About Firststay
Empowering Himalayan communities through sustainable tourism and authentic accommodation experiences
Our Story
The idea of FirstStay was born in 2022 when Rahul Negi, a native of the Himalayan villages, was visiting remote mountainous areas across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Nepal, and Jammu & Kashmir.
During his travels, Rahul witnessed a heartbreaking reality: unemployed youth in these beautiful mountain regions were struggling for survival, while many families had abandoned their ancestral homes due to lack of opportunities. These areas, despite their natural beauty and cultural richness, had no online platforms or apps promoting them to travelers.
Being from a Himalayan village himself, Rahul understood the pain of mountain communities and the tough survival conditions they faced. He organized workshops with local families, encouraging them to transform their abandoned houses into homestays, creating employment opportunities while preserving their heritage.
This vision became the foundation of FirstStay - a platform that not only provides exceptional accommodation experiences but also empowers local communities across the Himalayas. What started as a way to enhance FirstTrek's trekking services has grown into a comprehensive platform connecting travelers with authentic mountain hospitality.
Today, FirstStay serves as a bridge between travelers seeking authentic experiences and mountain communities looking for sustainable livelihoods, creating a positive impact across the entire Himalayan region.
Meet Our Founder
Rahul Negi
Founder & CEO
Born and raised in a Himalayan village, Rahul Negi intimately understands the challenges faced by mountain communities across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Nepal, and Jammu & Kashmir. His personal experience with the struggles of unemployed youth in these regions drives his mission to create sustainable opportunities.
As the founder of FirstTrek, Rahul recognized that accommodation was a crucial part of the trekking experience. However, his vision extended far beyond business - he saw an opportunity to transform abandoned mountain homes into thriving homestays, providing both employment for locals and authentic experiences for travelers.
Through workshops and community engagement, Rahul has helped numerous families convert their ancestral properties into successful accommodation businesses. His approach combines modern technology with traditional mountain hospitality, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach the grassroots level.
Rahul's deep connection to the Himalayas and his commitment to community empowerment continues to guide FirstStay's mission of creating meaningful connections between travelers and mountain communities while preserving local culture and heritage.
Our Values
Quality Assurance
We maintain the highest standards of quality and safety in all our partner accommodations.
Authentic Experiences
We believe in providing genuine, local accommodation experiences that connect you with the culture.
Community Empowerment
We transform abandoned mountain homes into thriving businesses, creating sustainable employment for Himalayan communities from Himachal to Ladakh, Uttarakhand to Nepal, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Our Impact on Mountain Communities
Transforming Abandoned Homes
Through our workshops and community engagement programs, we help families across the Himalayas convert their abandoned ancestral properties into thriving homestay businesses, preserving heritage while creating income.
Employment for Mountain Youth
We've created sustainable employment opportunities for unemployed youth in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Nepal, and Jammu & Kashmir, helping them stay connected to their roots while earning a livelihood.
Digital Platform for Remote Areas
FirstStay serves as the digital bridge for remote mountain communities that previously had no online presence, bringing them into the modern tourism ecosystem while maintaining their authentic character.
What We Offer
Hotels
From budget to luxury hotels across all major cities and tourist destinations.
Mountain Homestays
Authentic Himalayan experiences in family-run homestays, supporting local communities while offering cultural immersion.
Camps
Adventure camping experiences in scenic locations across India.
24/7 Support
Round-the-clock customer support and booking assistance.
Get in Touch
Visit Us
6/2 Convent Road, Race Course
Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001