* Chris Gledhill's recommendation

What a delight to return to Nepal and the warm greeting of our guides, Prem and Maina, Indra and Mana and set off together to Everest base camp! Ever professional in their care for our welfare, we also felt to be walking with friends. Apart from providing their expert knowledge of the route, its hostelries, astute assessment of our own capabilities and encouraging support over the rough bits, when evening came Prem and Maina treated our aching muscles to soothing massages and much laughter and song. Their love of the mountains and knowledge of the region’s wildlife and culture enriched our experience in a way which no guide book could match. And for spotting high soaring birds, or capturing on film wild creatures perched on awkward terrain, Prem’s keen eyesight, nimbleness and photographic skills proved invaluable. The high point was an afternoon spent on Kala Pattar in a spot Prem knew was the only one where we could get out of the wind, bask in the sun and drink in the view of Everest, its surrounding mountains and the glacial moonscape below. An unforgettable experience made possible by our guides’ knowledge, support and friendship.

Christine Gledhill

Robin Hood’s Bay

England

* Derald & Marti's recommend to Prem

I hired Prem Rai in 2010 to organize two treks for my wife and I. The Annapurna circuit and the Gokyo Lakes region.

Prem provided the most outstanding service one could wish for. He responded immediately to every email I send and very efficiently took care of our internal air arrangements as well as our trekking permits for minimal cost. He provided us with an outstanding porter/guide, Ram, who accompanied us for 5 weeks and was also an outstanding guide and person. I have recommend Prem to friends at home in Colorado and cannot say enough good things about him. He is truly an outstanding person who will go the extra mile to make your trip perfect.

Derald and Marti De Young, Estes Park, Colorado, USA

E-mail: dyng@calvin.edu

* Peter Naschak & his company;

I wanted to send a recommendation for Prem Rai to any one who reads your site. We used Prem to help set up our Annapurna Circuit trip March – April 09. I found him on your site, contacted him, and he became an immediate asset. I also contacted various other independent guides, but Prem was the most detailed, helpful, and responsive -  he was also a good value!

Unfortunately Prem was not available to be our personal guide, but he arranged a terrific guide porter to assist us. I was trekking with my wife and 75 years old mother and Hari Rai, our guide porter, was an amazing companion. We started near Pokhara at Begnas Taal (Lake) and took 4 days to get to Khudi and the main Circuit trek. From there we followed the main circuit, via Ghyru (upper trail near Pisang), to Tilicho (which ended up snowed out), up over Thorong la, and finishing to Jomsom. The whole time, Hari was attentive to my Mom, split heavy loads with me as my mom encountered problems, and went with me on my entire indulgent excursion up side trails. During our trek we were also lucky enough to meet up with Prem and his group and for 3 days we enjoyed each other’s company and had a lot of fun. Prem even gave my mom a much needed Massage near Tilicho lake!

I can’t say enough about Prem and his family. They were conscientious, courteous, and fairly priced. They took care of allour arrangements from Kathmandu to back. Incredible service at prices no Western guiding outfit would ever offer. Prem is a true professional and deserves anyone’s business. And if Prem is not available, ask him for one of his talented and friendly associates. 

P. Naschak

USA.  

pnaschak@hotmail.com

* Jo & Jan's Letter

Prem, Maina & Shyam;

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

We always appreciate this time of year to reconnect with friends and family – and try to make a for being such lazy communicators the rest of the year!

This has been a busy year of travel for both of us. Jan’s made numerous trips to states bordering the Mississippi river – from Louisiana up to Minnesota - - for a new Mississippi River initiative for Audubon. Jo’s logged or dozen trips to Europe for her work with the child solders coalition and a United Nations study on violence against children.

We’ve also managed – eureka! – to spend a bit more time traveling together. In April, we spent at fabulous days trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal. The Mountains were spectacular and we thoroughly enjoyed the companionship of a great Guide – the same Guide that Jo and a friend used on her first trip to Nepal 6 years ago.

Our trip coincided with Nepal’s historic pro-democracy movement, which involved nation - wide strikes, massive daily demonstrations, and government – imposed curfews. As   we concluded our trek, public transit was suspended, forcing us to hike and additional ten hour day to get to the nearest airport. Jan flew home, while Jo stayed in Kathmandu for an additional 3 weeks. She participated in some of the demonstration and interviewed injured protestors for Human Rights Watch -- - visiting hospitals to talk to men, woman and children who had been shot or beaten by government security forces during the demonstrations. She also managed some additional trekking, yoga classes and some truly wonderful massages! She felt fortunate that she was still there to see the massive celebration when the king finally capitulated under popular pressure and agreed to restore parliament.

