Reviews

It’s incredibly daunting to choose a tour operator from the thousands in Nepal that all do the same itinerary, but I had the absolute best experience with Himalayan Masters and highly recommend them! I was a bit hesitant because the price was a bit higher for the same tour offered by other operators, but my experience was more than worth it and I am so happy I chose Himalayan Masters. I was blown away by their professionalism and commitment to ensuring clients are fully taken care of from the moment they’re taken on board. From the pre-trip meeting, I was very impressed by the level of service provided by Sandip (the owner) – I felt like I was actually climbing Everest with the level of detail he went into about the trip, and I walked out with all my last minute needs taken care of and zero concerns. He was even able to arrange an upgrade to a helicopter out to Lukla the next day rather than the standard bus/plane at no cost to myself!!

I could not have asked for a better guide than Bikram and my wonderful porter Ch’aidan (sorry about the spelling!) – they made my trip the once in a lifetime experience it was. They were always both so fun to be around, they made being on a solo trip feel like I was traveling with friends. Bikram is one of those people who seems like they know everyone and always made sure to set me up with the best guest houses / rooms (for example, I heard people at some guesthouses complaining about how they didn’t even have toilets on their floor when I would get one in my room!). When things got hard he was always positive and encouraging, and I would not have made it to base camp without him!

One of the best examples of what made this company worth it was when I ended up getting sick partway through the trip – Bikram consistently checked on me and made sure I was getting soup / water / anything I needed, and did not hesitate to book another night at the hotel we were at when I told him I didn’t think I’d be able to move the next day. I was still feeling the effects for a while so with his patience I was able to make it to base camp a few days later, but as it seemed unlikely I’d be able to make it back he and Sandip immediately got to work coordinating a helicopter rescue with my insurance after getting back to Gorakshep. I had some concerns about the insurance, but they reassured me that Sandip is very experienced in dealing with these situations so I had nothing to worry about aside from sending over a few documents. They took care of everything, which was a godsend when I was feeling as awful as I was and had no one else to advocate for me as I was traveling alone. The hospital stay was lovely, and Sandip himself even came to visit me which was such a kind gesture. I am so a happy I chose Himalayan Masters and I cannot recommend them enough!

We had a really amazing 12 day trek to Langtang and gosaikunda lake trek with Himalayan Masters and A wonderful guide and porter. Deepak Acharya our guide was brilliant, he kept a close eye without being intrusive, catered for our every need and was very patient and flexible. I felt safe and comfortable knowing he was right there. Our group of 5’including Deepak and our Narin our lovely
Porter was like a little family! The views were incredible, the walks and guest houses weren’t crowded, and it was good value for money. We would definitely trek again with Deepak and Himalayan Masters.

Himalayan Masters were amazing for our 3 passes trek in March 2025. Will be recommending to anyone who wants to do any trek in Nepal. They have specialised guides for each area. We had Bashu and Bage for our trip, and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better. These legends made our trip 10/10!

They organised everything from arriving at the airport into Kathmandu, getting us to Lukla, through the trek and then getting us back to the big city.

Our 3 passes trek was amazing and really well organised. We had no trouble at all throughout the trip and our guide Bashu and porter Bage hold good relationships with all the teahouse owners which made everything really really easy and made us feel welcome into the Himalayas! We modified our interary slightly for the weather with Bashu’s sage advice which made the trip so much better as well.

Bashu and Bage were amazing. Bashu knew the route so well and was full of knowledge and fun throughout the whole trip. There was never a dull time and was really encouraging and helpful when I struggled up some of the huge hills!

Bage our porter is a legend. He always had a smile on his face and was so caring with our stuff but also with helping us if we ever needed anything else sorted.

100% recommend Himalayan Masters. They were communicative before the trip, helpful during the trip and everything was a breeze. They had great inclusions for the trip which made it the best trek we have ever done! Sandip the manager was so easy to communicate and get along with and prepared us for the trip so well too.

Cheers guys.

Trekking to Nar Phu Valley with Himalayan Masters in May 2025 was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our guide, Kanchan, was professional, patient, and full of interesting stories about the region. Porter Nabu was so kind and helpful throughout the journey.

The trail was peaceful, the villages were full of culture, and the views were absolutely breathtaking. I felt safe, well taken care of, and truly connected to the mountains. Highly recommend this team!

I did the Nar Phu Valley trek in May 2025 with Himalayan Masters, and it was one of the best trekking experiences of my life. Our guide, Govinda, was knowledgeable, caring, and made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout the journey. Subash, our porter, was also incredibly supportive and always had a smile on his face.

The remote villages, mountain views, and peaceful trails were unforgettable. I highly recommend Himalayan Masters for anyone planning a real Himalayan adventure!

What a wonderful and beautiful experience trekking to base camp with our guide Moti and porter Baggi.

The trek is challenging at moments but generally manageable if you are fit and used to hiking at altitude. It’s helpful that the locals are welcoming and the food is amazing.

