Kamzang Journeys | Let’s Start Exploring the Himalaya Again!
Dreaming of a Himalayan trek, cycling trip, heritage tour or yoga journey after a few challenging years of staying home (at least more than usual)? The Kamzang Journeys team and I are here in Kathmandu, about to head out on our third Himalayan trek of the year in Nepal, and will soon be in wonderful Ladakh & Zanskar for our idyllic ‘Indian Summers’ of cycling and trekking …
WHY DO OUR HIMALAYAN CLIENTS KEEP COMING BACK?
Read what our clients have to say (with lots of photos interspersed) about their Himalayan treks and cycling journeys with Kamzang Journeys over the past 20 years …
TRAVELERS’ REVIEWS!
PHOTOS!
A great way to get an idea of Kamzang Journeys, a particular trek or any of the regions that we travel through is to browse some of the many photo galleries on my SmugMug photos site. There are also lots of design and culture galleries …
Kim Bannister | Himalayan Photography
Kamzang Journeys | Group Trekking & Cycling Photos
Kamzang Journeys | Cycle the Himalaya Photos
Kamzang Journeys | Culture & Design Galleries
Kamzang Journeys | All About Us
Kamzang Journeys | Staff Photos
Kamzang Journeys | Yellow Tent of Eternal Happiness
KAMZANG JOURNEYS YELLOW DINING TENT PHOTOS
Yellow Tent of Eternal Happiness
Become part of our Kamzang Journeys family and join us on one of our upcoming adventures in the Nepal, Indian, Tibet or Bhutan Himalaya! All of our Featured Journeys (Himalayan treks, cycling trip, yoga journeys and Tibetan winter photography tours) are led by Kim, Lhakpa and the incredible Kamzang Journeys team!
Kamzang Journeys | Featured Journeys
5-STAR TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS
TripAdvisor Reviews
THE KAMZANG FUND
The Kamzang Fund
THE KAMZANG BLOG
Kamzang Journeys Blog
Kamzang Journeys trips are, without a doubt, the best way to take a ‘regular’ destination and turn it into a great adventure that goes above and beyond. If a normal tour trip does something, Kamzang Kim will do it better. If the normal itinerary goes to the normal spots, Kamzang Journeys will take you to the less-known, rarely-visited, special and fantastic places. And on top of that? Kim and Lhakpa are a true pleasure to deal with, and make the process fun. The details are taken care of. The camps have a personal touch. Everywhere you go, they know the locals. Everywhere you camp, you feel at home. What more could a trekker ask for?
– Alex P, (Canada) Sky Caves & Last Nomads of Upper Mustang Trek 2017
The Great Bhutan Bicycle Journey 2019
I have trekked with Kim and the Kamzang Journeys team through Ladakh & Zanskar (Indian Himalaya), Upper Dolpo (Nepal), Everest High Passes (Nepal), and the Geat Tibet Cycling Journey. Every place one might travel in the entire Himalayan region – Nepal, India, China, Bhutan – is, by its nature, wildly unpredictable, from the weather to closed borders, canceled flights, lost luggage, runaway animals, altitude sickness, and beyond. Kim manages such fluidness with impressive agility, resource, and calm; I trust Kim implicitly. We have shared quite a few wonderful stories, laughs, amazing food, and our share of beer over these adventures. As an experienced outdoor educator and leader, risk management consultant, and now attorney myself, my 2006 bet with Kim has paid off exquisitely. Stop looking now; with Kamzang Journeys have found THE BEST!
I found Kim in 2006 and was very impressed by the trek leader answering my emails. She evidenced a commitment to an environmental ethic, and to treating her staff (and, when relevant, pack animals) with respect and fairness. I was inquiring about a trek to Everest Base Camp, a bucket list dream. Though I have since made that journey with Kim, I didn’t go in 2006 because Kim provided the honest insight that summer was not a good time to go to that region and suggested Ladakh & Zanskar instead. Though I was sure Everest was the only place I wanted to go, I jumped at the alternative adventure, already trusting Kim’s expertise and knowing that I was to be led by a capable, reasoned guide.
