Nepal Choose a Guide
From our independent local trekking guides

Read more about Chhepal...

Chhepal Sherpa comes from the village of Khunde in the Solo Khumbu region of Nepal. A short walk from Namche Bazar, Khunde lies at the center of one of the world’s most established trekking routes, as climbers and trekkers pass through en route to conquer or merely admire Mount Everest. Chhepal has 14 years of experience leading treks through his home Khumbu region and throughout Nepal, leading ascents of the trekking peaks such as Island Peak and Lobuche peak, as well as treks around Manaslu, to Makalu basecamp, Langtang, Annapurna, and upper Mustang. A licensed trekking guide, Chhepal has also completed a leadership training course. He has been guiding for New Zealand based Everest Treks, and when he’s not leading treks he loves to play football (soccer) with friends or travel to meet new people and see new places.

Read more about Ngima Ongchhu ...

Ngima was born in Lukla and has been living in Kathmandu for the past 7 years. Inspired by his father who was also a trekking and climbing guide, Ngima started working in the trekking business in 2005, and in 2010 he began leading trekking groups on his own. Ngima has completed several trekking certificates, including: the basic mountaineering (2010) NMA; basic navigation (2010) NMA; Trekking Guide training (2008); and wilderness emergency medicine (2010) SOLO. Ngima first 8000m peak climb was Annapurna I, and he hopes to climb more. He has led trekking groups in his home region of the Khumbu as well as the Annapurna region. He has also led climbs of Island and Mera peaks. When he is not in the mountains, Ngima likes to keep fit by swimming and playing volleyball.

Read more about Lhakpa Nuru ...

As for many boys growing up in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal, trekking was the family business. Lhakpa started trekking by assisting his uncle and older brothers on treks. Now with 16 years of experience as a trekking guide, Lhakpa has led treks in the Khumbu, Makalu, Around Manaslu, Langtang, Annapurna, Upper Mustang, Dolpa, and Nar Phu. He has also led climbs on many trekking peaks including Island Peak, Pisang Peak, Cholu East, Cholu West, Naya Khang, and Yala Peak. For the past 8 years, Lhakpa has been working with an Australian-based trekking company. Prior to that he worked with a French company. In 2012 he visited France, and enjoyed such famous sites as the Eiffel Tower while getting a chance to meet the French people. A traveler at heart, Lhakpa has also visited Japan (in 2006) where he was impressed by the order and hard work of the Japanese people.

Read more about Pemba Chhuti ...

Growing up in Lukla, site of the closest airport to Mt. Everest, Pemba was familiar with trekking and climbing from an early age. In 2016, her love of travel and interest in learning about other cultures and places lead her to become a certified trekking guide. She has since worked in both the Khumbu (Everest) and Annapurna regions. When not in the mountains Pemba likes to travel with friends, dance, sing, and read books. She describes herself as a healthy, young, honest, intelligent, friendly, helpful, and educated girl.

Read more about Homraj (Raju)...

Homraj, known to his friends as Raju, comes from village of Sishuwa Khola in the Sankhuwasabha District, home to the 5th highest mountain in the world, Makalu. Raju started his career as a cook on several Everest expeditions before transitioning to a trekking guide. As a licensed trekking guide with 10 years of experience, he has lead groups through the Khumbu, Around Manaslu, Langtang, Annapurna, and upper Mustang. Raju loves being outside, hiking and trekking in the mountains, but when he has the time he also enjoys going to the movies, especially action movies.

Read more about Temba...

Temba is most at home in his village of Hunkong, in the Sankhuwasabha District of Nepal. This mountainous region is home to Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world. A family man with 4 children ranging in ages from 14 to 20 years, when he is not leading treks or scaling 8000 meter peaks, Temba enjoys farming in his village where he grows crops of millet, corn, rice, wheat, and potatoes. With 15 years of experience as a trekking guide and 12 years climbing the highest peaks in the world, Temba is nearly as at home the mountains as he is on his farm. He has lead trekking groups in the Khumbu, Langtang, Annapurna, and Around Manaslu. He has also accomplished the amazing feat of summiting Mount Everest twice within a 3 day period. In addition to Mount Everest, Temba has been on expeditions in Pumori, Ama Dablam and Manaslu.

Read more about Sandhya...

Sandy is from the historic city of Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley. Her lover of traveling, exploring new places, and adventure has led her to become a trekking guide. She has completed the trekking guide training from the Nepal Mountain Academy and has experience trekking in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. A self declared extravert, Sandy loves music, singing, and sharing her experiences.

Read more about Mingma Nuru...

