At a Glance

Trip Overview

Like Wow . Where to even begin this Review !??For those who want the short version , yes , it’s a definite yes ,Top Marks for this outfit .My guide Birman (Mr. Birman to my Madam J.) and I trekked together for six weeks (yes , that’s right 6 weeks !) in the Solu Khumbu region . : I have been here before and wanted to retrace my steps from my last trekking trip , so started in Jiri and going ‘bistare – bistare’ (slowly – slowly) trekked to Namche onto Everest way , then crossed to Gokyo and back to Namche before trekking out again — with many side trips . (as opposed to flying into and out of Lukla like most ppl do nowadays) .Mr. Birman was courteous , knowledgable , polite , funny , and always helpful ; he was always willing and able to accommodate my various wishes re pace of our trek (I like it at a comfortable pace , want to be in the ‘here-and-now’ , take time to look around and engage with local people , time to ‘smell the roses’ so to say ) or regarding as to where to stay / eat / stop . Has no hidden agendas of trying to stir you to places of His choosing / interests like many other guides do . Mr. Birman (he’s 26 years old this year , I am quite a bit older , but at his suggestion we established our monikers early on in our trek 🙂 ) is strong and fast : On our third day out I’ve gotten terribly dehydrated and faint , asked him to go ahead and find us accommodation and have some food and water / Fanta ready for me . He did all that , then came back to take and carry my backpack to ease my burden . Saved the day ! .Some days I prefer hiking alone , some days it is nice to have company. Mr. Bir was always accommodating , never obtrusive , we were able to establish great boundaries and rapport , clarified expectations early on , and had an absolutely seamless wilderness experience. We had great conversations on many various topics (Birman speaks near perfect English and is a quick learner !) : I learned much about Nepal and its people , about local customs and issues , and he learned from me about environmental preservation (no tossing away of garbage !!) , about ethical treatment of animals (it’s a definite concern in Nepal — saw some very disturbing ‘things’) , he learned some finer points of what is expected of professional guides and always took suggestions on-board at face value. A great positive .Taking our time we got to see many wildlife : deer , Himalayn Thar raiding a potato field , fox , many types of birds , even the very elusive National Bird of Nepal : a beautiful many-colored pheasant near MongLa .During our long excursion I unfortunately caught a respiratory bug , and having been weakened by it at Altitude , was forced to take some rest days during which Birman brought me food to my room , allowing me to rest and recover. He went on a recon mission without prompting and found the nearest health post and arranged for me to visit it on our way from Pengboche to Portshe (btw. that is an Awesome trek . Breathtaking views and scenery. Highly recommended !!) , as my own antibiotics were ineffective . This was the first trip for Mr. Bir to the Everest Region , but in every lodge we’ve gone to and stayed at , within minutes of arriving he was treated as a long seen friend , in many places the sure place to find him was the kitchen as he loves to (and is very good at) cook(ing) .At mealtimes oh the comfort of not having to worry about anything as he has already taken care of all possible needs . Within a few days of starting our trek he had come to know and anticipate my (sometimes quirky) necessities : at altitude I sleep with a Nalgene bottle of boiled water every night — great way to keep your bed / toes warm as you fall asleep , and in the morning you have water to drink that is not ice cold 😉 ! I never had to ask for it , he has always looked after it without me needing to bother. Nice xWhat I’m trying to say is , Mr. Birman is one of those exceptional guides (people) who can (and care to) anticipate your needs in order to make your trek most enjoyable. It truly is rare .I am of the kind of people who likes to go after her own head , and it was important to me that I should be able to have a guide who allows for this and so I can relax and enjoy my time , my trek , putting one foot in front of the other , take time and stop when I feel like — there’s so much beauty to see , to experience , shame to just rush by !! — , but in the sure knowledge that I have someone ‘watch over’ my safety and my comfort . Though many times out of sight , Birman was always close enough that should I need him , he’s right there . That takes special talent lol ! Had many laughs learning the special Nepali way of telling time and distance , had some great meals and moments , met some wonderful people and I can hardly wait to go back . And be assured , if I am in need of any assistance or in need of a guide on my next trip I would once again engage the services of Trekking Team Group , and hope to have Mr. Birman as my guide . Oh , and before I forget : after my trek was finished I stayed in Nepal for an additional couple of weeks during which Trekking Team Group and Mr. Birman was most helpful in suggesting destinations and arranging transportation . That’s beyond the time I engaged their paid services . Also , after Mr. Birman’s return to KTM I had continued my time in the mountains for another month , trekking some two additional weeks , and every couple of days or so he’d inquire (when there was signal) as to my whereabouts and my well being. That’s beyond the ‘call of duty’ as he was no longer engaged nor being paid as my guide . That is caring and I greatly appreciated it 🙂 .Further , as to Trekking Team Group : the trekking company provides filtered water for the whole length of a trek for solos as well as for groups in an effort to reduce the blight of the disposable plastic mineral-water bottles that get discarded and accumulate , thereby causing a severe pollution problem in this fragile ecological system . They’re a member of the ‘TAP’ organization : Trekkers Against Plastic .A laudable effort imo , cutting down on the tons of debris. More on : it is my understanding that Trekkers Team Group discourages elephant involved activities , as it has been clearly shown that this part of the tourism industry is rife with abuse and mistreatment of the animals. An elephant died of heatstroke and heart attack just when I was in Nepal , due to lack of shade , lack of water , and overwork carrying tourist all day. This should be stopped ! And if Trekking Tour Group is taking an active proactive role in stamping out this practice , all the better !All in all a most wonderful experience , highly recommend this company 🙂 .

At a Glance

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"Ein Absolut verlässlicher, superfreundlisher veranstalter  mit erstlkassigem Service.”

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“Long-established trekking company with a breadth of experience and an easy-to-find location."

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"A very reliable, super friendly agency offering top-notch service.”

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“une agence engagée avec une belle expertise du terrain.”

What makes this trip different ?

Trekking Team Groups is one of the main supporters of Ambe Foundation, a non-political and non-profit social organization. We contribute our support to the remote village of Nuwakot and different schools like Gramin Devi, Khumbeshwori through donation, sponsorship and partnership in various projects. For details click here what we do and why we do?

Donation

Trekking Team Group donates a percentage of business profits to the foundation on a yearly basis, which supports the ongoing maintenance cost required for Gramin Devi and Khumbeshwori school, a community-based school in Nuwakot.

Sponsorship

One of the major activities of Ambe foundation is the children sponsorship program, which is conducted with full collaboration with Trekking Team Group.

Partnership (Volunteering Program)

The Ambe Volunteer Program, organised by Ambe Foundation and Trekking Team Group, aims to mobilize teams of experts and interested individuals as an effective and economic measure in providing the human capital for education, health and community development in Nuwakot District.

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