– Annie-La (USA), The Great Lhasa Kathmandu Bicycle Trip 2018
I can only highly (once more HIGHLY) recommend Kamzang Journeys! Absolutely top-notch experience when it comes to exploring the remote Himalayas, by hiking or biking. This time we cycled across the Tibetan Plateau for about 1000 kms. Stunning. Magnificent. Mesmerizing. Adventurous. And safe. Superb logistics, organization and team, truly! Deep insights into the Tibetan culture from a beautiful soul who has been living the Himalayan spirit for nearly 20 years.
Kamzang Journeys will make your experience an unforgettable memory. Kim and Lhakpa are knowledgeable (this is an understatement), passionate about the region, its people, and their culture and traditions. The food is truly beyond expectations, the campsites are always stunning and relaxing, and Kim andthe Kamzang Journeys team will go the extra mile to secure your safety. Full disclosure: over the past 11 years or so, I have repeatedly returned to Kamzang Journeys for the joy of experiencing the Himalayan region with authenticity and simplicity, as most of their customers do, a testimony to the quality and love they provide on their trips.
Kamzang Journeys, you rock!
– Laurence V (France), The Great Lhasa Kathmandu Cycling Trip 2018
Kim, the trek was such a life’s adventure journey! 
The trip of a lifetime, actually double that with my earlier Ladakh & Zanskar trek with Kamzang Journeys! You have such a special style, along with an unbelievable staff. Thank you so much for the gift of this trip!
– Kristy O (USA), Everest High Passes Trek (Nepal) 2021
High passes, nomads and wild, remote Himalayan country: adventure is never far! I have just returned from two months of trekking in the Ladakh & Zanskar region of the India HImalaya with Kim and her excellent Kamzang Journeys team. This was my SEVENTH trek with Kim, and they get better each year. Kamzang Journeys never disappoints! From the very high standard, variety and amount of food and the spacious 3-man tents (for each individual) to the safety and care shown by the Kamzang Journeys staff and the unique Yellow Tent that all other groups envy. If you are looking for a remote, interesting trek or trip in Asia I would highly recommend Kamzang Journeys. There is a reason everyone comes back again and again!
– Sue W (Australia), Nomads, Lakes & High Passes Trek (Indian Himalaya) 2018
Wild Ladakh Zanskar Traverse Treks (Indian HImalaya) 2018
I just completed the Upper Mustang trek with Kim and the Kamzang Journeys crew and once again I had an absolutely superb experience! This was my 7th trek in over 13 years, and it is like visiting family. Kamzang Journeys is such a well-organized and well-run company, with a committed staff who have been with them for years. I was originally attracted to the idea of a female trek leader and I think it does add a unique touch.
The yellow ‘Kamzang Journeys Festival Tent‘ as dining hall and lounge is a wonderful resource that is a relaxation hub, social center, and source of wonderful food (and never-ending hot drinks and snacks). Kamzang Journeys researches and uses really good routes, and you get away from the heavily trafficked tourist areas and get to meet the locals. Two-man tents as standard for single occupancy – and no single supplement! Couples get ‘triple’ tents. I really can’t fault them!
– Sally L (UK), Sky Caves & Last Nomads of Mustang Trek (Nepal) 2022
I cannot praise too highly the Kamzang Journeys team of Kim Bannister, her business partner Lhakpa Dorji Sherpa and the treks that they lead, all across the Himalaya region. I previously trekked with them in Ladakh & Zaskar, and have already signed up to join them for a fantastic journey into Tibet. As a testament to how loyal their clients are, on this last trek, 5 of the 8 trekkers were repeat clients and 3 had trekked with Kim multiple times before. At dinner the first night we joked that our lives AK (after Kim) were much better than BK (before Kim). They know the Himalaya backward and forwards; the trips are well organized and thoughtfully scheduled, with every detail taken care of. In short, you will not go wrong booking a trip with Kamzang Journeys!
– Clark P (USA), Everest High Passes Trek 2018
KAMZANG JOURNEYS YELLOW DINING TENT PHOTOS
Yellow Tent of Eternal Happiness
Kamzang Journeys is fantastic! While other Upper DOlpo trekking groups had to turn back due to heavy snows, Kim and Lhakpa, through an extensive local network, were able to get us into Upper Dolpo using an alternate route (the trail broken by local yak herders). Kim’s love of Nepal and its people is evident in everything she does. Kamzang Journyeys hads the best prices when you look at what’s included, the length of trip, and many other extras, and the food on the trek was outstanding. I was so impressed that I am doing another two treks with Kim this year. Absolutely outstanding!
