On my second trip to Nepal I was looking for something truly special. In 2009 I had completed the Annapurna circuit and fell in love with Nepal - both the people and the landscape. When I returned my partner and I explored options before we left with the Nar-Phu trek in mind. On our second day we met with Eaklal Amgai and discussed out a plan. From the moment we met I realized with had not only a professional guide, but also someone who I would call dai (Brother). We were lucky enough to have Eaklal Amgai as our guide for 3 weeks. His conversational English is excellent, complimented with an excellent sense of humor. Eaklal has acquired considerable experienced & knowledgable as a guide. Furthermore he understands the western culture and was the perfect host at the guest houses making sure we got everything we needed.
The Nar-Phu trek requires an extra permit which can be obtained in Kathmandu before you embark on your trek. We felt transported in time and space to a truly magical land. Although this trek involves basic services and accommodations, the people, landscape and culture were truly something out of National Geographics. To reach the Nar Phu we initially headed up the Annapurna trek but veered off at Koto towards the Nar Phu. Our permit was checked and our time in the Nar-Phu was kept to 7 days. During that 7 days, at Phu I asked my partner to marry me, much to the excitement of Eaklal and our new local friends.
We considered the entire trek a success having crossed over Kang-La Pass (5300m) and Throng-La Pass (5456m) in mid December. Furthermore we once again fell in love with Nepal - in part (and I mean in Large PART!!) due to the excellent guiding service we received.
Our intent is to return to Nepal in 2018, where Nepal Pioneer Treks and Eaklal will be part of our next adventure.
M
Michelle PCanadaNovember 17, 2016
Trekking in Nepal with Binod Pokarel
Dec 2015 • Couples
We went to Nepal and met up with Binod one of the owners of the Nepal Pioneer Treks & Expedition. At that moment he hadn't yet formed the company. We were in Nepal for a month. We didn't want a hard trek so to start he organised a 3 day easy trek and then he proposed to go to his family village near Gorka during the Diwali festivities. It was the highlight of our stay in Nepal because we wen't off the regular circuit trekking for many days living with his family. We were also previlidged to participate in the festivities. After we left for the Pokara region..So we travelled with him for a good 3 weeks..It seems that Binod knew exactly what we would like. He organised our traval to our measure. He became a friend. On the way to his family's village, he would find someone to cary my small back pack as we wen't along. I could never say enough about him and recommend him strongly. You can get in touch with us threw the company.
R
realmnewsPolandNovember 15, 2016
Outstanding Everest Base Camp Trek
Dec 2015 • Solo
Although I usually do not write trip reviews in general, I am excited to leave one for this trekking group as they know and love what they do and truly take care of their customers.
I had originally booked a trek to Everest Base Camp, followed by a climb of Island Peak. My trekking guide, Eaklal Amgai, is not only super friendly, knowledgeable and very experienced, he really made this trip an unforgettable and safe experience. The right combination of trekking, exploring the grand sights and strolling off the beaten path to visit a monastery as well as learning about the Nepalese culture and customs if you are interested in it. Eaklal is also very attuned to non-trekkers such as myself and instantly recognizes when it's time to slow down, rest and acclimatize. So I always felt in great hands! Admittedly the experience is challenging but absolutely worth it, especially if you can trek at your own pace as was the case with me. EBC and all the stops on the way, the Nepalese people, meeting trekkers from all around the world and a great guide is what will always stay with me and of course the mountains!
I didn't make it up to Island Peak as I simply wasn't physically up for it. Instead, we changed my itinerary (on the fly) and Eaklal recommended we spend the 3 remaining days instead in the Annapurnas on a short trekking circuit. How cool is that?! It was arranged in no time. We flew back to Kathmandu and out to Pokhara. I'll have to leave a review for that trek as well as it was so different from EBC and absolutely amazing in its own right. Again, mainly because of my amazing guide, Eaklal.
If you plan on visiting Nepal, go with a local company such as this one. I can not imagine having had a more rewarding and exciting trip with anyone else!
Namaste.
R
rinashapiraUnited StatesNovember 12, 2016
Best Everest Base Camp Trek Guide
Dec 2015 • Couples
My life-long dream to trek the EBC came true in November 2014, when together with my husband and our best friends from Israel, we arrived in Katmandu expecting a pick up. In the characteristic tumultuous Nepalese crowd, there was one smiling face in the waiting line that locked eyes with me. I just knew it was Binod Pokharel, our trekking guide. We bonded immediately, embracing his cheerful welcome, warm nature, and bounding enthusiasm.
