Nepal Choose a Guide
From our independent local trekking guides

Ang Tsering is originally from near Phakding in the Solukhumbu region of Nepal. Before becoming a trekking guide Ang Tsering was a monk and spent 7 years in India studying at a Buddhist University. Since 2007 he has been leading treks in Nepal, including treks in the Everest Region (3 passes, base camp, and gokyo), and the Annapurna Region (Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Nar Phu, Teri Pass, Upper Mustang and others). During the off-season Ang Tsering continues his study of Buddhist Philosophy.

• Everest Base Camp via Cho La (May 2018)
• Nar Phu to Upper Mustang via the Teri La (Sep 2018)
• Annapurna Sanctuary via Ghorepani (Poon Hill) (Mar 2019)
• Three Passes & Everest Base Camp via Ama Dablam Base Camp, Upper Gokyo Valley Day Hike to 5th & 6th Lakes, Thame-Khumjung Alternate Route, and via Chukhung Ri Climb (Dec 2018)
• Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake (Apr 2019)
• Annapurna Sanctuary via Ghorepani (Poon Hill) (Oct 2018)
• Langtang Valley via Gosainkunda and Upper Langtang Day Hike (Sep 2019)
• Nar Phu via Thorung La, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha (Apr 2019)
• Annapurna Sanctuary (Jul 2019)
• Annapurna Circuit Classic finish via Poon Hill, via Tilicho Lake, and Classic Start from Besi Sahar (Oct 2019)
• Gokyo Valley (Jan 2020)

Nirmala is from Pokhara, a beautiful Nepali city on the shore of Phewa Lake beneath the high mountains of the Annapurna 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 and sightseeing in the Pokhara Valley and city tours of Pokhara. In 2018, Nirmala got her official Pokhara City guide license after completing a course from Nepal Academy of Tourism & Hotel Management.

• Poon Hill (Nov 2017)
• Ghandruk Loop via Australian Camp (Oct 2018)
• Ghandruk Loop (Sep 2017)
• Ghandruk Loop (Apr 2019)
• Mardi Himal (Mar 2019)
• Mardi Himal (Apr 2019)
• Poon Hill (Jul 2019)
• Mardi Himal (Oct 2019)

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.

• Mardi Himal (Nov 2018)
• Everest Base Camp via Cho La (Feb 2018)
• Langtang Valley via Gosainkunda (Sep 2018)
• Ghandruk Loop (Oct 2018)
• Tamang Heritage Trail (May 2018)
• Gokyo Valley Fifth Lake & Ngozumpa Tse (Mar 2019)
• Everest Base Camp (May 2019)
• Mardi Himal (Jul 2019)

Pasang comes from the village of Chaurikharka, near Lukla in the Everest region of Nepal. Trekking has a long history in Pasang’s family his grandfather worked in the industry, and in 2011 Pasang joined the family profession. He started working first as porter, and then as an assistant guide, before eventually becoming a lead trekking guide in 2014. As a trekking guide Pasang has lead treks in the Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Langtang, and Rolwaling regions of Nepal. He has also led trekking peak ascents of Island Peak. Pasang has completed courses in rock climbing and guiding. He plans to further improve his climbing skills by taking courses in Basic and Advanced Mountaineering. When not at work in the mountains Pasang enjoys rock climbing, playing futsal, learning new languages, and swimming in the summer.

• Everest Base Camp via Cho La and via Renjo La (May 2018)
• Gokyo Valley via Cho La & Everest Base Camp (Oct 2018)
• Nar Phu Jagat Start (Oct 2018)
• Mardi Himal (Nov 2018)
• Ghandruk Loop (Jan 2019)
• Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha (Apr 2019)
• Pikey Peak (Mar 2019)

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.

• Annapurna Circuit (Feb 2019)
• Mardi Himal (Mar 2018)
• Langtang Valley Upper Langtang Day Hike and via Gosainkunda (Oct 2018)
• Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake (Jan 2019)
• Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake and Classic finish via Poon Hill (Oct 2017)
• Ghandruk Loop via Ghorepani (Poon Hill) (Dec 2018)

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. Nawang 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, Nawang 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 Nawang trains as a boxer in his local gym and is currently studying to get his bachelor’s degree in business. Nawang is a licensed trekking guide and is trained in ice climbing. He has led treks in Annapurna, Manaslu, and Everest Regions including ascents of Island Peak. 

