Mr. Surya Lama

Traveller Review

• Must Do

  I undertook the 14-day EBC trek with the Nepal Hiking Team in a group of three. It was an unforgettable experience, and I had an incredible time. The entire organization of the trip was seamless and highly professional, including a well-organized return trip from Lukla via helicopter.

  Our guide, Surya, was exceptionally professional, ensuring our journey was both safe and enjoyable. The trek was replete with breathtaking views, delectable food, and the unique experience of life in teahouses.

  The acclimatization process was meticulously planned, and we all reached EBC safely and in high spirits. Our journey would not have been possible without our dedicated and wonderful porters, who were our unsung heroes every day. They were always cheerful and positive, despite the heavy loads they bore. Out of respect for their hard work, consider what you truly need and minimize the items you bring.

  I wholeheartedly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team for your Nepal adventures; they made this trip truly memorable. Thank you!

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• My experience with Nepal Hiking Team

  I completed the EBC trek with Nepal Hiking Team, and I can't say enough about how well they treated us as guests to Nepal, but also in terms of navigation, booking, and safety. Nepal Hiking Team is a local Nepalese company with a fantastic staff that showed us courtesy. Our guide, Surya Lama, and assistant guide, Buddhala, always watched our 4-person group. Whether there was a hotel booking problem (due to a delay in Lukla) or a concern about our ability to hike, they ensured we were always taken care of.

  Ganga was always very responsive to any questions or emails I had before the trek, and he showed his appreciation when we decided to choose a local company to trek with.

  As for the hike, yes, it was difficult. Our first day was delayed due to weather in Lukla, and we couldn't fly there the following day either. We decided to fly to Phaplu and take a 4x4 close to Lukla. The 4x4 off-road ride was nearly 9 hours with 11 people in an 8-person jeep. This ride was a fantastic experience; however, it was rather uncomfortable. But I wouldn't change a thing. The following day was a 12-hour hike to get just short of Lukla, and the trip was as advertised from there.

  Thank Surya, Buddha, Ganga and our two porters for a fantastic experience. And I will be sure to see all of you again!

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• Experience the Stunning Langtang Valley Trek

  This was my second trek with the Nepal Hiking Team, and I can confidently say it was the right choice once again. Before booking, Ganga, the managing director of NHT, provided me with detailed information about the challenges of trekking in August, which is the monsoon season. He warned me about slippery trails, heavy rains, and the presence of leeches but also highlighted the unique beauty of the lush greenery that’s only seen during this time of year.

  My journey began on August 2nd with a warm welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport, and the Langtang Valley Trek commenced the following day with an 8-hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. This time, I was guided by Surya, whose name fittingly means “the sun” in Nepali, accompanied by an assistant guide and porter, Shankar.

  Here’s a summary of my experience for anyone considering NHT’s services:

  Expert Guidance

  Surya led me with grace and a steady pace, ensuring a smooth and consistent trek. We often arrived at our destination teahouses either on time or even earlier, allowing ample time for rest and preparation for the next day’s hike. His guidance made the trek feel effortless, avoiding any sense of exhaustion.

  Safety in Challenging Conditions

  The monsoon season brought its share of challenges, including muddy trails, slippery steps, and areas prone to landslides and rockfalls due to the constant rain. Surya and Shankar were exceptional in navigating these obstacles, always prioritizing my safety by guiding me along the safest paths. Their attentiveness and patience were invaluable, and I deeply appreciate their efforts.

  Solo Traveler Comfort

  As a solo female traveler, I felt entirely secure trekking with Surya and Shankar. We maintained mutual respect and appropriate boundaries throughout the journey, which is crucial for any woman traveling alone. They felt like my elder and younger brothers, always looking out for me and ensuring my well-being. Shankar, in particular, was quick to help me remove any leeches that appeared—just like a younger brother would!

  A big shout-out to Ganga for his excellent management and discipline. I will definitely be trekking with NHT again in the future and look forward to seeing them continue to set the standard in the industry.

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• Beautiful Langtang Valley trek safely during the monsoon season

  This was my second time trekking with Nepal Hiking Team, and I can confidently say it was still the right choice.

  Before booking, Ganga, the managing director of NHT, gave me detailed information about August being the monsoon season. He explained that I might encounter slippery trails, heavy rains, and leeches. However, in return, I would get to experience the greenery that we cannot usually see during the dry season.

  The itinerary began on August 2nd with a warm pick-up at the Airport. My Langtang Valley Trek started the next day with an 8-hour bus journey from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. This time, my guide was Surya, whose name means "the sun" in Nepali, and also with assistant guide/porter, Shankar.

