ABOUT ME
 
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Personal History
On the way to Everest Base Camp, October 2014 (source: Ben Cooper)
On the way to Everest Base Camp, October 2014
(source: Ben Cooper)

My family comes from the Dolakha district of Nepal, in the mountains east of Kathmandu. I was born in Chamtang, a cluster of just five houses above the Tama Koshi River. When I was five I was orphaned, so was taken in and raised by a couple in a nearby village. Having grown up in rural Nepal, I am very aware of the cultures and ways of rural and remote areas, and sympathetic to the struggles of many of those living there.

I began working for trekking outfits in 1999, then obtained in 2001 my Guide License from the Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation (see below). Since that time I have been leading visitors to Nepal on treks throughout the country, as an independent guide who can customize a trek to your style and needs.

In addition to guiding treks, I have worked on other projects. In my home district of Dolakha I worked for the Tourism Development & Promotion Center to develop sustainable tourism in relatively unexplored areas. We worked with local communities to develop skills and small business related to tourism, and to manage the impact of tourism on the area, with a focus on social justice, rights, health, and education.

More recently, I have assisted my friends, Siân Pritchard Jones and Bob Gibbons, on developing a trekking guide book for the Rolwaling region of Nepal.

Today I live in Kathmandu with my wife and two children.

My home district of Dolakha was hit very hard by the earthquake of April 2015, and was the epicenter of the earthquake that struck three weeks later. Many villages and roads were badly damaged. However, nearly all trekking routes in Nepal were safe and open for trekking within a year of the earthquakes.

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Credentials
Purna trekking guide license
Trekking guide license
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I passed my Trekking Guide License training and received my Guide Training Certificate in 2001. The training includes a first aid/medical course.

My experience as a guide for more than 20 years is my strongest credential. I have many happy clients from all kinds of treks.

As an independent guide, I work with a network of colleagues and organizations. As needed I can hire porters, climbing guides for technical climbing, equipment, and transportation to support your trip.

Although I will serve your as your guide, this is your trek - you are ultimately the guide of your trek. I will be sensitive to your needs, and I have the flexibility and resources to adapt to conditions along the way.

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Trekking Experience  (Revised August 2016​)
Upper Mustang, 2013
Upper Mustang, 2013

Here is a brief summary of my previous trekking experience, mainly as a trekking guide. Some earlier trips were as an assistant guide or porter.

  • Khumbu/Everest Region: 15-18 times since 2005
  • Annapurna Circuit: 15-19 times since 2004
  • Langtang Helambu Region: 15 times since 2007
  • Upper-Mustang: 10-12 times since 2009
  • Rolwaling Region: 5-6 times since 2006
  • Annapurna Sanctuary and Base Camp: 9-10 times since 2004
  • Manaslu Circuit: 2 times since 2008
  • Tsum Valley: 1 time, 2014
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As well, I have done many treks that were off-the-beaten-track, often as side-treks in combination with the more popular trekking routes. Dedicated off-the-beaten-track treks include, for example, Sailung (8 days) and Bigu (8-9 days) in the Dolakha region.

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Why Hire Me?
Purna with trekking group, Manaslu circuit
Purna with trekking group, Manaslu circuit

Finding the right guide for your trek can be a challenge. When you are spending many days or weeks together on the trail, you want a guide that you can both rely on and enjoy your time with. And you want to know that your trek and visit will be organized to give you a great experience for a reasonable cost. That is what I do for my clients.

Here are some of the reasons I think you should hire me to help organize and guide your trek:

  • I have a lot of experience throughout Nepal, and many happy clients.
  • I am very concerned with your comfort, safety, and enjoyment.
  • I will always be respectful to you and to others along the trail.
  • I will be reasonable but firm when making arrangements for the trek and along the trail, to assure you get the most for your money.
  • I am resourceful and proactive. When needed, I can adapt to the situation. Many unexpected things can come up during a trek: bad weather, a twisted ankle, a sick porter, a blocked trail, etc. I know how to handle these situations, to minimize their impact and assure a smooth and enjoyable trek.
  • I have a large network of lodge owners, other guides, and porters that I can rely on for your trek.
  • I will help you have an authentic Nepal experience, visiting temples and other sites, ​interacting with other Nepalis, and helping you to experience the culture.