100% Local Sherpa Owned
Guiding Himalayan Dreams
15+ years of certified high-altitude leadership, emergency safety standards, and sustainable porter welfare across Nepal's most breathtaking mountain trails. Our story →
Born in the High Himalayas, Crafted by Local Sherpas
Before Best Treks Nepal was a recognized agency, our founders — Pasang Sherpa and Dawa Sherpa — were young porters carrying supplies up the steep stone staircases of the Khumbu Valley. Born and raised in high-altitude Sherpa villages near Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the mountains were not just a workplace, but home.
After earning government lead-guide licenses and guiding over 50 successful Everest Base Camp and summit expeditions for international companies, they noticed a glaring flaw in standard tourism: foreign agencies took massive margins while local guides, porters, and mountain teahouse families received minimal support and safety gear.
In 2009, with a tiny rented room in Thamel, 3 pairs of sturdy boots, and an unshakeable vision, Best Treks Nepal was born — built on 100% local Sherpa ownership, uncompromising wilderness safety, and ethical porter dignity.
"We didn't build Best Treks Nepal to be the biggest agency in Kathmandu — we built it to be the safest, most genuine, and most respectful bridge between global adventurers and our Himalayan home."
Key Milestones of Our Himalayan Journey
From a humble 3-person guiding team in 2009 to leading over 5,000 global trekkers with a 99.8% safety completion record.
1. The Thamel Genesis
Founded in Thamel, Kathmandu by Pasang & Dawa Sherpa. Launched with classic 14-Day Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit guided itineraries.
2. Restricted Trail Pioneers
Expanded into off-the-beaten-path restricted circuits — Manaslu Circuit, Upper Mustang & Langtang Valley, securing official TAAN & NMA accreditation.
3. Porter Protection Charter
Pioneered high-altitude porter wage protection: enforcing 20kg maximum load caps, full thermal jackets/boots, and emergency rescue insurance.
4. Emergency Heli-Triage Link
Established direct 24/7 satellite links with Kathmandu ER hospitals & helicopter fleets, guaranteeing instant evacuation dispatch without delay.
5. Plastic-Free Trail Pledge
Banned single-use plastic water bottles across all expeditions, funding UV SteriPEN water filtration stations across Khumbu & Annapurna lodges.
6. Starlink & Digital TIMS
Equipped all high-pass leads with Garmin Satellite SOS trackers, digital TIMS QR verification, and Starlink high-altitude lodge connectivity.
Why Thousands of Global Trekkers Choose Us
We combine high-altitude Sherpa expertise with rigorous safety protocols, ethical porter welfare, and 100% price transparency.
100% Native Sherpa Leaders
Every expedition is led by native mountain guides born in Solukhumbu, Manang & Mustang, possessing deep cultural knowledge and high-pass weather foresight.
Medical Oxygen & Daily SpO₂
We monitor daily blood-oxygen saturation, carry portable Gamow bags and emergency oxygen cylinders on all passes over 4,000m.
Ethical Porter Protection Pledge
Enforcing a strict 20kg maximum load cap, complete high-altitude thermal gear, fair living wages, and full medical rescue insurance.
Small Intimate Groups (Max 1:4)
With a 1:4 guide-to-trekker ratio, you receive personal care, flexible acclimatization pacing, and private lodge attention.
100% All-Inclusive Guarantee
Zero hidden costs on trail. All permits, TIMS cards, domestic flights, teahouse lodging, and 3 meals daily are completely covered.
24/7 Satellite SOS Response
Garmin Satellite InReach devices provide real-time GPS tracking and instant helicopter dispatch linked to Kathmandu ER hospitals.
Guiding Principles That Define Every Step We Take
Every expedition we lead across the Himalayas is anchored in six non-negotiable commitments to safety, dignity, ecology, and cultural heritage.
Life Over Summits
No summit photo or itinerary schedule ever takes priority over human life. We turn back when safety dictates, backed by certified Wilderness First Aid leaders and satellite emergency triage.
- ✓ Daily pulse oximetry ($SpO_2$) readings
- ✓ Emergency medical oxygen on high passes
Ethical Porter Protection
Porters are the true heroes of the Himalayas. We guarantee strict 20kg load limits, furnish complete high-altitude thermal gear, pay living wages above union rates, and cover medical rescue insurance.
