Kamzang Journeys | The Fabulous Kamzang Team!
THE KAMZANG JOURNEYS TEAM
Kamzang Journeys is an experienced, mountain-based adventure travel company based in the Shangri La of Kathmandu, Nepal. We specialize in Himalayan trekking, hiking, bicycling, adventure travel, photography, mountain and nomadic cultures, and exploring remote Himalayan regions. We run unique, ‘off-the-map’ treks and travels across the Himalaya, from Nepal, Tibet, the Indian Himalaya and Bhutan to the emerging destinations of Myanmar (Burma), Rajasthan, Kashmir, Mongolia and Pakistan. We pride ourselves on our personalized approach to travel, with repeat clients and friends who come back year after year.
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Our Kamzang Journeys staff are some of the best staff in the Himalaya, intelligent, professional, energetic, caring, conscientious, and proactive, each going the extra mile and adding his own particular qualities to the trek experience. All of the teamwork above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the trekkers have the best possible Himalayan experience, and of course the safest one.
Our Kamzang Journeys staff enjoy each trek and appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of each region, passing on their enthusiasm to the trekkers and accumulating knowledge as they trek.
Kim Bannister, an American rarely in her home country, is a veteran Himalayan trekker and the founder of Kamzang Journeys and The Kamzang Fund. She works closely with her business partner Lhakpa Dorji Sherpa, of Khumbu Adventures, who also lives in Kathmandu but grew up in the Solo Khumbu (Everest) region of the Nepal Himalaya. Kim and Lhakpa lead their own treks and bicycle trips together with their amazing team.
KAMZANG JOURNEYS PRIVATE TREK GUIDES
We have a range of experienced and caring guides from various regions of Nepal and India who lead our private treks in the Everest, Annapurna, Upper Mustang regions, as well as in Ladakh + Zanskar in the Indian Himalaya.
Our Kamzang Journeys staff are some of the best staff in the Himalaya, intelligent, professional, energetic, caring, conscientious and proactive, each going the extra mile and adding his own particular qualities to the trek experience. All of the team work above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the trekkers have the best possible Himalayan experience, and of course the safest one. Our Kamzang Journeys staff enjoy each trek and appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of each region, passing on their enthusiasm to the trekkers and accumulating knowledge as they trek.
Kim Bannister
Kim is the founder of Kamzang Journeys, and leads almost all of the ‘FEATURED TREKS, TRAVELS & BICYCLE TRIPS’ in Tibet, Nepal, the Indian Himalaya & Bhutan as well as a few other Himalayan regions. Kim grew up in the USA and completed her education at Colgate University, afterwards traveling the world for 10+ years, during which time her passion for exploration, adventure travel and understanding cultures and regions was cultivated.
Kim has been based in Kathmandu and the Indian Himalaya for 20+ years, and oversees everything about Kamzang Journeys from shopping for local jams, produce and cheeses, making the muesli and creating the signature Kamzang Journeys dining tent to ensuring that your trek, bicycle trip or journey is run professionally and safely, always with a personal touch. Kim personally answers emails, creates and researching our unique itineraries, explores new routes, takes the photographs and liaises with hotel and restaurant owners to ensure that your trip is the best it can be.
Kim has WFR & Advanced First Aid accreditations as well as 20+ years of guiding experience in the Himalaya. Kim is the founder of Kamzang Fund, a casual non-profit offering education, medical attention and opportunities to nomads, local villagers and children living in Nepal and the Indian Himalaya. Kim is also the founder of Kamzang World Design. Some of these Himalayan crafts can be found on her Etsy site, and you can follow Kamzang Design on the Kamzang Design FaceBook page.
Kim grew up in New Canaan, CO (New England, the east coast of the US) and lived afterwards in Hawaii, California and Colorado where she spent most of her time outdoors biking, hiking, windsurfing, surfing, skiing and, of course, collecting funds for further travels. After trying out the corporate world of marketing for Geographic Expeditions in San Francisco and briefly volunteer teaching in the Everest region of Nepal, she met the Project Himalaya team, Jamie & Joel, and has been creating and leading treks in Nepal, India, Tibet and Bhutan ever since.
The Kamzang World is her latest venture, a mélange of adventure travel, indigenous design and foreign cultures, dedicated to giving travelers a deeper insight into the Himalaya (and other parts of the planet) and its diverse, colorful and welcoming
Kim also designs and collects ‘tribal’ silver jewelry, antiques, textiles and other ‘bazaar’ curios under the name of Kamzang World Design and coordinates funding to sponsor children, schools and gompas and to give medical aid to locals and in the Himalaya, the Kamzang Fund.
But still, she often dreams of warm ocean breezes, margaritas and billowing palm trees …
Lhakpa Dorji Sherpa
Lhakpa Dorji Sherpa hails from Thame in the Khumbu (Everest) region and now lives in Kathmandu with his wife Doma and son Nuru, soon to be our technical advisor. Lhakpa and Kim have led treks together for over 15+ years, and are a nearly perfect team, the right and left hands of Kim’s Kamzang Journey treks. Lhakpa Dorji and his wife Doma have their own Kathmandu-based trekking company called Khumbu Adventures, and organize the logistics, permits and flights for many of Kim’s treks. They also organize their own treks, and work on such community projects as the Yeti Magic Library in Thame.
Lhakpa has been guiding treks in Nepal, India and Tibet for over ten years, and has been working in the trekking industry for even longer, so knows all the ins and outs of the trekking world. His passion for life and trekking is infectious, and he has friends from all over the world. He has lived and worked at different times in Jackson Hole, CO and in Chamonix, France (where his brother lives and where he acquired his love of wine). Lhakpa is a diverse and modern Nepali in some ways, and a traditional Sherpa in others. He celebrates Losar, the Sherpa New Year, playing cards, eating dal baht and drinking with other Sherpas, visits his mother and sister in their traditional Sherpa dwellings in Thame and Mende, has pujas at Buddhist gompas and goes for blessings from the high Tibetan Buddhist lamas. He also designed his Khumbu Adventures website and helps Kim with the Kamzang website and the Kamzang Fund.