• Around Manaslu via Tsum Valley (Nov 2017)
• Around Manaslu (Nov 2018)
• Around Manaslu via Tsum Valley (Apr 2018)
• Annapurna Circuit Bus to Tatopani and trek to Poon Hill (Nov 2018)
• Around Manaslu via Manaslu Base Camp (Sep 2018)
• Around Manaslu (Mar 2018)
• Around Manaslu via Kal Tal, via Tsum Valley, via Punggen Gompa, via Ganesh Himal Base Camp, and via Manaslu Base Camp (Oct 2019)
• Around Manaslu via Punggen Gompa and via Manaslu Base Camp (Oct 2019)

Nima grew up in the Solukhumbu (Everest) region of Nepal. He has been working in the trekking industry since 2007 and guiding since 2012. Nima has led treks in the Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang regions. He has also worked on Everest expeditions up to camp 1, and led trekking peak climbs of Mera Peak in the Khumbu (Everest) region. When not in the mountains Nima enjoys learning new languages and playing sports.

• Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake (Mar 2018)
• Everest Base Camp via Cho La, via Kongma La, and via Renjo La (May 2018)
• Annapurna Sanctuary (May 2018)

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), Manaslu, Tsum Valley, 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.

• Langtang Valley (Jan 2018)
• Langtang Valley (Nov 2017)
• Langtang Valley (Dec 2018)
• Around Manaslu via Manaslu Base Camp (Oct 2018)
• Around Manaslu via Tsum Valley, via Manaslu Base Camp, and via Punggen Gompa (Sep 2018)
• Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake, Bus to Tatopani and trek to Poon Hill, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha (Oct 2018)
• Around Manaslu via Tsum Valley (Sep 2019)
• Around Manaslu via Tsum Valley (Oct 2019)

Pemba is originally from Lukla the gateway to the Everest Region of Nepal. He has led many treks throughout Nepal, including treks in his home region: 3 passes (Cho La Kongma La and Renjo La), and into the Khumbu from Rolwaling over the Tashi Lapcha Pass. In addition from the treks, he has led climbs of many trekking peaks in the Everest region including Lobuche, Mera, and Island Peaks. In addition to the Khumbu (Everest) Region Pemba has also lead treks in Annapurna Region. In his free time Pemba enjoys Thakna painting (a traditional Buddhist religious painting). He also enjoys studying Buddhist texts, traveling, seeing new places and meeting new people.

• Everest Base Camp via Ama Dablam Base Camp (Oct 2018)
• Everest Base Camp via Cho La, via Renjo La, and Fifth Lake & Ngozumpa Tse (Nov 2019)

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.

• Tamang Heritage Trail (May 2018)
• Langtang Valley Upper Langtang Day Hike and via Gosainkunda (Apr 2017)
• Langtang Valley Upper Langtang Day Hike (Nov 2019)

Sanjaya is originally from the solokhumbu region of Nepal. He started in the trekking industry in 2010 as a porter but by 2012 he had worked his way up to become a guide. He has completed both his guide training and a course in first aid. Since becoming a guide, Sanjaya has led treks in the Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Upper Mustang, and Langtang regions of Nepal. He has most frequently led treks to Poon Hill, Upper Mustang, Langtang Valley, and around the around the Annapurna Circuit. Sanjaya is also an avid musician and when he is not in the mountains he enjoys playing and composing music.

• Langtang Valley (Nov 2019)
• Annapurna Circuit Classic Start from Besi Sahar and Classic finish via Poon Hill (Nov 2018)
• Langtang Valley Upper Langtang Day Hike (Oct 2019)

Ang Rita is originally from the Solukhumbu region of Nepal near Lukla. In the years since he started guiding in 2003, Ang Rita has led treks in the Khumbu (Everest), Manaslu, and Annapurna regions. He has led trekking peak ascents of Mera, Pachermo, Pokalde, and Island peaks. He has also worked on Mt. Everest expeditions, reaching camp 2 several times and ascending as high as the South Col. In his free time during the off season, Ang Rita takes training courses to improve his climbing and guiding skills and visits new places. He has completed courses in mountain leadership, basic mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing, guide training, and a helicopter marshal course.