- ✓ Strict 20kg load cap per support staff
- ✓ 100% emergency medical & rescue policy
Leave No Trace Trails
We preserve fragile alpine ecosystems by banning single-use plastic water bottles across all trips, funding SteriPEN UV filtration stations at lodges, and conducting trail cleanups on return ascents.
- ✓ Single-use plastic water bottle ban
- ✓ UV SteriPEN lodge filtration stations
Local Community Empowerment
As a 100% native Sherpa-owned company, we honor ancient mountain customs, stay in family-run teahouses, and reinvest 1% of tour revenues directly into mountain village schools and health clinics.
- ✓ 100% Sherpa family-owned business
- ✓ 1% tour revenue to mountain schools
Uncompromising Honesty
We believe in complete pricing transparency with zero hidden fees. Our advice is honest, realistic about high-altitude difficulty levels, and tailored to each trekker's physical fitness.
- ✓ All-inclusive transparent pricing
- ✓ Realistic altitude difficulty advice
Continuous Technical Mastery
We never settle. Our expedition leaders undergo annual Wilderness Medical Institute recertifications, technical ice & rope rescue drills, and modern satellite communications training before every season.
- ✓ Annual WFA medical recertification
- ✓ Technical ice & rope rescue drills
Meet Our Founder
Ang Tshering Sherpa
5x Everest Summitteer & Managing Director
"Mountains Are Our Home, Safety Is Our Unyielding Code."
"Growing up in Pangboche near Everest, the Himalayas taught me resilience, humbleness, and respect. When I founded Best Treks Nepal, my mission was clear: treat every trekker like family, and every porter like a brother."
With over 22 years of high-altitude mountaineering experience and 5 successful Everest summits, Ang Tshering personally oversees guide training, medical safety protocols, and field operations across all Nepal trekking routes.
Meet Our Senior Expedition Leaders
Our team comprises licensed, certified Nepali mountain leaders with decades of combined Himalayan summits and thousands of safe trekker guidance trips.
SOLUKHUMBU NATIVE
Pasang Sherpa
Lead Expedition DirectorBorn in Namche Bazaar with 16+ years of leading Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and Kala Patthar climbs.
ANNAPURNA SPECIALIST
Raj Lama
Senior Annapurna & Langtang LeadExpert in Thorong La Pass weather forecasting, Tamang cultural heritage, and flora/fauna tracking.
RESTRICTED AREAS
Karma Gurung
Manaslu & Upper Mustang SpecialistLicensed restricted area permit lead fluent in Tibetan dialects, monastery history, and high-pass logistics.
WILDERNESS MD
Dr. Dawa Sherpa
High-Altitude Safety OfficerWilderness medicine certified advisor overseeing altitude protocols, pulse oximetry, and evacuation triage.
Meet Our Team
Our licensed Sherpa leaders, wilderness medical officers, high-altitude guides, and responsible tourism advocates.
Pasang Sherpa
Senior IFMGA Lead Guide16+ years leading Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and Three Passes expeditions. Fluent in English, Nepali & Sherpa.
WFR Medical Certified
Dr. Dawa Sherpa
High-Altitude Medical OfficerSpecialist in AMS prevention, emergency medical triage, and wilderness altitude protocols. Carries full oxygen kit on every expedition.
Altitude Medicine Lead
Sunita Gurung
Travel & Logistics ManagerManages client customized itineraries, Lukla & Pokhara flight schedules, TIMS permits, and teahouse hotel bookings in Kathmandu.
Speaks EN, NE, HI
Mingma Tenzing
Head of Porter WelfareEnsures strict 20kg weight limits, high-altitude gear distribution, living wage compliance, and emergency rescue insurance for all porters.
IPKO Ethical LeadHigh-Altitude Safety & Emergency Protocols
We operate with the strict medical rigor of high-altitude expeditions. Your health and security are safeguarded by advanced monitoring and satellite response systems.
Daily Oximeter & Pulse Tracking
Morning and evening blood-oxygen (SpO₂) readings logged for every trekker to detect early AMS symptoms before ascending higher.
Emergency Oxygen & Gamow Bags
Portable medical oxygen cylinders and pressure chambers accompany all high-pass itineraries above 4,000m for rapid hyperbaric relief.
Garmin Satellite SOS Connectivity
Satellite InReach units provide 24/7 global position tracking and instant SOS messaging independent of cellular phone signal availability.
