Through a super helpful blog written by a hiking couple, I came across Nepal Wilderness Trekking online. I was looking for a company run by Nepali people with Nepali guides, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. After I emailed the company, the owner Himal replied within maybe a half hour. Throughout the interview, he provided me with all of the information I could possibly need regarding different trekking options, departures, and costs.

I went to meet Himal as soon as I reached Kathmandu, as I was traveling alone and I wanted to be extra sure about whom I was putting myself in the hands of and I had so many questions to ask. Himal could not have been more kind to me. In addition to clearing all of my doubts, he was extremely informative and just made me feel excited about the trek.

I changed my trek two days before departure (from 3-days Poon Hill to 5-days Mardi Himal Base Camp) because I wanted something more challenging. Although I was booked for a solo trek, Himal was super accommodating and changed my trekking logistics despite the short notice.

Regarding the trek itself: I cannot recommend this company and its guides highly enough. The guide that I had, Yakhub, was outstanding from start to finish. I met him at the airport in Pokhara, he bought us some fresh fruit and we started our journey. Yakub assisted me in every way possible during the trek when I felt sick and unmotivated, as it’s quite hard on the body, and they were there to support me in every way possible. In addition to ensuring that I felt comfortable and that I was moving at a pace that suited me, he always made me laugh and uplifted my spirit when I couldn’t be bothered walking, and he always met me with a hot cup of tea when I was in need. He also spoke to me about any possible curiosity I may have had about Nepal, trekking in its mountains, and the fascinating culture this country has to offer. I came back from this trek a couple of weeks ago, and I can’t wait to book my next trek with the company.

The three weeks before the hike, I had a back injury and was apprehensive about my fitness level (not good) and safety (as always on solo trips). Having just made it to Pokhara after almost 4 days of travel, I met Manoj, my guide and porter, and just hours later all my worries appeared to be gone. During our consultation, he was knowledgeable, always prepared, and went above and beyond to ensure that I was comfortable. He made me feel extremely safe and taken care of at all times. During my poon hill trek, I turned it into a five-day trip, and he made sure I had the best rooms in every tea house, as well as the best food. I was introduced to Nepalese music, I was shown what locals eat, as well was encouraged to push through the tough hikes. A BIG THANK YOU TO MANOJ! In my opinion, this is one of the best hikes you can do in Nepal if you want to experience some true Nepalese culture at the same time.

It was great trekking in the Nepal Wilderness! Himal is a really friendly and accommodating guy. Super smooth experience right from the pick up at Pokhara, throughout the trail, and the drop off at my hotel after. 

Rajesh Gurung was a wonderful guide. It was super fun trekking with him! He’s a trove of information on all treks. He even spotted wild deer in the forest to show me. Would definitely trek with him again.

What a wonderful experience! My guide made the trek so simple for me, all I had to do was show up and annoy the trekkers. I enjoyed getting to know my guide and porter as well as the other members of my group. The guide service handled all permits very well. The accommodations were great, and he made everything so easy for me. The challenge was real, but I enjoyed it. He was knowledgeable and helpful. I would use this guide service again!

We found our guide and porter to be extremely helpful and accommodating. Because our mother is 61, we took two extra days to complete the trek (recommended). We enjoyed having a knowledgeable guide to help us stay where it made sense. We are all Jain vegetarians, but our dietary needs are always met by delicious food. Regarding the trek itself, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri are two of the world’s treasures, and we will be returning to the Himalayas again. Since the guiding company handled all logistics, we just had to show up in Kathmandu and hold on for the ride. A guide isn’t essential if you’re a logistics expert and a capable trekker and navigator, but for us, it was well worth it. Nepal is an amazing country!

Poon Hill trek + Ghandruk village took us 4 days, and those were the most memorable days of our lives. Riddhi, our guide, made us feel comfortable the entire trip, always keeping an eye on our wellbeing and adjusting the pace accordingly. He told us all about the majestic Himalayan mountains, Nepalese culture, and languages. Our lodges were top-notch, with hot showers and incredible food every day. I am so grateful to Himal and Riddhi for the perfect trip, and I am already planning when to go back. Much love to you both, see you again soon!