Mingma grew up in the village of Churikharka, a village near Lukla in the Khumbu (Everest) Region of Nepal. Growing up so close to the airport serving the foreign tourists who came to view or climb the highest mountain in the world, Mingma entered into the trekking industry at the young age of 14. He worked first as a porter, then as an assistant guide and finally as a government licensed trekking guide. He has sense led treks throughout Nepal including the Everest, Annapurna, Nar Phu, Upper Mustang, and Manaslu regions. Mingma says what he enjoys most about being a trekking guide are the opportunities to meet new people from all over the world, have cultural exchanges, and visit new places.

Read more about Karma Lhakpa...

Karma grew up in Bung Khiraule, in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal. After finishing school in the village, he moved to Kathmandu to attend college and pursue a degree in education. While in college he worked as a trekking guide during his holidays and time off in order to pay for his studies. After completing his degree, Karma worked part-time for 6 months at a local college but ultimately returned to work in the tourism sector as both a trekking guide and hotel employee. He has led treks in the Khumbu (Everest Region), Langtang, Annapurna, Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, and around Dhaulagiri, as well as climbs of Mera and Island peaks. In his off time, Karma enjoys both Nepali and “English” music. A musician himself, Karma plays the drums, harmonium, and flute. In Nepal, one of his favorite places to relax is by the lakeside in Pokhara.

Read more about Dawa Finjo ...

Dawa grew up in the town of Lukla, the airport gateway of Mt. Everest. Growing up in a place so frequented by trekkers and climbers it is no surprise that Dawa wound up in the trekking business. Following in the footsteps of his father, Dawa began working as an assistant guide when he was 17, and then three years later began guiding treks on is own in 2008. A year later in 2009, Dawa completed the Mountain Navigation, Basic Mountain Rescue, Basic Mountaineering, and Khumbu Ice Climbing courses provided by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). He also completed the KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project) course in wilderness first aid. In 2012 he further honed his mountaineering skills completing the Advanced Mountaineering Course. Over his 8 years as trekking guide Dawa has led treks in the Khumbu (Everest Region), Around Manaslu, Langtang, Annapurna, Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, and Dolpa. In addition to the treks he has led clients to the summits of Island, Mera, Yala, and Tent peaks. When he's not leading treks, Dawa volunteers for a Sherpa community group doing work for the Sherpa community in both Lukla and Kathmandu, where he helps organize charity events like blood drives. A keen traveler, in 2015 Dawa travelled to Switzerland and the Netherlands where he marveled at their organization.  When he’s not on the mountain Dawa likes to keep in shape playing football (soccer) with friends or going for a swim.

Read more about Densa...

Densa grew up a day’s walk from the Tibetan border in Farang, a village where farming -- not mountain climbing -- was the main occupation. In search of better opportunities, he headed off to Kathmandu where he met up with a cousin who was a climbing guide. His cousin helped him get a job as a porter and encouraged him to learn English, so he could move up the trekking ladder and become a guide. While working as a Climbing Sherpa on Ama Dablam, Densa climbed up a steep section of rock and then asked a more senior climber, “How do I get down?” This experience made Densa realize that if he was going to continue this line of work, he needed training. He is now an Aspirant Mountain Guide (NNMGA), and has completed basic mountaineering, high mountain rescue training, as well as being a licensed trekking guide. Armed with his technical training, Densa has summited Everest three times; once from the north (Tibet) side and twice from the Nepal side. He has also summited K2 in Pakistan, Cho Oyu twice, Ama Dablam 5 times, and many less well-known peaks throughout Nepal. When he is not leading treks or climbs, Densa enjoys swimming and spending time with his wife and two daughters. For the past few summers, Densa has been guiding groups on the glaciers of Norway.

Read more about Chimi...

Known to his friends as Chimi, Nawang Chimi Sherpa grew up in the Village of Chaurikharka just below Lukla in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Growing up, his parents ran a trekking lodge in Phakding, which is the first stop for trekkers and climbers on their way to Everest Base Camp. Chimi developed a taste for adventure sports when he was 17, working as a staff member on a trail race that ran from Rolwaling over three passes into the Khumbu. He was impressed by physical feat of the race, and has been a lover of adventure sports ever since. When not in the mountains, Chimi is often found sharpening his skills on the climbing wall in Kathmandu, canyoning with friends or on mountain bike trips around the Kathmandu Valley. And indoors Chimi trains as a boxer in his local gym and is currently studying to get his bachelor’s degree in business. Chimi is a licensed trekking guide and is trained in ice climbing. He has led treks in Annapurna and Everest Regions including ascents of Island Peak. 

Read more about Phurwa...

Phurwa is from the solukhumbu district of Nepal, home to the highest mountains in the world. Trekking is a family business for Phurwa, she has been working in the industry since 2012, before getting her trekking license she assisted her uncle and other relatives with their treks. After completing her trekking guide training, she has lead treks in Khumbu (Everest) and Annapurna Regions. Phurwa loves to visit new places and finds working as trekking guide allows her to see and experience the diverse culture of her own country as well as learning about the culture of her foreign clients. When not leading treks Phurwa is studying to complete her bachlor’s degree, she is also studying German.