In November, we went to Belize and Guatemala to celebrate Jan’s birthday. We had a wonderful time bird watching, going cave tubing (floating in inner-tubes on a river that flowed through amazing caves), visiting Mayan ruins, and snorkeling in Belize’s barrier reef. We saw dozens of birds that we’d never seen before, and were in awe of the massive Mayan temples.

During weekends at home, Jo spends time in her pottery studio, and Jan’s favorite pastime is cutting down trees with his chainsaw in the backyard (or the neighbor’s, if they’ll let him!). Jo exhibited pots at two crafts shows this fall, including one at Lincoln Centre in Manhattan. And thanks to Jan, we have enough firewood for the next millennium!

We hope you are enjoying warm evenings as the days get colder. We wish you a wonderful holiday and great New Year.

We are so happy for one time with you last spring!

We look at our pictures of you and the mountains - - wonderful memories!!

Love: Jan + Jo

United States

beckerj@hrw.org

* Rita's Recommendation

Come to Nepal in 2003 and had a wonderful trek with Prem. Thoughtful, kind and amazing company, very knowledgeable about all aspects of trekking and life in Nepal.

Wonderful all round support with all aspects for the trek, including added on no-extra cost services like cooking delicious meals and giving wonderful massages.  Also kept us feeling very safe.

Would not hesitate to recommend  Prem highly and hope to be able to go again myself one day.

Rita Ferris-Taylor

Kensal Rise

North London

* Malgosia's recommend

Hello Prem,

“I am very pleased to recommend Prem and Maina Rai. I’ve found them on www.trekinfo.com where they advertise as trekking guides. Although they weren’t able to do a trek with me, they organized a great trip in Annapurna Region, which I must say, left me with the most beautiful memories. They were incredibly helpful and friendly, always ready to go and extra mile to make sure that I would enjoy my trek. When we first met in Pokhara to discuss last details of the trek I “harassed” them (for about two hours) with questions about Nepal and trekking both in Annapurna & Mt. Everest region. Thanks to that chat I’ve discovered what genuine, warm and honest people they are. I’ve realized that although I am away from home in far – flung places I will be looked after well. What I also found interesting about Prem & Maina are how infectious their positive attitude towards other people is. I am sure that whoever has come across them will agree with me. Great people doing amazing work in bringing visitors in touch with the unique nature of their beautiful country.”

Thanks a lot!

Malgosia

UK.

s.gosia@yahoo.co.uk

* Malgosia's recommend

Hello Prem,

“I am very pleased to recommend Prem and Maina Rai. I’ve found them on www.trekinfo.com where they advertise as trekking guides. Although they weren’t able to do a trek with me, they organized a great trip in Annapurna Region, which I must say, left me with the most beautiful memories. They were incredibly helpful and friendly, always ready to go and extra mile to make sure that I would enjoy my trek. When we first met in Pokhara to discuss last details of the trek I “harassed” them (for about two hours) with questions about Nepal and trekking both in Annapurna & Mt. Everest region. Thanks to that chat I’ve discovered what genuine, warm and honest people they are. I’ve realized that although I am away from home in far – flung places I will be looked after well. What I also found interesting about Prem & Maina are how infectious their positive attitude towards other people is. I am sure that whoever has come across them will agree with me. Great people doing amazing work in bringing visitors in touch with the unique nature of their beautiful country.”

Thanks a lot!

Malgosia

UK.

s.gosia@yahoo.co.uk

* A. C, Panks's experienced!

I’m pleased to highly recommend the massage treatment of Mr. Prem Rai. On treks in the Annapurna region, Langtang, Gosaikunda & Helambu trek of Nepal, in the years 2002 & 2003, he treated to me to massage at two or three day intervals, each session lasting the minimum of an hour, the massage was the most effective and thorough I have experienced, even when compared with that from qualifies sports therapists in London. Mr. Rai’s treatment is both sensitive and very strong and I felt relief from the strain in all my muscles from trekking. This was especially important to me in 2003, on my last trek in Nepal, as I had been suffering from osteo-arthritis in both knees and was worried about by ability to complete the walk. I am sure that the frequent massage treatment was crucial to the successful completion of that trek.

1. C. Panks

London & Italy

* Shep,Paula & David

Brother Prem Rai; was our guide for 3 weeks as we hiked the Annapurna Circuit. He was a wonderful guide and translator. Prem is also a servant. From helping to cook and serve our meals to-end-of-the-day massages. He was always serving and he did so with a smile. As a Christian, he demonstrated integrity, honesty, and humility. This was our second time on the Annapurna but our first time with Prem. He made our journey pleasant and memorable. We “HIGHLY” recommend Prem as a guide. Prem we love you, Friend.