  Here is my overall experience to share with those considering NHT’s services:

  • Surya led me with graceful steps and a steady pace, allowing me to walk consistently without feeling tired or exhausted. We typically arrived at the teahouses on time or even earlier each day, giving me enough time to recover and get ready for the next day’s trek.
  • Due to the monsoon season, the trails were muddy and slippery, with streams, landslide-prone areas, and rockfall zones caused by continuous rain. Surya and Shankar ensured my safety by carefully guiding me across these challenges, showing me safer paths, and always keeping me out of harm’s way. I truly appreciated their patience and assistance.
  • As a solo traveler, I felt completely safe with Surya and Shankar throughout the trek. We maintained proper boundaries and mutual respect, which is especially important for solo female travelers. They felt like my elder and younger brothers, always checking on me and making sure I was okay. And every time a leech latched onto me, Shankar would help me remove it—just like a younger brother would!

  A big shout-out to Ganga for his excellent management and professionalism. I will definitely trek with Nepal Hiking Team again and hope to see them continue being the best in the business.

  

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• Annapurna Circuit, in October

  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.

  

  

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• First Class Trekking Company and Staff

  My husband, my friend, and I recently ended the 12-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek. From the very first to end, we were well taken care of by the Nepal Hiking Team. Ganga was incredibly easy to communicate with via email while we planned our trek, ensuring everything was well organized before we landed. We were warmly welcomed at the airport and taken to our hotel (Woodapple) in Kathmandu, which was pretty nice.

  Before our trek started, we met with Ganga to go over the essentials and pick up our duffel bags, down sleeping bags, and also down jackets. We also meet our guide (Surya) and one of our porters (Gokul). The following day, we were taken to the bus station to catch a bus to Pokhara. If I had one regret, it would be taking the 10-hour bus ride rather than a plane to Pokhara. It was a quite long and tiring drive. Once we reached Pokhara, we checked into a lovely hotel for the night, ready to move on our trek the next morning.

  We were blessed to have good weather and ideal trekking conditions. Surya, our guide, w

  as attentive and knowledgeable. He kept us on track and cared about our pace and abilities (we’re in our mid-60s to 70s years old but in very great shape). He made sure we had everything we needed and encouraged us to go at a comfortable pace. Our two porters, Gokul and Krishna, were strong and definitely helped out to reach our destinations each day.

  The tea houses we stayed in exceeded our expectations for comfort. The food was always delicious and plentiful at all of them. Overall, the entire experience was nothing short of amazing. We couldn’t have chosen a better company to book our trek through. Surya, along with our porters, takes good care of us; high marks from them. It was truly a five-star experience, and we have only high praise for the Nepal Hiking Team.

  

  

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• Gokyo Lake and Renjo La Pass, best experience

  I had an amazing journey with guide Surya on the Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Pass track. The views were absolutely stunning, and the trail was wonderfully uncrowded. It was truly the best experience! Surya, my guide, was incredibly knowledgeable and made the entire trip feel effortless. I can’t thank him enough. I highly recommend this trek—100%!

  

  

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• Elise yuan

  My Langtang Valley Trek in November 2024 was genuinely a lifetime experience! Being a first-time trekker and solo traveler, I was both thrilled and slightly anxious about this adventure for my 30th. From my first interaction, though, I felt completely reassured. Ganga provided thorough, prompt information, and his expert suggestion of the Langtang Trek was truly invaluable.

  My journey was made unforgettable thanks to the incredible team!

  A MASSIVE shoutout to the best guide, Surya! He was absolutely exceptional, putting me completely at ease with his attentive care, including daily checks of my oxygen levels and pulse, and even bringing fresh fruit along the way! Other trekkers were in awe of the care I received, which truly highlights Surya’s vast knowledge, experience, and dedication. When I asked to adjust the itinerary, he kindly made it happen. He also recommended the best dishes at every stop, and I stayed healthy the entire time! This was so important to me, and I’m incredibly grateful.

  Another huge shoutout to the best porter, Raum! He was genuinely amazing, moving our gear each day with a kindness and thoughtfulness that made a real impact.

  The trek itself was challenging but beyond rewarding, with stunning views around every corner. I’ll carry the memories of this journey forever, thanks to the exceptional care of Nepal Hiking Team, especially Ganga, Surya, and Raum: thank you for a journey I’ll treasure for life!

  If you're reading this and considering any trek in Nepal, especially Langtang, don’t hesitate to book! There’s a reason Nepal Hiking Team is #1. And please feel free to reach out with any questions—I’m always happy to help :)

  

  

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