Read more about Lhakpa Gyaljen...

Lhakpa grew up in the small village of Pangkhongma, in the Solo Khumbu region of Nepal. At age 17, Lhakpa began guiding trekkers and climbers on and around the mountains he had known all his life. Now, with more than 7 years of experience, he has led treks through the Khumbu, to Makalu basecamp, over the Amphu Lapcha pass, Around Manaslu, Langtang, and in the Annapurna region. A seasoned climber, he has summited Mount Everest three times and has stood on the 8,156 m (26,759 ft) summit of Manaslu twice. He has completed NMA’s (Nepal Mountaineering Association) Advanced Mountaineering Course and is a trekking guide instructor for the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management. When he is not scaling 8000 meter peaks or leading trekking groups through the Khumbu, Lhakpa enjoys rock climbing and playing a bit of football (soccer).

Read more about Pema Futi...

Growing up in Lukla, the gateway to Mt. Everest, Pema has seen thousands of tourists pass through her home village. Watching her father work with trekkers, Pema knew that the industry offered good jobs that could support a family and allow her to meet people from all over the world. Inspired by these opportunities, Pema began working as a lead guide in 2007 and has since led treks in the Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Helambu Regions. During her time as a trekking guide she has enjoyed visiting many beautiful places and has gained friends from all over the world. She enjoys teaching others about her own Sherpa (and Nepali) culture while at the same time learning about her client’s culture and home country. Pema says “I have been loving my job and I will continue [as long as] I have energy.” When not trekking in the mountains, Pema enjoys studying English, visiting new places, reading, and watching travel documentaries. Pema is a self-described, “energetic, talkative, responsible, hardworking, female trekking guide.” She looks forward to sharing her country and culture with you.

Read more about Ang Pemba ...

Pemba is originally from Churikharka, a village near Lukla in the Khumbu (Everest) Region of Nepal. While growing up in the mountains he had roundabout way into life as a trekking guide. He painted thangkas (Buddhist religious paintings) then worked in a hotel in the United Arab Emirates before returning to Nepal and now living in Kathmandu. Pemba still enjoys thangka painting in his free time as well as doing work around the house. He is a government licensed trekking guide and has lead treks throughout the Khumbu (Everest) Region.

Read more about Sanam...

Sanam is originally from Chaurikharka in Solu Khumbu, but grew up in Kathmandu where he attended school from the age of 5. Being a trekking guide is Sanam’s second career -- he was first a martial arts teacher of Shitoryu Karate. At the age of 25 he gave up teaching and started helping his uncles in the trekking business. Now with 15 years’ experience and as a licensed trekking guide, Sanam has led treks in the Khumbu (Everest Region), Around Manaslu, Langtang, Annapurna, Upper Mustang, and Nar Phu. He has also led groups up both Island Peak and Mera Peak. In the summer when the trekking gigs are few and far between, Sanam likes to get his exercise in the pool. An avid swimmer, he tries to swim at least once a week in the summer months. In addition to swimming, Sanam is a cyclist and has lead mountain bike tours as well as treks. In 2005 he had the chance to visit Japan and was awestruck by the Tokyo skyline. He was back indulging his travel bug in 2016 when he visited friends in South Korea. Seoul and Korean food were the highlights of the visit. Sanam’s travel bug has also taken him to India several times and to Mount Kailash in Tibet.

Read more about Mingma Nuru...

At 14 years old, Mingma began carrying loads up the mountains of the Khumbu where he grew up. With 20 years of experience as a porter and now a licensed trekking guide for the last 12 years, Mingma knows the mountains well. He has led trekking peak climbs of Mera and Island Peak, and treks in Khumbu (Everest Region), Langtang, Annapurna, and upper Mustang. In addition to his extensive Himalayan experience, Mingma has climbed in the Alps. From 2009-2012 he lived in Austria and Germany, and he returned to Europe in 2016, traveling through Switzerland. Trekking and travel are twin passions for Mingma. He enjoys both nature and meeting new people.

Read more about Tashi...