Shep, Paula, + David

United States

Jahshep@hotmail.com

shepandpaula@gmail.com

* Katrin Voigt & Mario's book

Vier Wochen Trekking in Nepal. Als besonderes Geschenk für ihren Mann gedacht, wird die Annapurna-Umrundung für Katrin Voigt das Trekking-Erlebnis ihres Lebens.
Gemeinsam mit Prem, ihrem nepalesischen Guide, wandern die beiden von Lodge zu Lodge, zum Tilicho Lake, zum Ice Lake, über den Pass Thorong La, durch das Kali Gandaki Tal und auf den Poon Hill. Niemals zuvor haben sie Asien erlebt, sind sie so lange gelaufen, mussten sie täglich so viele beeindruckende Erlebnisse und Bilder verarbeiten.
Prem führt die beiden einfühlsam durch diese fremde, andere Welt. Er erklärt das Denken der Menschen, entdeckt besondere Tiere und Pflanzen und behütet sie vor gesundheitlichen Problemen. Als Guide nimmt er ihnen nicht nur vom schweren Gepäck ab, er trägt die Verantwortung für sie.
 "Gegenüber stehen die Häuser des alten Braga. Sie wirken verlassen. Darüber hängt am dunkelblauen, wolkenfreien Nachmittagshimmel die hell leuchtende Mondsichel. Kein Motorenlärm, keine Abgase, keine laute Musik. Nur der Wind säuselt leise ein kleines Lied. Wir kuscheln uns aneinander. Erst jetzt wird uns bewusst, was uns seit Tagen fehlt. Wir streiten uns nicht! Alle sind immer nett zueinander. Zustände, wie im Himmel. Unser Himmelsvater ist Prem. Wir sind hier einfach für nichts zuständig, was einer von uns später zu verantworten hätte. Prem trägt die Verantwortung. Er trägt sie mit Lächeln und Hingabe."
Gegen das Vergessen hat Katrin Voigt die Erlebnisse und Bilder aufgeschrieben. Spannend und eindrucksvoll lädt sie den Leser zu einer eigenen Reise nach Nepal ein. Eine umfassende und kommentierte Packliste vervollständigt die Reisebeschreibung.


Katrin Voigt
info@nepal-holiday.com

* Katja & her Company

Wir waren mit Prem als Guide und den Trägern Tara und Samuel auf dem Annapurna Treck. Prem hat sich super um uns gekümmert und war sehr umsichtig und hilfsbereit. Für Ihn ist es wichtig, dass es seinen Gästen gut geht und dafür tut er alles. Wenn es uns nicht so gut ging, war er sehr umsorgend und hat uns z.B. massiert und uns mit Worten wieder aufgebaut. Für uns war die Anwesenheit der drei lustigen Männer eine Bereicherung der Tour und wir können sie jedem weiter empfehlen.






Katja Ihl, Germany
E-mail: Katja105@web.de 

* Sue Cassidy's recommendation:

Trekking: "My first experience of trekking in Nepal was absolutely amazing and all thanks to Prem Rai my guide. Prem, his wife Maina and son Shyam made me feel very welcome in Nepal and my time there was very special. Prem was a very thoughtful, considerate, encouraging and experienced guide and I felt very safe and well looked after by him throughout my whole trekking experience. If anyone is thinking of going trekking in Nepal I would not hesitate in recommending Prem as your guide, he will only add to making your trek a more incredible journey. I really hope I get back there someday"
Massage: "Before I went trekking I decided to treat myself to a massage with Prems wife Maina, she made me feel very comfortable and the whole massage was a really wonderful experience. I felt completely relaxed, totally at peace and felt very tranquil after my treatment, energised and ready for my trekking ahead. I had wanted to have another massage with her after trekking but unfortunately I ran out of time, so my next trip to Nepal will definitely include one of Maina's wonderful massages."
If anyone wants to contact me feel free to add my email address. Warm regards.

 
Sue Cassidy, Newzealander, 
E-mail: sb_cassidy@hotmail.com

* Mathias, Deral & their company

Mit drei Freunden war ich für drei Wochen auf der Annapurnarunde mit Abstecher zum Tilicho Lake unterwegs. Prem erwies sich in jeder Hinsicht als flexibler, kenntnisreicher und umsichtiger Führer.
Schwierigkeiten wegen des Terrains oder des Wetters meisterte dank seiner jahrelangen Erfahrung vorbildlich und war dabei jederzeit um die Gesundheit und das Wohlergehen aller Gruppenmitglieder bedacht. Prem und die beiden Träger Govinda und Pal zeichneten sich aber daneben noch durch einen wundervollen Humor aus, so dass wir nicht nur unvergesslich schöne, sondern auch lustige Tage hatten.
Daneben war uns Prem vor und während der Reise auch bei der Buchung von Hotels und Transport eine große Hilfe. Prem spricht sehr gut englisch aber nur ganz wenig deutsch.