• Everest Base Camp (Oct 2018)
• Around Manaslu via Manaslu Base Camp (May 2018)
• Annapurna Sanctuary via Short Modi Khola Start (Nov 2018)
• Around Manaslu via Manaslu Base Camp (Mar 2019)

Sonam 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 Sonam’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, Sonam 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, Sonam 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, Sonam 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. Sonam’s travel bug has also taken him to India several times and to Mount Kailash in Tibet.

• Langtang Valley Upper Langtang Day Hike (Mar 2018)
• Poon Hill via Khopra Ridge (Danda) (Sep 2018)
• Langtang Valley Upper Langtang Day Hike (Nov 2017)

Rajkumar is from Tikot a village in the hills beneath the towering Annapurna Range. He began guiding in the mountains around his home in 2012. Rajkumar has since lead treks throughout the Annapurna Region including: Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp (Sanctuary), Ghorepani (Poon Hill), Khopra Danda, Mohare Danda, and the Myagdi Parbat Eco-Trek (Annapurna Dhaulagiri Community Trail). When not in the mountains, Rajkumar enjoys playing basketball, reading books, and working on the family farm.

• Community Trail to Mohare Danda and Khopra Danda (Apr 2018)
• Mardi Himal (Sep 2018)
• Mohare Danda (Dec 2019)
• Poon Hill via Khopra Ridge (Danda) (Sep 2019)

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) and Annapurna Regions.

• Everest Base Camp (Oct 2018)
• Poon Hill (Dec 2018)
• Mardi Himal (May 2018)
• Everest Base Camp (Nov 2017)
• Everest Base Camp (Nov 2019)

Diku is originally from Kerung village in the Solukhumbu region of Nepal. She has completed trekking guide training and has led treks and guided in Nepal since 2012. She has led treks in the Khumbu (Everest), Langtang, and Annapurna Regions. When not in the mountains she likes to relax and read the paper. Diku enjoys learning new things and meeting new people.

• Around Manaslu via Tsum Valley and via Punggen Gompa (Oct 2017)
• Annapurna Sanctuary (Nov 2019)

Dawa is originally from Solokhumbu, the region surrounding Mt. Everest, and now resides in Kathmandu. Dawa started leading treks in 2012, and has led treks in the Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, and Kanchenjunga Regions of Nepal. Dawa enjoys reading books in his down time and when he is not in the mountains he indulges his passion for sports, playing football (soccer), basketball, volleyball, and practicing taekwondo.

• Annapurna Circuit Classic Start from Besi Sahar and Classic finish via Poon Hill (Nov 2018)
• Around Manaslu via Manaslu Base Camp (Oct 2018)

Lali (whose friends call her Laxmi) is originally from Panyu, a village west of Pokhara. She is both a trekking and sightseeing guide throughout Nepal. Laxmi has led many treks around the Annapurna mountains near her home including the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, and Khopra Danda. In addition to treks in the Annapurna Region she has also led treks in the Langtang, and Everest Regions of Nepal. As a single mother, Laxmi doesn’t have a lot of free time but she also manages to study her master’s degree in English in Pokhara. She likes being a trekking since it allows her to “visit different beautiful, historical places, cultural and geographical place with clients…” and to “meet different peoples from different places all over the world.”

• Around Manaslu via Manaslu Base Camp, via Kal Tal, and via Punggen Gompa (Mar 2019)
• Ghandruk, Khopra Ridge, & Poon Hill (Sep 2019)

Bijaye is originally from Soti Khola, the village that marks the beginning of the Around Manaslu trek. Bijaye has led treks in the Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, and Tsum Valley regions of Nepal. Bijaye would like to climb mountains as well and hopes to complete mountain guide training soon. In his free time he enjoys studying French.

• Around Manaslu via Kal Tal and via Punggen Gompa (Nov 2019)

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.