Like many who grew up in the Khumbu, Tashi comes from a long line of mountaineers. His grandfather died tragically while working for a Korean expedition 1972, during the deadliest climbing accident in Nepal when an avalanche on Manaslu claimed the lives of 15 climbers. Despite the risks Tashi’s father followed into the family business working on ascents of Everest and many other peaks. Tashi started out on a different path, with a degree in community health work he worked as a medic at Kopan monastery in Kathmandu before succumbing to the call of the mountains. Life in the mountains was a natural fit for Tashi. He started guiding treks in 2007, three years later he moved on to mountains. Since then he has summited Ama Dabalm, Everest, and Baruntse, and led trekking peak climbs of Island, Mera, Pachermo, Chulu East, and others. Tashi is a licensed trekking guide and a Nepal National Mountain Guide and expects to complete his International certification in 2018. He has also led numerous treks, in the Khumbu (Everest Region), Langtang, Rowalling, Annapuran, Around Manaslu, and Dolpa. Even when not working Tashi enjoyes sport climbing. He has also put up two new climbing routes on mountains near Manang and in Dolpo. When not climbing Tashi enjoys canoeing, motor bike touring, playing football (soccer), and basketball.

Read more about Ngawang Kalsang...

Ngawang started working as a porter at the age of 14 in the Khumbu (Everest Region) of Nepal where he grew up. From those early years, his life took a detour into spirituality and Ngawang lived as a monk in the monastery at Lukla for nine years. During his years as a monk, he developed a talent for thanka painting, the religious paintings done on cloth or silk and hung in monasteries and homes. He has since left the monastic life and has been working as a trekking guide since 2007. As a guide, Ngawang has led treks all over the Khumbu (Everest), Annapurna, Upper Mustang, Langtang, and Dolpo Regions. He has lead climbs of various trekking peaks including both Island and Mera Peaks in the Khumbu Region.

Read more about Pemba...

Pemba grew up in Chaurikharka a village just below Lukla in the Everest region of Nepal. The son of a trekking guide Pemba followed his father’s footsteps into the profession and has been working in the trekking industry since he was 17 years old. He received his formal guide training from Nathan college and is a government licensed guide. Pemba has guided clients from all over the world and has lead treks throughout Nepal, including the Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Everest Regions. Pemba also studied French at Alliance Français du Kathmandu. In addition to French Pemba has nearly completed his Master’s in Business and is currently doing a Master’s in Buddhism and Peace at Lumbini University in order to further his knowledge of Buddhism. In his spare time he enjoys listening to music and mediation. Pemba also believes in giving back to his community, he serves as the Nepal Project Manager for a small NGO called the Maya Sherpa Project, and has been working with the organization for many years. The Maya Sherpa Project supports health care, education, and environmental projects in the Sherpa community.

Read more about Ramita...

Ramita is from Patan and was drawn to becoming a trekking guide through her love of nature and the mountains of Nepal. She started as a cultural guide for Japanese tour groups in 2002. She has guided treks around Pokhara, including Poon Hill. When not in the mountains Ramita enjoys spending time with her family visiting religious sites and singing devotional songs. She is a self-described “friendly, easy-going, down-to-earth” woman who is very dedicated to her work.

Read more about Lhakpa Rita ...

Lhakpa is originally from Pangum, in Solukhumbu, and from an early age wanted to become a mountaineer. He began working as a guide in 1993, motivated by the desire to show the beauty and culture of his country to foreigners. He has since guided treks throughout Nepal working for various agencies as well as independently. In his long career as a certified trekking guide, Lhakpa has guided in Upper Mustang, Dolpa, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Everest regions, as well as the trek to Mount Kailash in Tibet. Lhakpa has completed courses in outdoor leadership, first aid, and wilderness training. In his free time he enjoys cycling, paragliding, doing yoga and physical exercise. He enjoys traveling. His hobby include singing and dancing usually his traditional Sherpa songs and dance.

Read more about Nirmala...

Nirmala is from Pokhara, a beautiful Nepali city on the shore of Phewa Lake beneath the high mountains of the Annpurana range. As the gateway to the famous treks of the Annapurna region, Pokhara is one of the centers of tourism in Nepal. Nirmala became exposed to various trades within the tourism industry growing up. After much thought about her future, and because she enjoyed learning about the culture and lifestyles of the people who visited her city from all over the world, she decided to be a trekking guide. While she has been working in the industry since 2011, Nirmala got her official license after completing the required training in 2015. As an independent trekking guide, Nirmala enjoys working with her clients and providing them with quality service. Nirmala has a background in management, and when she has free time she enjoys working with local social organizations. She wants her clients to know that “I am glad that you visited Nepal and recommend it your friends. . . this place which is full of natural beauty.” Nirmala is available for short treks in the Annapurna Region like Poon Hill and sightseeing in the Pokhara Valley.

Read more about Dipa...

Dipa is from Taksindu, in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. Dipa first began working as an assistant guide in 2010. During this time, she became fascinated by the beauty and diversity of Nepal’s nature, cultures, languages, food, and people. Dipa’s desire to share her amazing country with the tourists who visit motivates her as a trekking guide. She has led treks in Annapurna, Mustang, Solu, and Khumbu (Everest) regions of Nepal. When not working, Dipa enjoys rock climbing and participating in social work projects in her community. She also wants you to know she is a good singer.