Together with 3 friends I have been trekking around the Annapurnas with a side trip to Tilicho Lake. Prem has been a very flexible, well-informed and careful guide. Difficulties in the terrain or the weather he was able to master because his years of experience. At any time he was caring about the health and the well-being of all group members. With a wonderful humour Prem and the two porters Govinda and Pal made the trip not only an unforgettable experience, but gave us a wonderful time with lots of laughs.
Before and during the trip Prem has been a great help to organize Transport and Hotels.
Prem speaks very good English and some German.

Gerald Wörner, 2009 
E-mail: gerald.woerner@arcor.de

* To Whom It May Concern:

I did the Annapurna Circuit Trek in OCT. of 2009 with 9 of my friends. I picked Prem Rai to do the organizing of the trek. Prem was a lucky find. I picked him off of the internet - - based on other’s recommendations. I had done the trek before in 1988 - - and had organized that trek by myself.
Prem far exceeded my expectations. We stayed in the best hotels along the route, had the best food - - and plenty of it, had the best porters, the best guide, and the best transportation to and from the trailheads and pick-up and delivery to the airports. Phenomenal! When we changed our itinerary at the end of the trek to add Chitwan National Park - - Prem came through for us and managed a charter flight from Jomsom at the last minute at a bargain rate.

I’m recommending Prem to all of my friends. 

Namaste,

Jerry Marcil and his company, USA,

E-mail: jermarcil@aol.com

 

* To All Potential Trekkers in Nepal

This is a most sincere recommendation for Prem, the owner/manager of Raniban Treks and Expeditions of Lake Side, Baidam-6, Pokhara, Nepal.

Last year my wife and I had just completed a six week tour of Tibet and Nepal. We decided to spend our last remaining week in Pokhara, in the shadow of the impressive Annapurna Ranges. I had not originally intended to trek on this occasion. But the beauty of the area and the mountains convinced me to change my plans at short notice, and take the opportunity while it was offering. At 72 years old, I felt I might not get another chance! I eventually extended my stay in Nepal and did an 11 day trek up to Annapurna Sanctuary (Annapurna South Base Camp - colloquially known as ABC). The trek took me up 10,000ft in 5 days, with an extended trek back through the foothills to Pokhara. The whole trip was a brilliant experience.

I became acquainted with Prem through an American Baptist Missionary whom we met in the main street of Pokhara. We were discussing the area - where to go, what to see and trekking options. After giving me some helpful advice, he suggested that I speak to Prem of Raniban Tours if I wished to proceed with a trekking expedition. This advice was invaluable.

Prem gave me an excellent run-down on the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Sanctuary and a range of other walks. He also gave me a wealth of good advice regarding weather conditions, temperature, clothing, equipment, food, drinking water, accommodation and trekking permits required. When I decided to do the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, he rapidly organised an outstanding guide - Nara, and lent me a sleeping bag. In 36 hours I was organised, equipped and off 'up the hill'. But not before I had failed to extract any cash out of the ATMs in Lake Side. These had either run out of money (a Hindu festival was in progress) or would not accept my Visa Card. In these embarrassing circumstances, Prem was trusting enough to make me a loan until I arrived back in Pokhara!

I have nothing but praise for Prem's professionalism, helpfulness and personality. Apart from some wonderful trekking, my memory of Nepal is more enjoyable for having known him, his wife Maina and son Shyam. We still keep in touch, and I may well be back in the Annapurnas in the future!

Peter

Retired Royal Australian Navy Submarine Commander 
E-mail:pkjh37@optusnet.com.au

* Robert Beecham's Recommendation:

My wife and son and I have known Prem & Maina for about 10 years and I see them every year when I visit Pokhara. They are both friendly, honest and reliable, as well as being excellent at their work. Prem has much experience of trekking in the Annapurna region, and is a very reliable guide. Maina is excellent at massage. I fully recommend their services without any reservation.
 