• Everest Base Camp via Cho La (Apr 2018)

Pasang is originally from the small village of Hunggung near the Tibetan border in the Makalu region of Nepal. He started as a porter at the age of 17 before becoming a serious climber. In 2006 Pasang climbed Mount Everest with his father, the first of his five successful summits of the highest mountain in the world. Pasang is a prolific climber who has successfully climbed eight of the fourteen 8000 m peaks, including Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Manaslu in Nepal, and K2, Gasherbrum I and II in Pakistan. He has also been on expeditions to Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Kanchenjunga, and many 7000 m peaks. He likes to show his trekking clients the Buddhist monasteries in the villages along the trekking routes and help them appreciate the culture of the region as well as its scenic beauty. In addition to completing trekking guide training, climbing training, and first aid training, Pasang has completed the international level aspirant guide course in Nepal. When he is not an 8000 m expedition or leading a trek, Pasang enjoys playing football (soccer), rock climbing, and cycling.

• Around Manaslu via Punggen Gompa (Feb 2018)
• Around Manaslu via Manaslu Base Camp and via Tsum Valley (Mar 2018)
• Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake (Dec 2017)

Samikshya is originally from Bardia Thakurdwara near Bardia National Park in Western Nepal. Being from a place so rich with wildlife it is no surprise that Samikshaya developed a strong appreciation and extensive knowledge of the birds and wildlife of Nepal. She started guiding near her home in Bardia National Park, where she completed courses in both basic and then senior nature guiding. She has also completed the female trekking guide training course from Nepal Mountain Academy. Samikshya has guided treks in Langtang, Rara Lake(Western Nepal) Helumbu , Annpurna(Poon Hill), Chitwan Hills, and Telpani Hills (West Nepal). Samikshaya says she became a trekking and nature guide in her words, “[Because] I really love the nature, wildlife, birds, culture, and religion and I want to be a great example of women guide in Nepal.” In her free time, Samikshaya enjoys photography, visiting new places, and bird watching. She is also currently studying German.

• Ghandruk Loop Australian Camp Out and Back and via Ghorepani (Poon Hill) (Nov 2018)

Nigma is from the Solukumbu region of Nepal. He has completed training in introductory rock climbing, and basic mountaineering, as well as trekking guide training. He has led treks and climbs in most regions of Nepal including, Dolpo, Upper Mustang, Annapurna, Everest, Manaslu, and Langtang. Nigma has successfully led climbs of several peaks including, Lobuche, Island, and Pokalde Peaks (Everest Region), Nayakhang and Yala Peaks (Langtang Region) and Tent Peak (Annapurna Region). Nigma was also on an Ama Dablam climbing expedition that was unsuccess due to bad weather, and hopes to do more mountain climbing in the future.

• Three Passes & Everest Base Camp Overland Start (Sep 2018)
• Nar Phu (Nov 2018)

Da Chhiri is originally from Lukla in the Everest Region of Nepal. He has been guiding in the mountains of Nepal since 1997. Over the years he has led treks in nearly every region of Nepal including Annapurna, Mustang, Langtang, Manaslu, and Everest. He has led climbs of both Island and Mera Peak. During the off-season Da Chhiri is active in social work within the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu (rural municipality that contains the villages around Mt. Everest) and was elected to the rural municipality’s village development council (VDC).

• Everest Base Camp (Nov 2018)

Ngawang, who also goes by Chhering, is originally from the upper Tsum Valley, a remote valley with a rich cultural history settled by people of Tibetan origin. The valley is accessible only by foot via a trail that branches off the Around Manaslu trail. Chhering lives in Kathmandu now, but enjoys opportunities as a trekking guide that take him back to his home valley. In addition to leading treks in the Tsum Valley and around Manaslu, Chhering has also led treks in the Langtang, and Annapurna Regions. In addition to trekking guide training Chhering has also completed a course in avalanche rescue. In his free time Chhering enjoys reading and hanging out with his friends.

• Around Manaslu via Tsum Valley (Apr 2019)
• Poon Hill (Dec 2018)

Chhebi is originally from the Sankhuwasabha region in Eastern Nepal, near Makalu. He is has completed his trekking guide training and has led treks all over Nepal, including the Everest and Kanchenjunga regions.

• Kanchenjunga North to South Base Camp Loop (Oct 2019)

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).

• Around Manaslu (Nov 2017)