– Lorraine H (Australia), GHT | Sacred Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trek 2013
This was my second Himalayan trip with Kamzang Journeys, and again I can report this is arguably THE best trekking outfitter in Nepal and Tibet! What sets Kamzang apart is how they design their treks and how they work with their clients on an individual basis to optimize the experience. No other company is able to give a better experience to trekkers of different abilities and levels of fitness traveling together as a group. Our group of 12 Westerners ranged from extremely fit marathon runners and triathletes to older clients like me who are not particularly fit – slow hikers that liked to stop and take frequent photographs. Trekkers were always accompanied by a staff member on the trail and the crew kept in contact with trip leaders Kim and Lhakpa by radio at all times. If someone became ill, their itinerary was rearranged to help them recover without having to leave the trip early.
Co-leader Lhakpa easily arranged transit flights by helicopter for clients who felt unable to tackle any of the high passes by arrangement with rescue companies for a nominal cost. Staff members who hiked with me looked after my well-being every day of the trip by reminding me to stay hydrated and by carrying my day pack and heavy camera gear. Always cheerful and with 20 years of outfitting experience in the Himalaya, Kim and company keep their clients healthy and safe, in spite of the lower-than-average rates they charge for their trips. I would recommend Kamzang Journeys to anyone wishing to experience the Himalayas and Tibet on treks ranging from the ultra-popular Everest Base Camp trip to more remote treks in regions less frequented by Westerners.
– Karl M (USA), Everest High Passes Trek (Nepal) 2019
Best treks ever! I just finished my second trek with Kamzang Journeys, my ninth Himalayan trek overall, so I’ve seen quite a variety of what the industry has to over. Kamzang offers the best itineraries, with meticulous attention to safety and comfort, with minimal environmental impact and maximal cultural interaction. These experiences are not to be missed.
– Gary G (USA), Ladakh Nomads, Lakes + High Passes Trek 2016
Life is much too short to trek with anyone but Kamzang Journeys!
Our Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trek was a very remote and challenging trek, extremely rewarding, and certainly a lifetime top-10 experience. No one can go on this trek and not come back changed in some significant way. Every day of the trip was thrilling. There are not enough superlatives to describe the experience, knowledge and competence of the entire Kamzang Journeys team. Over the past 30 years I have traveled, hiked, trekked and climbed mountain ranges in many parts of the world and it is obvious and easy to say that Kim AND Lhakpa are the best at what they do. By a wide margin. They are simply in a class of their own. My respect and affection for Kim, Lhakpa + every one of the crew could not be higher. Looking forward to the next one!
– Mark H (Australia), Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trek 2018
Another amazing trek with Kamzang Journeys! I just finished one month trek in Upper Mustang, a month of great views and great fun. This is my fourth trek with Kim, and I strongly recommend this company to anyone who is dreaming of discovering the Himalaya. Safety is a priority, the staff is very well trained and extremely caring, the variety and the quality of food is amazing, comfort level is very high. But the biggest plus are Kim and Lhakpa, that go out of their way to make this experience unforgettable!
– Eli S (Italy), Sky Caves, Last Nomads of Mustang + Teri La Pass Trek 2018
A fabulous trekking company! I trekked with Kamzang Journeys in Ladakh & Zanskar, the Indian Himalayas, for two months the summer of 2019. Our leader Kim Bannister, the guides, and staff were all excellent, and meals were delicious, healthful, and varied. Our individual tents were spacious, and there is no single supplement. Though the trails were sometimes challenging and the elevations high, we stayed healthy and happy for the entire two months, a rarity when trekking for this amount of time at high elevations. Kamzang Journeys’ trips are an excellent value, especially when you factor in all of the luxuries we enjoyed. Thank you Kamzang Journeys!
– Jasmine S (USA), Ladakh Nomads, Lakes & High Passes Trek (Indian Himalaya) 2018
Wild West Ladakh & Zanskar Traverse Trek (Indian HImalaya) 2018
I joined Kamzang Journeys in November 2021 on my first, and hopefully not last, trek with this amazing team. Kim Bannister, Lhakpa Dorji Sherpa, and their crew of dedicated, helpful, resourceful assistants (special thanks to Junar and Suresh for support) organize and manage a well-planned and thoughtful approach to trekking at high altitudes. Their trekking style is enhanced by their local knowledge of the region (the Khumbu – Everest region), welcome comforts such as an abundance of warm drinks and treats, insights into local communities and opportunities to connect with them, and a plethora of travel prep and on-the-ground advice make everyone feel prepared and comfortable. Importantly, this is a great group of people to spend time with! Truly an excellent trekking company. Looking forward to the next adventure with Kamzang Journeys!