Robert Beecham, England
(teacher and Nepali interpreter)

* Khopra trek: (South part of Annapurnas)

 

In January 2011, my friend and I spent two wonderful weeks trekking in the Annapurna region doing the "unbusy" Khopra Trek.  We highly recommend the Khopra Trek. We loved  the fact that it was not busy, very peaceful and quiet. The scenery was a good mixture of farming land and villages and forest. It was excellent to have a guide who was knowledgeable about the area and could tell us about the wildlife and explain what was happening in the fields. It was also very good to have someone who could translate for us! The walk was a good balance of easy and more strenuous days.Our longest day was seven and a half hours down 2500 metres but we were taking it slowly and had a number of rests. The mountain views were beautiful and we had clear fine weather. The night spent at Mohore danda was memorable with the magnificent sunset and sunrise over the mountains. Amazing 360 degree views.  (Also rather nice to be delivered a hot coffee while we were standing,rugged up, waiting for the sun to rise!) Another highlight was staying in a traditional Gurung house at Langdi. Very interesting to be so close to and experience a small part of Nepali life. Ram was a great cook preparing delicious meals seemingly from very little.  We were so well cared for by Pal, Govinda and Ram. All in all an amazing 14 day trek.

Our trek was organized by Prem Rai (premmainarai@hotmail.com) and included international airport pick up and drop off, all tickets,(air and overland) plus a days sight seeing in Pokhara and Kathmandu.This made the whole trip stress free and very easy.Prem gave us advice about where to stay before and after our trek which was very helpful.  Prem and his lovely wife Maina welcomed us openly and we felt very comfortable with them.  Maina and her sister gave us the most wonderful massages before and after the trek.

Sharon Western Australia

E-mail: sljay46@hotmail.com

* Joe Cheuk's Nepal Experienced!

Most important point is reliable, when you choose a trekking guide in an unknown country. After 5 days trekking alone with Prem, I am sure, he is very reliable. He has a massage centre in the heart of Pokhara. You can always find him back. That is much safer than just someone via a travel agent. He can speak very well in English. I did enjoy very much, feeling like trekking with a good old friend. He is very understanding and always so joyful.

Joe Cheuk, MSc in Mechanical Engineering (Hong Kong)
E-mail: faicheuk@yahoo.com

* Medical aid ministry with Jim & his company

I first met Prem three years ago on a medical/mission trip to Nepal -- Jomson area. Prem was my translator and he quickly became much more -- a good friend and brother in Christ. I have worked with him for two years and would highly recommend him as a guide. I hope to someday trek to Everest Base Camp with him. He gives an outstanding massage too!

If you get to trek with him, consider yourself blessed! He is wonderful! 

Pastor Jim & Suzy West

San Clemente, California
judo.jim@cox.net
jwest@pocketpower.org

* Yge & Elles Recommendation:

In 2004 we visited Bhutan and Nepal with our son of 8 years old. We really liked the Annupurna trek in 1992 and we decided to do a shorter trek with our son. A colleague of Elles recommended Prem and we contacted him when we arrived in Pokhara. We didn't need a long time to decide that Prem would be our guide :) We really enjoyed our trek with him, he is not only a very reliable guy, but he also knows how to deal with unexpected situations (an unexpected general strike forced us to alter the route) and he knows how to distract small children ;) when they have a hard time....Also before the trek and after the trek we shared some precious moments with him and his family. If you need a guide, then Prem is your man!!


Yge & Elles, The Netherlands
E-mail: yge.pars@ziggo.nl

* Scotty Folger's recommendation

Back in 2002 my daughter and I trekked the Anapurna Trail with some of the rest of our family.  We met up with Prem Rai along the way.  She had a client at the time, but we trekked along with her.  I was most impressed by her knowledge of the area, and her relationship with both fellow trekkers, guides, and the people who owned the tea houses.  I was impressed by her knowledge of the area, her fluent English, her passion for her job, and her love of family.  I would highly recommend her as a guide and would hire her if/when I return to Nepal to hike.

Sincerely,
Scotty Folger, USA
E-mail; folgertrek@yahoo.com

* Mardi's Recommendation

Hereby I do highly recommend Prem Rai as a trustworthy, knowledgeable, helpful and very pleasant guide.

Prem knows all about all trekking routes, best places to stay and flora and fauna of Nepal.

Besides that he is a wonderful cook and a masseur.

You can fully rely on his expertise and services. He will make your trekking an unforgettable experience!

Same goes for Maina Rai, as she is a skillful masseuse and a very experienced trekking guide.

Especially when you are a lady and you prefer a loving, caring and very knowledgeable lady guide.

She knows all the routes perfectly and will make your trek a fantastic experience!

Maina has also a lot of knowledge of different types of massages. Fit to your body and wishes.

I met Prem and  Maina in 2000, when Prem was working at the 3-Sister Guesthouse and taking care of his little son.