Direct Hospital Triage Partnership
Pre-approved helicopter evacuation dispatch linked directly with CIWEC Hospital & Era Health Clinic in Kathmandu for fast medical intake.
Porter Protection & Community Charter
Porters are the backbone of Himalayan trekking. We believe ethical treatment, fair pay, and safe equipment are essential to sustainable tourism in Nepal.
Join Our Eco-Trek Initiative-
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Strict 20kg Carrying Limit: We enforce rigid maximum weight limits per porter to prevent strain and injury.
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Full High-Altitude Gear Provided: Windproof jackets, thermal trousers, insulated boots, sunglasses & gloves supplied.
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Fair Wages & Medical Insurance: Salaries paid well above official union minimums, with full rescue & health policy coverage.
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1% Community Education Fund: 1% of all trek revenue is directly donated to support Sherpa mountain schools in Solukhumbu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our Himalayan guiding standards, altitude medical safety, permits, and ethical Sherpa operations.
Guides
How experienced and certified are your lead Sherpa guides?
How experienced and certified are your lead Sherpa guides?
All our expedition directors and lead guides are 100% licensed Nepali mountain leaders born in high-altitude Sherpa villages near Namche Bazaar (3,440m), Manang, and Mustang. Each lead holds Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification, NMA rope rescue credentials, and 10 to 18 years of continuous high-pass guiding experience across Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Manaslu.
Safety
What medical protocols are followed if altitude sickness (AMS)
occurs?
What medical protocols are followed if altitude sickness (AMS) occurs?
Our guides conduct mandatory daily blood-oxygen (SpO₂) and pulse monitoring every morning and evening. If mild AMS symptoms develop, we pause ascent and execute acclimatization rest protocols. If symptoms persist, immediate guide-assisted descent is executed, supported by portable medical oxygen cylinders, Gamow hyperbaric bags, and 24/7 Garmin Satellite InReach helicopter dispatch to Kathmandu ER hospitals.
Porter Welfare
How do you protect porters and enforce fair weight limits?
How do you protect porters and enforce fair weight limits?
Porters are the backbone of Himalayan trekking. Under our Ethical Porter Protection Pledge, we enforce a strict 20kg maximum weight cap per porter, furnish complete high-altitude thermal gear (windproof jackets, insulated pants, boots, and gloves), pay fair living wages above union minimums, and cover 100% of emergency medical & helicopter rescue insurance.
Group Ratio
Are small group departures and private custom dates available?
Are small group departures and private custom dates available?
Yes! We maintain a maximum 1:4 guide-to-trekker ratio on all small group departures to ensure personalized care and acclimatization pacing. We also organize private tailored treks for solo travelers, couples, families, and private charity groups with custom start dates and itinerary modifications.
Meals & Water
Do you cater to dietary requirements and provide clean drinking
water?
Do you cater to dietary requirements and provide clean drinking water?
All mountain teahouses along our routes provide fresh vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free meal choices. To preserve fragile alpine ecosystems, we banned single-use plastic water bottles across all expeditions and furnish SteriPEN UV water purification stations at lodges.
Pricing
Are there any hidden costs or surprise fees on trail?
Are there any hidden costs or surprise fees on trail?
Zero hidden costs. Our 100% All-Inclusive Guarantee covers all TIMS permits, national park passes, domestic mountain flights, licensed guide and porter salaries, lodge accommodation, and 3 full meals daily. Optional personal add-ons (like hot showers or Wi-Fi cards) are disclosed transparently before departure.
Still have questions about your trek?
Our native Sherpa team in Kathmandu is available 24/7. Ask us anything about permits, physical fitness, equipment, or custom dates.
Our Certifications & Trusted Partnerships
We are proud to be recognized by leading organizations and associations that promote responsible, safe, and sustainable travel.
Travelife Certified
Excellence in sustainability and responsible tourism.
TAAN Member
Official member of Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal.
NMA Registered
Registered with Nepal Mountaineering Association.
ATTA Member
Member of Adventure Travel Trade Association.
KEEP Member
Committed to responsible environmental practices.
Conservation Partner
Supporting conservation through the ATCF.
Nepal Tourism Board
Officially recognized by Nepal Tourism Board.
Nepal Airlines
Authorized partner of Nepal Airlines.
NATTA Member
Member of Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents.
HAN Member
Member of Hotel Association Nepal.
TURGAN Member
Member of Tourist Guide Association of Nepal.
Sustainable Travel
Partnering for a sustainable future of travel.