* 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