Maina, his wife, was following Female Trekking Guide Trainings at that time.

They were both so eager to learn and work their way up to fully skilled guides and massage experts.

Living with my Nepali husband in Pokhara as well we slowly became like family.

I am impressed by the way Prem and Maina constantly work on developing their skills.

They followed a great variety of Trekking Trainings including First Aid Trainings and various Massage Trainings.

Since 2000 I did many trekking with Prem and Maina and was impressed by their knowledge and service.

I recommended them to many of my friends, who always were very enthusiastic afterwards! Never one complaint!

If you go to Nepal, don't miss Prem and Maina Rai.

They will make your Nepal trip complete!

Mardi Muller

(The Hague, Netherlands)
Search on Face Book as Mardi Muller

* Medical Aid Mission July/2010

Hi Prem!

We have made it back to our home in Oklahoma, USA. It was such a privilege to get to service with you and Maina on the mission. Hope our paths cross again….in person….but if not, we can be like neighbors through facebook!

DeAnne Nunnelee Bull, Oklahoma, USA.

E-mail: deanerbb@aol.com

* Khopra Trek: by Sharon

In January 2011, my friend and I spent two wonderful weeks trekking in the Annapurna region doing the "unbusy" Khopra Trek.  We highly recommend the Khopra Trek. We loved  the fact that it was not busy, very peaceful and quiet. The scenery was a good mixture of farming land and villages and forest. It was excellent to have a guide who was knowledgeable about the area and could tell us about the wildlife and explain what was happening in the fields. It was also very good to have someone who could translate for us! The walk was a good balance of easy and more strenuous days.Our longest day was seven and a half hours down 2500 metres but we were taking it slowly and had a number of rests. The mountain views were beautiful and we had clear fine weather. The night spent at Mohore danda was memorable with the magnificent sunset and sunrise over the mountains. Amazing 360 degree views.  (Also rather nice to be delivered a hot coffee while we were standing,rugged up, waiting for the sun to rise!) Another highlight was staying in a traditional Gurung house at Langdi. Very interesting to be so close to and experience a small part of Nepali life. Ram was a great cook preparing delicious meals seemingly from very little.  We were so well cared for by Pal, Govinda and Ram. All in all an amazing 14 day trek.

Our trek was organized by Prem Rai (premmainarai@hotmail.com) and included international airport pick up and drop off, all tickets,(air and overland) plus a days sight seeing in Pokhara and Kathmandu.This made the whole trip stress free and very easy.Prem gave us advice about where to stay before and after our trek which was very helpful.  Prem and his lovely wife Maina welcomed us openly and we felt very comfortable with them.  Maina and her sister gave us the most wonderful massages before and after the trek.

Sharon Western Australia

E-mail: sljay46@hotmail.com

* Tim Reichel's Words here:

Prem und Maina Rai Tim Reichel empfiehlt den Porterguide Prem Rai:

Im Herbst 2004 war ich 30 Tage mit Prem-Rai auf dem Annapurna-Rundweg, am Tilicho-Lake und im ABC unterwegs. Prem war damals 27 Jahre alt und ist verheiratet und hat einen 7-jährigen Sohn. Prem spricht gut Englisch, er ist Porterguide und wohnt in Pokhara.
Die 30 Tage mit ihm waren unvergesslich schön. Prem war stehts um mein Wohl besorgt, immer gut gelaunt, hat meinen Rucksack getragen, sogar für mich gekocht, falls notwendig. Ich kann Prem-Rai nur empfehlen, wenn ich wieder nach Nepal gehe, ist er meine 1.Wahl.

Tim Reichel, Stuttgart 
E-mail: TIM.REICHEL@ALLIANZ.DE

* Mr, Howard's Expression:

Dear Prem and Maina,

I am very happy to help you and I am sure that anyone who is looking for a great guide for a wonderful time in the Annapurna region or other trekking regions in Nepal will thank me for my recommendation to them that they would do very well to engage Prem as their guide & tour organizer.

