Where to begin….? This was the absolute trip of a lifetime, and Himalayan Local Guide had a huge role to play in making it such a smooth, safe success! My friend Jo and I embarked on this very challenging hike without really knowing what to expect; the process at first seemed complex and overwhelming. But Chitra took care of everything, regularly reassuring over email and replying promptly. In Kathmandu, he met us with our guide Bashanta to run through the weeks ahead. On the Three Passes trek itself, Bashanta never left our side, navigating us through airport chaos, permits, teahouses, and all sorts of extreme weather events. He was incredibly kind, humorous, patient and diligent, to us and to others we met on the trail along the way. By the end, he was not just our guide, he was our friend. And when we had to make a dramatic escape from Lukla after flight cancellations, he even hurriedly sorted out a helicopter ‘Mission Impossible style’, whilst Chitra fixed a refund from the airline.
You can do the Three Passes without a guide. It’s tough yet patently possible. We’re so glad, for just a little extra, that we chose to take one. The planning, the pacing — it took away so much pressure. And we’re even more glad we went with a local company as opposed to a big Western tour. This is a bunch of Gurung brothers with heart, integrity, pride and professionalism.
Don’t hesitate to book with these guys. You will have the most fantastic time, and receive the best treatment. We miss Nepal already xx