We spent two weeks together, talking about things from family, Nepali culture, Geography, flora and fauna, and all the way to world affairs. We were laughing constantly enjoying Binod’s wonderful sense of humor. Binod was a most reliable, expert guide, taking care of all our needs, our safety and well-being. He was welcomed in every guesthouse we stopped at with open arms, making it obvious to us how well connected, loved and respected he was among the locals too.
Binod is a true people person, managing up and down with ease, always focusing on what's most important. As a trekking guide he set us up every evening for what's ahead the next day, made sure we are well fed, and properly equipped for the weather ahead. He was very much in tune with the four of us, each with our own strengths and weak spots, encouraging when necessary, cautioning where needed, even carrying a pack for one of us when the going got tough. Binod vigilantly watched our health for any signs of mountain sickness. And indeed, had to call it when in Gorak Shep one of us seemed to falter, and made the arrangements to get us off the mountain by helicopter early the next morning. It was the most responsible thing to have done.
Our enthusiasm for Nepal hasn’t diminished since our EBC trek. We are determined to return to Nepal and do it all over again, with Binod as our guide, of course.
A
Alvin SMalaysiaNovember 07, 2016
Great Trip to Annapurna
Dec 2015 • Friends
I booked a 13 day trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), with Binod being my guide. He was very helpful during the trip, and was very accommodating with guiding us and providing for us, given that we were first time trekkers. We made it to base camp, and thoroughly enjoy the whole trip. Binod as a guide is highly recommended!
K
Kyle BUnited StatesNovember 05, 2016
Amazing experience in Nepal
Mar 2016 • Solo
I finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Nepal and trekking to Mt. Everest. The trip was everything I had hoped and more. I must give much credit and many thanks to my guide Binod Pokharel, who was top notch. Not only does he speak English fluently, he is extremely knowledgeable about the geography, flora, fauna, and cultures of the Khumbu Valley and Nepal overall. He has decades of experience in all aspects of trekking and adventure travel and it shows. He answered my many, many questions about all I was seeing. He is also a very pleasant and funny person and this really made the trip particularly comfortable and rewarding for me. He and the porters made sure we were well taken care of along the way and at the tea houses each morning and evening, coordinating food service, water, rooms, and even a hot shower at one point!
It goes without saying the physical beauty of the Nepal Himalayas is breathtaking, almost unbelievably so at times. The views around and above Dengboche in particular stay with me. The opportunity to attend the Buddhist service at the monastery in Tengboche was another high point of the trip. Seeing Mt. Everest at dawn was truly impressive, my only regret is not being able to stay up there longer. I had extra days to visit the temples and palaces around the Kathmandu valley, and Binod was available to guide me through that cultural wonderland as well, adding an extra dimension to the trip besides the natural beauty of the mountains.
A
Alleycat789AustraliaOctober 26, 2016
Binod is a fantastic guide in Nepal - highly recommend
Nov 2015 • Solo
I had Binod as my guide for Everest Base Camp, Annapurna base camp and Annapurna circuit in 2015. Binod is a fantastic guide, very professional and attention to details. He is very knowledgeable of the trek, of the customes and culture of the people. Safety is always his top concern. During my trip, Binod introduced me to the local people which enabled me to learn the culture and their way of life. I was able to immerse into the Nepali culture and people, something that other trekkers don't usually get the opportunity to experience. I highly recommend Binod as your guide for Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. He is very experienced and will guarantee you an enjoyable and unforgettable trip. He is very helpful and will cater to all your needs. He will look after you and make sure you are safe. I am very fortunate to have met him which have enriched my life and travel experience.
Binod - great guide, experienced, tuned to the needs of the customers, friendly
Nov 2015 • Couples
We Trekked the Everest Base Camp all the way up to Gorak Shep, with Binod as our guide, and or experience with him was no less than excellent. We were four friends in our sixties, and Binod was well tuned to our needs and questions, was flexible in adjusting the pace and the stops based on our (good) pace, and was knowledgeable and interesting as a guide. He diagnosed immediately that one of us has AMS (at the top of the trek) and helped us in getting evacuated with a helicopter back to KAT. i can recommend Binod and his company without any doubt to anyone planning a trek in Nepal