I am a scientist residing in Bozeman, Montana – USA. I’d made two previous treks in the Everest region when I decided to try and book a trip for my girlfriend and I around Annapurna. I found Prem by doing an internet search on independent porter/guides in Nepal. I found him referred by a group of experienced European trekkers who’d started as site to help their favorite independent Nepali guides to be found by interested trekkers like me. I am very glad I found that site because Prem was a most gracious, helpful, knowledgeable and trustworthy trek organizer. He coordinated all of our travel by air in Nepal (which was four separate flights), provided us with a wonderful guide and  porter for our trek around Annapurna and into the Sanctuary, and invited us into his home to visit and share meals. We completely enjoyed all the time were able to spend with his family and my girlfriend, Kaya also enjoyed e wonderful Massages. We became very close to our guide Bishnu and our porter Gobinda Rai on our long and wonderful trek. Kaya still tells me how much she misses seeing them after almost a year now and I feel the same way. Prem also found us a great lodging at the Green peace Resort just outside of Pokhara for our stays there before and after trekking. When we decided to make a journey to Royal Chitwan near the end of our visa period the put us in contact with another great tour organizer in Kathmandu to arrange that short exploration. Prem met us at the airport in Kathmandu upon our initial arrival there. I knew immediately that I had booked all my travel with a man who was completely trustworthy. I hope to make more trips to visit and trek with Prem and Maina. I recommend them to all of my friends and interested acquaintances.

Very sincerely,

Howard Christiansen USA.

howard_christiansen@hotmail.com

* Justin & his company's Annapurna Trek:

My sister, a friend, and I contacted Prem Rai as our trekking agent and tour organizer for our Annapurna Circuit Trek, May 2011. Prem is located in Pokhara, Nepal.
Our trip was amazing. Prem handled all of the logistics of the trip including pick up and drop off at the airport, hotel accommodations in Pokhara and Kathmandu and sightseeing. Prem arranged our itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit trip and everything was well done and work out perfectly.
Prem and his wife speak excellent English and both are very friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and provide a great service for anyone visiting Nepal. Prem and his wife also own Stairway to Heaven, a Massage studio in Pokhara.
Prem arranged Gobinda Rai as our guide and two porters, Dhan Rai and Sangam Rai. Gobinda Rai was an excellent guide and Dhan and Sangam were excellent porters.
Gobinda knew the culture and the landscapes. He seems to know everyone in the villages we stayed in, the advantage being we always had great lodgings and great food. Gobinda speaks English very well and wasn't shy about teaching us Nepalise. He was very cautious and aware of our acclimatization progress and knew what to do if one of us was having problems. The biggest plus was that Gobinda is a really nice man and fun to get to know. We were able to meet his wife Gita and daughter Amisa.
After the trek we had dinner with Prem, his wife Maina, Gobinda, and his wife Gita. Everything was excellent.
I highly recommend Prem Rai as a a guide, trekking agent, and tour organizer if anyone is interested in visiting Nepal.
Namaste,
Justin Bond, United States in Mai 2011 

Justin C. Bond - United States -
E-mail: justin@bondandbond.net

* Andrees' Recommendation to Prem & Maina Rai

Porterguides Prem and Maina Rai -  the perfect family business

Prem was already recommended by a German some yerars ago to my site. As he is a friend of Bachan. I met him in 2005 when we just had finished our Manaslu tour. When I wanted to go for a Annapurna trek in September 2007 neither Bachan nor Bir could go with me and I remembered this nice guy. Well I was not disappointed. Prem was very helpful and a perfect companion. Based in Pokhara he knows all Annapurna area including Tilicho lake. He showed me Ice lake and Milarepa cave near Braga. Prem knows the short-cut trail from Muktinath directly to Kagbeni over the little village of Jhong and Puttak avoiding the motorway. He knows also Everest area. Prem not only carried a heavy part of my luggage but was also a perfect photo assistant, having always the tripod at hand or lenses it needed.

I back from 4 week trekking tour I met his lovely wife Maina at his home. Maina worked several years a guide or porterguide for the well known 3 sisters trekking agency. She has many certificates for training courses and also knows the whole Annapurna area very well. She can carry up to 15 kg.

Prem and Maina have also a Massage salon in lakeside. In March 2008 I took my mother with her 78 years to Kathmandu and Pokhara. She got 3 Massages from Maina and felt at least 5 years younger. According to my mother, Mainas massages were much better than any she got in Germany.

In March 2008 German Jakob Flechtmann went with Prem for 4 weeks to remote village in eastern Nepal where Prem is coming from. so they could visit many of his Rai relatives and it must have been an unforgetable trek!

