Reviews

If you’re thinking about climbing or trekking in Nepal, Himalayan Masters will ensure you have a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience!

This is my second time trekking with Himalayan Matsers, the first being Apr 23 on the Manaslu Circuit (also outstanding). This time, we trekked for over 20 days including Everest Base Camp, Lobuche Peak and Island Peak (our first 6000m peaks).

Sandip could not be a more attentive owner, within a few Instagram messages direct, I’d received a comprehensive itinerary, FAQ and equipment list. He was understanding and knowledgeable, pairing our aspirations with the realities of high Himalayan climbing.

When we arrived in Kathmandu, I was met by Mero Bhai (my brother) Govinda Rai who guided me previously. After being whisked to our hotel to relax and enjoy the bustle of Thamel for 48 hours we were flown by helicopter to Lukhla where our trek started!

This is a fine example of how Sandip goes above and beyond for his guests. A helicopter ride is significantly more expensive than the usual flight and transfer option, but wherever possible Sandip will try to maximise your experience. In this case he provided it at no extra cost, because he knew it would improve our chances of starting our trek on time and in the best condition!

On the trek Govinda as usual ensured all our accommodation, food and daily needs were met. He did this in his usual characteristically happy and positive way! He has again satisfied my craving for insights into the cultural and linguistic tapestry of Nepal and the Sherpa people. His flexibility on changing the schedule to match our acclimatisation needs could not have been easier! Acclimatisation scares us all, but rest assured it’s all in hand!

All in I can assure you, Himalayan Masters is in the Premier League of providing a Himalayan experience. You should have no doubt Sandip and the team should be your top pick.

It’s been a pleasure to expand my climbing experiences with Himalayan Masters and I will be back to climb Ama Dablam and my first 7000m peaks in the very near future!

PS- if you can request Mero Bhai Govinda Rai as your guide and you will not be disappointed. You cannot ask for a more experienced and caring guide. He has, with Sandip delivered me another world class experience and trip.

My EBC and Island Peak expedition with Himalayan Masters was excellent. I would highly recommend them. I travelled from Ireland and my trip was just as planned. Sandip was excellent in the organisational stage. His communication and attention to detail was very good. He tailored our itinerary to meet our needs. Sandip included a night at EBC and Kala Patthar in our itinerary.

Our trekking guide Bashu was excellent. We built a really friendly relationship with him and he made the trip very memorable. Our porter Subas was incredibly hardworking and friendly. Our climbing guide Phuri was very knowledgable and made my Island Peak climb a success. Overall, I would highly recommend their services.

They were also incredibly accommodating on our descent by allowing us to combine days to make our flight home. If you were a slower trekker they would adjust your itinerary accordingly. They are incredibly flexible and understanding. Thank you Himalayan Masters and thank you to all your team we dealt with who made it a trip of a lifetime for me.

Thank you Sandip, Bashu, Subas and Phuri. Thank you to all the Nepalese people we met along the way. I hope I will be back in the future.

Niall Neary

I could not have asked for anything more from Himalayan Masters. My initial contact with Sandip was great. He was responsive to all my questions, informative and accommodative. He took care of everything, including airport pick up and drop off, map, shirt, hat and a thorough route briefing. When we needed to change our itinerary part way through the trek, no problem.

Our guide, Raj Acharya, and porter, Deepak Adhikara, were both great. Raj is very knowledgeable about the Manaslu trek and bent over backwards to make sure we were well taken care of. Deepak, carrying a heavy load, was bent over forwards but never complained. Both were always friendly and kind.
 
Our trip was fantastic! We not only completed the trek over the pass but we also managed to get in side trips to the Serang Monastery, Pungen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp and Rui La Pass (Tibet border). All were pretty tough hikes but so worth the effort.
 
To me, it’s obvious that Himalayan Masters has the knowledge and experience to get all the little details right. I called this the trip of a lifetime, but my wife reminded me about our honeymoon, so this was it.

My trekking accomplice and I reviewed many trekking companies before we identified Himalayan Masters as reasonably priced and flexible with itineraries. We are both old guys whose wives allowed us this far-off adventure, yet we hoped to complete the Manaslu Circuit with five or six aggressive side trips.

