This was the second time Lee and I hiked the (AC) Annapurna Circuit. We didn’t cross the Thorong La pass on our first trip, and we didn’t manage it this time either. However, having Suraj as our guide from Nepal Hiking Team made the experience so much more enjoyable. While fitness and health challenges kept us from crossing the pass, Suraj made sure I could still enjoy two unforgettable day hikes from Manang: one to Praken Gompa and the other to Ice Lake.
These hikes wouldn’t have been possible without Suraj’s keen judgment of our physical abilities and his gentle yet firm encouragement to keep going when we felt like giving up. His balance between motivating us and prioritizing safety was spot on, and we are grateful for his thoughtful care.
Throughout the trek, Suraj looked after Lee and me exceptionally well. He ensured we got sunny rooms, offered helpful suggestions for our meals, and brought a youthful energy that we found refreshing as two folks in our 60s. His sincerity, punctuality, and kind manners made us feel like we were traveling with family. His deep knowledge of the trails and local customs was evident, and we also appreciated his quiet confidence in gently saying no to a few of our wild ideas.
One moment stands out: when Lee realized he had left his glasses behind at a rest stop on the Ice Lake trail. Without a second thought, Suraj ran back up the trail to retrieve them. We felt terrible for causing him the extra effort, but his kindness left a lasting impression on us.
We remain deeply grateful to Suraj and the Nepal Hiking Team for making this trip memorable and for keeping our love for Nepal, its stunning mountains, powerful rivers, and kind-hearted people alive. We’ll never forget the time Ganga ji carried Quin’s bag for her on a trek 20 years ago—even though she wasn’t his client—and that same spirit of generosity is why we’ll keep coming back.