Andrees de Ruiter testimonial:
In 2008 i went with my 78 lod mother to Pokhara and visited Prem and Maina. In the pevious years I had been trekking with Prem and therfore knew about his dedication to massage and that he has with his wife Maina a massagesaloon.
So my climbed the stairs up to the massage center an maina made the first massa...ge. My mother was perfectly happy and repeated many times that this was the best massage she had in her whole life and much better than the massages in Germany. Well she returned many times and hafter a week she looked 10 years younger and but also felt so.
For me the most impressive thing was that she could move again her former stfif fingers much better and this healing effect is still lasting.
This year we will return again in December and already since months my mother is dreaming to see Maina again and looks forward for new massages by wonderful Maina. So i can really aprouve that Prem and MAina's massage center is bearing rightly the name "Stairway to Haven"

Ich (Andrées) bin im September / Oktober 2006 selber mit Prem Rai 25 Tage im Annapurnagebiet unterwegs gewesen und war darüber sehr glücklich. Prem war ein sehr interessanter und interessierter Gesprächspartner und hat gerne über 15 kg für mich getragen. Dabei war er immer umsichtig für mich da ohne je aufdringlich zu sein. Er war auch ein perfekter Fotoassistent und hatte immer das große Stativ sofort zur Hand wenn ich auch nur etwas eckig durch die Gegend kuckte. Und zu zweit haben wir schnell und konzentriert die Objektive meiner Panoramakamera gewechselt. Prem kennt nicht nur die Gegend sehr gut sondern interessiert sich auch für Flora und Fauna. Ich kann ihn wärmstens als Porterguide empfehlen. Prem ist geprüfter Guide. Andrées

Jakob Flechtmann schrieb: "Ich war im Frühjahr sechs Wochen lang mit Prem unterwegs, auf der Annapurna Runde und in Ost-Nepal. Schon nach kurzer Zeit fühlten wir uns wie Brüder und hatten eine sehr schöne Zeit. Ich habe Prem stets gut gelaunt, um mein Wohlergehen besorgt und an allem interessiert erlebt. Er kann einem viele Dinge über Land, Leute und die Natur erzählen. Sein Englisch ist gut. War ich nach anstrengenden Märschen allzu strapaziert, massierte er mich zu alle dem auch noch fantastisch. Wenn ich das nächste Mal nach Nepal fliege, werde ich auf jeden Fall wieder mit ihm wandern. Jakob"

Prems Frau Maina hat mehrere Jahre für die Agentur 3 Sisters als Guide/Porterguide gearbeitet . Sie kennt deshalb die Annapurnagegend sehr gut und kann 10-15 kg tragen. Ich habe sie bei Prem kennen gelernt und finde sie sehr sympathisch.

Prem und Maina haben in Pokhara auch einen kleinen Massagesalon. Als ich im März 2008 mit meiner 78 jährigen Mutter in Pokhara war, hat sie sich 3 mal von Maina massieren lassen und fühlte sich danach um Jahre jünger. Sie sagt, dass sie noch nie in Deutschland so gute Massagen bekommen hätte. Eine Wegbeschreibung finden sie auf http://www.nepal-dia .de/Nepal_Reisebericht_Annapurnaru/BB_Pokhara/Massage_in_Pokhara/massage_in_pokhara.html oder http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/profile.php?id=100001474755575

 

Andrees de Ruiter, living in Germany

E-mail: namaste@nepal-dia.de

* Everest Trek with Chris & her company

Having known Prem & Maina Rai for over ten years, I cannot imagine better trekking guides. Whatever your desires for your trek, from the idlest, slow leisurely paced wanderings to the toughest challenges (if you wish to to the highest lake in the World, they will get you there!), they can meet them. They take wonderful care of you….with much laughter and enjoyment.

My last experience of travel with Prem & Maina was the trek to Everest Base Camp, November – December 2009. My companions were very fit but I had thought I would have to stay at Namche Bazaar, having had a hip replacement and arthritic knees, at the age of 66. But they were happy and confident that we would sing and dance on the Kalapathar peak 5545m and, thanks to their great spirits and competence, we did. And picnicked and took photos for four hours in the sun, overlooking Everest and watching distant avalanches! This was a tribute to their total care for every aspect of our well-being. We all stayed healthy with just one incidence of Altitude Mountain Sickness (which can just happen anytime); Prem has life saving skills to deal with this, and a mere half an hour of his garlic head Massage brought me round.

Both Prem and Mina, who have been practicing their skills for years at their clinic in Pokhara, are highly skilled in ayurvedic massage and, unbelievably, managed to include their massage oils in all the baggage they were carrying; we returned healthier in every respect, and I am sure it was a tribute to their skilled massage that I arrived home much fitter and with no need for painkillers! This is not to mention their skills in cooking (wherever lodge owners allow them in their kitchens), story telling, knowledge of flora and fauna, and Prem’s ability to rush over nearby peaks and bring back excellent photos of the wild life and dramatic footage.

Fortunate indeed are any trekkers who have Prem and Maina or either one of them alone, for their guide to the beauty and challenges of the Nepalese mountains.

Christine, Mathew & Chris G, London,