Having landed in Kathmandu after a 24-hour double flight from California, we were pleased to have Sandip meet us at the airport and transport us to our hotel through the chaotic local traffic. The hotel was great! The next day, we were briefed on the trek. We were pleased with Sandip’s straightforward demeanour and willingness to allow changes to the itinerary midstream, depending on our hiking abilities, whims, and other factors. We would eventually scuttle one side trip due to cloudiness and another to stay at the Serang Monastery.

Sandip’s choices of guide, Raj Acharya, and porter, Deepak Adhikari, were equally superb. Raj looked out for us, skirting trail landslides, monitoring our vitals after big climbs, and reserving us good rooms in the guest houses; plus, he made sure we were fed on time. On the other hand, Deepak helped us with our respective loads, carrying a load (with some of our stuff) that seemed more than heavy. But for Deepak, we might not have made it over Larke Pass. Both Raj and Deepak were cheerful and exceedingly helpful.

When one flies across the world for an epic adventure, it’s always a plus when logistics work out, and the experience is positive. This was EPIC. If we were to trek in Nepal again, we would return to Himalayan Masters.

A Wonderful Mardi Trip!

Recently on November, I did Mardi Himal trek with Himalayan Masters. The trek, weather, lodging and the views were amazing. Our guide Dipak guided us all the way through the trek. The logistics and itinerary customization was perfectly organized by Sandip. Thanks Himalayan Masters for such a wonderful Mardi Trip!

Mardi Himal & Langtang Valley – Amazing!

Nothing but good things to say about our experience with this company. Super professional, extremely responsive in their communication, consistently thorough with information and punctual at every turn. All of our needs were met and then some. We felt safe, encouraged, respected and treated like kings (it was almost too much!) Very friendly people, with genuine smiles and a light-hearted approach to life that made every day a pleasure, even when the hardships of multi-day hiking creeped in.

Loved the two hikes, and how different they were from one another. Just the right length for travellers who can’t stay in Nepal more than a couple of weeks.

I could go on and on about the beauty of this country, and the qualities of the men who guided us through these beautiful landscapes. I’ve been to a lot of places, and this is an experience that stands out as one of the most memorable… Fully recommend!

The Langtang Helambu Trek was an unforgettable journey for me. The trails were perfect, passing through several traditional villages, forests, and mountains up and down, all along the calming melody of the river. This journey, arranged by Himalayan Masters, I suppose is the best trek itinerary to enjoy that all the Langtang had to surprise with. Thank you Raj (our guide) for your excellent knowledge, insight about the region, and helpful and kind manner. I intend to return back next season and explore other regions in Nepal.

I did my Everest Heli Trek with Himalayan Masters in October 2024, I can’t describe in words how much the trek did to me. From the beginning Sandip helped me with the all logistics and trip plans. My Guide Raj was amazing from finding best places to stay to safest Chopper, Raj Helped me with all. Thank you Team!

Pikey Peak is the most stunning short trek that I have been too. This was a short yet an exciting trekking experience. The most exciting thing about this journey was the view of the mighty ‘MOUNT EVEREST’. Thanks a lot to Himalayan Masters and our guide, Bashu Dhakal, for making this journey successful and memorable. I would be returning for another trek with them, and I recommend people to choose this travel agency for an excellent trekking experience.

I completed the 3 passes trek with Himalayan Masters. I’m very happy with the organisation and execution by Masters.

All the travel arrangements from airport transfers to getting to and back from the trek were well executed. Sandip got us to Lukla, via helicopter, when flights were not running due to bad weather.

Bashu our guide seamless got us through the Lukla airport chaos, back to Ramechhap. The van was waiting to take us back to Kathmandu.

The trek was initially very hard but Bashu our guide was there helping, supporting and encouraging. He was good company. He guided us through the maze of glacier crossings etc. The accommodation varied as did the food. Not as great as we got closer to EBC, which is the norm for the trek. Bashu made sure we were well looked after and recommended best options for food , based on location.

Our porter Ithen was amazing, carrying 25kg and still beating us up to all the passes. He was always there along the hike waiting asking how we were doing, with a smile.

All in all very happy with the trip and the Masters.

I did my Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with Himalayan Masters this October. Everything about the trek and their team was perfect. I wanted to do the Everest Base Camp Trek, but Sandip suggested I do the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek as I changed my mind about the peaceful trek.

