Lakpa Sherpa is an experienced mountaineer who has an impressive history of climbing many mountain peaks with many different groups and climbers from all parts of the world. He has been in the industry for over ten years and is one of the most reliable trekking and mountaineering leaders that we are lucky to have. His confident nature and ability to handle any sort of situation in the mountains is what makes him a valuable companion to have during trekking and peak climbing journeys. Lakpa has climbed and summitted Mountain peaks like the Tukuche, the Island Peak, the Mera Peak, Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lobuche among many others. His knowledge about the local culture and the terrains and his way of conveying information and ideas to the clients makes his very easy to be around with. With a soft-spoken personality but a strong confidence and reliability factor, Lakpa is one of the best climbing leaders we have. His climbing streak is nothing short of impressive and his endurance capabilities and experience in the field makes him one of the most dependable climbing leaders.
Nepal Hiking Team did an amazing job taking care of me and my wife from start to finish. We made the decision to attempt Mera Peak about a year in advance of our Trek and Nepal Hiking was consistently helpful with prompt email replies as we planned our details over the course of that year.
Once arriving in Kathmandu we were introduced to our guide Vishma Bhatta who went above and beyond over the next 14 days of our trek to ensure we were taken care of so we could just focus on trekking and preparing to challenge the summit of Mera Peak.
We specifically chose to trek from Lukla to Paiya and Panggom (the southern route) to give us as many days to prep as possible. We did not go over Zatrwa La Pass to start and having seen the pass on our way out I would highly discourage trekkers from starting over the pass. It would shorten your trip but would be a really difficult way to start. It is challenging enough going down the pass at the end of your trek and I would not want to start going up it.
Doing the trek in the Spring allowed us to see so many flowers in bloom and we had clear skies for the mornings till about 2-3pm every day when the clouds would naturally move in. While it was cold for the peak, I believe temps in the fall are colder so make sure to have good layers for either season.
We happen to own all our own mountaineering gear (helmets, plastic double boots, ice axes, crampons, etc) but even if you do also we would highly recommend just renting it on this trek. There are strict weight limits flying into Lukla and having that gear restricts other things you could have packed. When renting the technical gear you do it at Khare to go up to high camp, so the bonus renting is your porter doesn't have to carry that weight for 14 days either. We took our own gear and if done again would just rent it.
We spent a lot of time researching this trek and Nepal Hiking Team, in our opinion, was the best company to plan your trip in Nepal. They make everything smooth so you can focus on your trip and having a great time. Their recommendations for what to bring as well as how much cash for your trek make sure you have enough and don't have to worry. We ended up spending about half of their cash recommended for our 14 days at tea houses on extra drinks and snacks, but the surplus was just used on souvenirs in Lukla and Kathmandu.
If you choose to book with Nepal Hiking we highly recommend you request your trek guide be Vishma Bhatta. I cannot stress how amazing he was taking care of us so we were successful summitting Mera Peak. He cares about the clients and will do everything he can to ensure you have the best trip possible!!
Had an amazing experience with Nepal Hiking Team on my Chola Pass/Everest Base Camp Trek. From the beginning, I was impressed with their informative and well-laid-out website.
The owner, Ganga, was quick to respond to my questions before, during, and after the trek.
Our guide, Lakpa, was exceptional—very friendly and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure trekking with him. Our porter, Sukra, was hardworking and always had our bags ready for us as we arrived at our next destination. I will definitely be using them again the next time I visit Nepal.
A helpful tip for future trekkers: if you are trekking during the peak season and need to fly to and from Lukla via Ramechhap, consider booking helicopter rides between Kathmandu and Lukla. Though more costly, it’s worth evaluating to see if it fits your budget.
This option would save you from the numerous weather delays associated with flying in and out of Lukla and the lengthy 9-hour round-trip van drive between Kathmandu and Ramechhap airport. I wish I had opted for this—definitely something to think about for a smoother journey.
Additionally, for those considering this trek, investing in a good pair of trekking poles and a durable, waterproof backpack cover can significantly enhance your comfort and convenience on the trail. The Nepal Hiking Team can also assist in arranging these items if needed.
Ganga and the Nepal Hiking Team came to me by recommendation, and they went well, above and beyond my expectations.
From warm and quick communication from the day, I sent my request to design an itinerary that would mean that I could summit Lobuche East Peak on my birthday, to a friendly pick up and welcome in Kathmandu, to my brilliant and friendly guide, Lakpa, and Lobuche summit Sherpa, Pasang, the Nepal Hiking Team excelled in every way.
I'm looking forward to my return to Nepal and my next peak challenge already- I already know exactly who I'll be turning to!
