sanju assists with everything at the Lodge. He is also very keen on cooking and whips up some delicious dishes every now and then.
NARINDER
Youngest member of the MQL family, Narinder is a keen learner and always up to do any work required. The fittest member of our team, Narinder helps with everything at the Lodge.
RUFUS
Pretty boy Rufus is an Irish Setter! He is 4 years old and is completely bonkers about birds! Perhaps in his genes as a Gundog, Rufus has the most incredible nose! He can pick up scents from miles away and is super alert in the forest. He is also the most affectionate of creatures - So if you want some love and want to be licked all over your face then you know exactly who to go to.
HERCULES
As the name suggests, Hercules is the protector and Guard dog of the family. Found in the streets of Manali, Hercules seems to be a mix between a Bhotia and German Shepherd. Loving, extremely alert and with a mind of his own, Hercules comes across as the oldest and wisest but is still a puppy at heart.
NORBU
Newest addition to the family, Norbu is from the Everest region in Nepal! Found on the streets of Kathmandu by Sid & Bhavna, Norbu is a pure Bhotia - Tibetan Mastiff.. or so we think. With a carefree attitude and mind of his own, Norbu is always found busy doing his own thing.