Our guide, Kanchan, did a great job during the 20 days of the Kanchenjunga Trek. There was never a single day where I felt bored. The local people of the area were very friendly and respectful. I must recommend the Kanchenjunga Trek to you.

This trek was an incredible journey from start to finish! Starting in Jiri offered a unique and less crowded experience with stunning landscapes and cultural immersion. Raj was an exceptional guide—knowledgeable, supportive, and always ensuring safety and comfort. His understanding of the local culture made the trek even more enriching.

The trek was physically challenging, especially with the altitude, but Raj’s pacing and encouragement made it manageable. The tea houses were basic but cozy, and the food was simple yet hearty. October’s clear skies provided breathtaking views of Everest and the surrounding peaks.

Highly recommend both this route and Raj as a guide. A truly unforgettable adventure!

I did my Makalu Base Camp Trek with Himalayan Masters on October. From the logistics to the planned itinerary everything was very well planned. Sandip did a great job throughout the trek. The trip will remain forever in my memories. Thank you Himalayan Masters for such an amazing experience.

I loved my All Nepal Tour with Himalayan Masters! The trip was perfectly organized, and the guides were fantastic. You will get a view of the sunrise and Chitwan safari, and you will explore Kathmandu’s heritage sites.

Everything ran smoothly, and the team was super friendly. A must-try for anyone visiting Nepal.

The All Nepal Tour with Himalayan Masters was amazing! The itinerary covered everything – culture, nature, and adventure. From Pokhara’s lakes to Chitwan’s wildlife and Lumbini’s spiritual vibe, every part was unforgettable.

The guides were knowledgeable, and the team ensured a hassle-free experience. Highly recommended for an authentic Nepal adventure!

Highly recommend this company to travel with, well organised and great service. Our guide, Himeshwor, and two porters, Ram and Harry, were an excellent team and made the entire experience worth it. Himeshwor and his quick thinking saved us multiple times and helped massively. Ram and Harry were a huge help and kept going above and beyond for our needs.

With a heart full of gratitude, I want to express my appreciation for Himalayan Masters Adventure’s recent retreat to Poon Hill. As a first-time visitor exploring Nepal, Sandip and his team truly brought my trekking dreams to life.

From our very first interaction, Sandip demonstrated exceptional care, patience, and deep local knowledge, setting the most positive tone for the journey. His seamless logistical coordination ensured that every detail was handled effortlessly, always accompanied by warm smiles.

The villagers welcomed us with open arms and hearts, sharing delicious curries, captivating stories, and songs beneath a glittering sky. Their generous spirit is a testament to the enduring beauty of Himalayan traditions. Thanks to these kind souls, Nepal will forever remain a part of me, both in my breath and in my heart.

This experience has left me profoundly transformed and deeply thankful to Sandip and the entire Himalayan Masters team. Your thoughtful approach to travel has touched my soul and will continue to nourish my wellness journey. Until we meet again in the serene embrace of the Annapurnas!

It was an excellent trekking experience to the Kapuche Glacier Lake. I went on a trek with my friends in January 2022. Thanks to all the instructions and help from Himalayan Masters, the journey went smoothly. They instructed me everything about food, weather, accommodation, etc. They were happy enough to provide all the assistance in arranging the vehicle, accommodation, trek route, and a few trekking gear.

One of the most exciting parts of this journey was the evening campfire at the Sikles homestay. We sang, danced, ate, and enjoyed until we went to bed. The owner of the homestay was so friendly that he also danced with us.

Once again, thanks to Himalayan Masters for everything. They are the most professional and friendly travel agency that I know. Do give a try to the Sikles Kapuche Trek. For a safe, comfortable, and memorable trekking experience, I highly recommend that you trek with the Himalayan Masters.

I did my Dhorpatan Trek with Himalayan Masters, and I have to say that it was the most amazing trek of my life. The landscapes, the view, the mountains, and everything else were amazing.

We had a great time together on the Mera Peak trek. Sandip, the organiser, did a perfect job of giving us the best service, and even when my luggage didn’t arrive in Lukla, he was a helping hand I could count on!
Gobinda, our Guide, and Birendra, our Porter, were fantastic. Always thoughtful, strong and never pushing or stressed. They gave us all the time we needed and helped in every scenario. We became good friends, and I hope to see them again soon.
I really recommend Himalayan Masters and all the ones involved. They are great in what they do!