– Karen G (USA), Everest High Passes Trek 2021
Simply the best!
As a very experienced Himalayan trekker who just did THREE STRAIGHT TRIPS with Kamzang Journeys, I can’t imagine booking a trek with any other company in the future. Kim and Lhakpa are so experienced, so professional and so much fun to walk with, and their attention to every detail, like hot water bottles for our sleeping bags every cold night on the High Everest trek, is amazing. Even after Kim broke her wrist coming down from the Renja La she was focused on making sure we were all okay. Amazing!
– Tom B (Canada), Wild Ladakh & Zanskar Trek, Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trek & Everest High Passes Trek 2014
Trips of a lifetime! I have accompanied Kim, Lhakpa, and her longtime staff of friends on two astounding treks since 2007. Our trip through western Nepal to Kailash and across Tibet to Lhasa was unforgettable and a triumph of organizing skill and flexibility in dealing with the vagaries of travel in the TAR. Last year’s Everest High Passes trek in the comparatively well travelled Solo Khumbu region was extremely well-run, featuring nuanced interactions with village life in and around Sagamartha National Park and a great degree of attention paid to the individual needs of trekkers. Their professional approach to acclimatization scheduling and ongoing assessment/support of their groups is exemplary, and a real plus in successfully guiding groups of mixed abilities safely and enjoyably in challenging remote terrain. I would not hesitate to join them again, and recommend their services wholeheartedly.
– Dave R (Hawaii), Manaslu & Tsum Trek 2019
Sacred Kailash Trek 2017
Everest High Passes 2014
Kim, you are a very special person – your energy, enthusiasm and leadership are unmatched. I thank you for the opportunity of being with you and Kamzang Journeys, and look forward to further travels together!
– Bob C (Canada)
WHY DID I CHOOSE KAMZANG JOURNEYS?
(Sandra T’s story)
After researching all the registered trekking companies in Nepal (1000+) I finally stumbled onto Kamzang Journeys. Out of all of them they are the only one to mention you need prior experience to trek on the remote Dolpo and Mustang trek. This to me meant someone with the travelers best interest at heart rather than their own. As a first time, scared of heights trekker my mind was instantly made up.
Kamzang Journeys also ticked all the other boxes:
– A smaller company which guides their own treks in Nepal + India
– Environmentally conscious
– Permanently employed staff
– Fantastic trip itineraries with enough time to acclimatize, explore and some flexibility
– The very appealing sounding ‘of the beaten track’!
– NO singles supplement for your own two-person tent
The Ladakh and Zanskar trek was challenging and spectacular. Our guides Kim and Lhakpa genuinely enjoy what they are doing. They speak the local language and we had lots of opportunities to interact with the locals. We got invited into people’s homes, shared cups of tea, were offered fresh yogurt, got to taste roasted barley and dried cheese, played with the kids and every one was happy to pose for our cameras. Thanks for a wonderful trek Kim and Lhakpa! I will be back next year!
– Sandra T (Australia), Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trek
Wild Ladakh & Zanskar Jumlam Trek
Trips of a lifetime! I have accompanied Kim, Lhakpa, and her longtime staff of friends on two astounding treks since 2007. Our trip through western Nepal to Kailash and across Tibet to Lhasa was unforgettable and a triumph of organizing skill and flexibility in dealing with the vagaries of travel in the TAR. Last year’s Everest High Passes trek in the comparatively well travelled Solo Khumbu region was extremely well-run, featuring nuanced interactions with village life in and around Sagamartha National Park and a great degree of attention paid to the individual needs of trekkers. Their professional approach to acclimatization scheduling and ongoing assessment/support of their groups is exemplary, and a real plus in successfully guiding groups of mixed abilities safely and enjoyably in challenging remote terrain. I would not hesitate to join them again, and recommend their services wholeheartedly.
– Dave R (Hawaii), Sacred Kailash Trek 2017, Everest High Passes 2014