We went in December where there was no rain and fewer tourists, which really enhanced the experience at times we were the only ones on our route. Just be prepared for the cold near the top and on the past stretch to BC.

Sandip provided us with everything we could need and a clear briefing, but our guide Moti was fantastic. Friendly and professional. We had zero problems as a result and felt in great hands, we were so well cared for at all times, ask for moti as your guide!

Tips and comments:

I was amazed by how good the food was. Dhal bhaat is the local food, a non spicy veg curry with a green lentil soup. They will give you refills for this food and it’s very good.
The spring rolls are also something different. They’re large, like a pastie, filled with veggie noodles and fried.

You can order at most places, Nepalese food, Chinese food, and pizzas and burgers if you’re without imagination (although the veggie burger in some places was a kind of Nepalese twist so I can recommend that)

Major bonus is proper coffee throughout (complete luxury) and the boiling hot showers and electric blankets in namche!

The challenging days are there at the end. The start is a nice warm up as your guide warms you up to the harder days. Remember to stop and take photos on the ridge as you inch towards base camp the view is much better from there.

You can’t avoid the cold at the top. But the sleeping bags will keep you warm enough. We used our own coats, and we used the water purification tablets for water. Although I do recommend getting a Lifestraw (Google it)

Highly recommend the company and the trek, there is a reason so many do it. Literally sorted everything out for us and gave us a one in a lifetime experience at the foot of everest. Thank you Sandip, Moti and Baggi

We have just completed Everest Base Camp trek with Himalayan Masters.

The owner Sandip was always available through booking and to help with the many queries I had about the trip.

On arrival his team met us and got us settled into our hotel and the following day briefed us on our trip details.

On arrival in Lukla we were met by Bashu our guide. He was a brilliant help every day. Briefing us on the plans for each day and what we had ahead.

Nothing was too much trouble to him and he was always available to us. Including when my wife was unwell.

I would highly recommend Himalayan Masters and they will be our first choice for future treks in Nepal.

We had a fantastic time completing the Annapurna circuit trek with Himalayan Masters and our amazing guide Raj. Raj was friendly and knowledgeable and saw to our every need. He made sure we had the best room in the tea houses.

The tour was very well organised by Sandip who made sure everything from airport pick up to hotels and transfers was smooth.

We’ve had an amazing time and can’t thank Sandip and Raj enough!

The 9-day Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trek with Himalayan Master was truly an incredible adventure! Our guide, Ramesh, was not only knowledgeable and professional but also super funny, which made the tough trails much more enjoyable.

His humor and positive energy kept our spirits high throughout the journey. Joy, our porter, was equally fantastic—always reliable and cheerful, even on the most challenging days.

The breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and Tilicho Lake were unforgettable, and the entire trip was so well-organized. I highly recommend this experience to anyone seeking both adventure and great company!

We did the 12 Day Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake trek with Himalayan Masters starting from Dharapani. Before our trip Sandip was very helpful with supporting us in choosing the right Nepal trek, duration and transport options for us via email exchange which provided us confidence in Himalayan Masters service and their attention to detail.

We were collected from Kathmandu airport and met Sandip at Himalayan Masters office for a safety brief and talk through of expectations and our trek prior to commencing. Our Himalayan Masters guide Bikram was exceptional, ensuring safety, wellbeing and professionalism throughout. Bikram also brought charm, positivity and fun at all times ensuring we maximise our experience from selecting rooms in teahouses, food options, best views and always available if we ever needed.

Bikram added to our trek experience, with great chats all in English, teaching us Nepalese words along way and was a great pleasure to share our trip and his company with. We thoroughly recommend Himalayan Masters; thank you to both Sandip and Bikram.

I recently completed the Manaslu Circuit trek with Himalayan Masters, and it was an absolutely incredible experience. From the very first inquiry to the final steps of the trek, everything was seamlessly organized, and I felt completely supported throughout the journey.

A huge thank you to Govinda, my guide, who was super kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient—especially as I was constantly filming and working with my camera along the way. He always made sure I had enough time to capture the beauty of the landscapes while keeping the trek smooth and well-paced. His deep knowledge of the region, its culture, and the trails added so much depth to the experience.

I also had an amazing porter, Dana, who carried my gear with endless energy and a smile every single day. His positive attitude and kindness made a huge difference, and I truly appreciated his hard work.

The pre-planning and communication with Sandip, the owner, were also fantastic. He was incredibly responsive, accommodating, and ensured that everything was perfectly arranged before I even set foot in Nepal. From itinerary adjustments to answering all my questions, he made the planning process effortless.

Even though this was a solo trek with no group, I never felt alone, thanks to the incredible team at Himalayan Masters. Their professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail made this one of the best treks I’ve done.

If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced trekking company in Nepal, I highly recommend Himalayan Masters! Thank you for an unforgettable adventure!

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.