Lhakpa loves photography, and never leaves camp without his camera bag strapped around his waist. He also has a passion for all things electronic, which often gets him in trouble with his wife and endears him to his son! Lhakpa has been working with Kim for a decade and is an extremely qualified guide and logistical coordinator, full of enthusiasm, expertise, fun and a love for the Himalaya. Lhakpa is a great and professional trek guide and like Kipling’s Kim, a friend to all.
“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, Ladakh Jumlam Trek, Nepal Sacred Dolpo Trek
“All praise to Kim and Lhakpa for making sure this was the best possible trip for our money, a trek in a very expensive/ exclusive part of the Himalayas. It was tough, it was amazing and it was the best thing I have ever done. Kim and Lhakpa spun their special magic to make this trek amazing. Our tough trek, mud, rain, snow was everything we expected, however our time in camp, our food and our morale was always boosted by Kim and Lhakpa on even the toughest of days – and this is what we all signed up for – you cannot do the Snowman Trek and think it will be easy.
I am so glad I did this trek with Kamzang Journeys. I would do the toughest trek with Kamzang anywhere in the world!”
– Gary G, Bhutan Snowman Trek 2017
“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!”
– Tom B, Everest High Passes, Ladakh Wild + Sacred Upper Dolpo to Mustang Treks 2015
Junar Basnet
Junar is truly a chef par excellence, with nearly ten years of experience cooking with Kim and Lhakpa, and he also puts up tents once the kitchen tent is put up, loads and unloads the horses and is a great river-crosser. Junar also acts as a ‘sherpa’ on some of our other treks, such as in the Everest region.
Junar also has his guiding license and leads private treks. His English is great, he’s very intuitive in the mountains, and is a wonderful guide to trek with in Nepal. Junar has two daughters and a son, and lives in Kathmandu when not trekking.
“I just returned from the Everest High Passes Trek with Kamzang Journeys in November. AWESOME!! A trek I will never forget, it was for me a dream come true to travel to Nepal and see the beautiful Himalayan Mountains. The villages, customs, food, and the beautiful people of Nepal made it a truly fabulous experience. It was not always easy however very achievable thanks to Kim Bannister, Lhakpa and their team (Junar, Suresh and Yam) from Kamzang Journeys. Their attention to detail made for a very safe and comfortable trek. There was always someone watching over me and giving me support and encouraegement when I needed. Kim’s experience in trekking, understanding of the customs and tradition and not to mention her comprehensive medical knowledge was invaluable.”
– Diana P, Everest High Passes 2015
Suresh Basnet
Our all-star campsite director, Suresh also has his guiding license and leads some private treks. Suresh is a jack-of-all-trades, taking care of everyone in our ‘Kamzang Style’ dining tent, carrying the packs of weary trekkers when most needed, full of laughter. He is an incredibly caring and intuitive individual who does anything that needs to be done, an invaluable member of our team. There are few better people to look after you on a trek than Suresh.
Suresh has two daughters and lives in Kathmandu with his wife when not trekking.
“I just returned from the Everest High Passes Trek with Kamzang Journeys in November. AWESOME!! A trek I will never forget, it was for me a dream come true to travel to Nepal and see the beautiful Himalayan Mountains. The villages, customs, food, and the beautiful people of Nepal made it a truly fabulous experience. It was not always easy however very achievable thanks to Kim Bannister, Lhakpa and their team (Junar, Suresh and Yam) from Kamzang Journeys. Their attention to detail made for a very safe and comfortable trek. There was always someone watching over me and giving me support and encouraegement when I needed. Kim’s experience in trekking, understanding of the customs and tradition and not to mention her comprehensive medical knowledge was invaluable.”
– Diana P (Australia), Everest High Passes Trek 2015
Yam Khulal
Yam, or Yamo is he is known, is the second cook, and as all of our staff also works as the assistant camp manager and a ‘sherpa’ helping with clients. Yamo is knows for his big smile which endears him to almost everyone, always happy to practice his English while helping trekkers up a peak or pass. Yam also leads the occasional private trek for us, and his knowledge of the mountains, memory of trails, is incredible.
Yam has one son, and lives in Kathmandu when not trekking.
“I just returned from the Everest High Passes Trek with Kamzang Journeys in November. AWESOME!! A trek I will never forget, it was for me a dream come true to travel to Nepal and see the beautiful Himalayan Mountains. The villages, customs, food, and the beautiful people of Nepal made it a truly fabulous experience. It was not always easy however very achievable thanks to Kim Bannister, Lhakpa and their team (Junar, Suresh and Yam) from Kamzang Journeys. Their attention to detail made for a very safe and comfortable trek. There was always someone watching over me and giving me support and encouraegement when I needed. Kim’s experience in trekking, understanding of the customs and tradition and not to mention her comprehensive medical knowledge was invaluable.”
– Diana P, Everest High Passes Trek 2015
Phuntsok Phale (Tibetan)
Phuntsok comes from a Tibetan refugee family now living between the Kanchenjunga region and Kathmandu. Phuntsok was originally our local contact in Kanchenjunga, and because he was such an amazing person we made him one of our permanent Kamzang Journeys guides. He is a wonderful person, always positive and smiling, and extremely competent and strong in the mountains. Because he is Tibetan, he is extremely enriching to trek through the ethnically Tibetan Nepali border regions with …
We’re hoping to fully train Phutsok as our local guide in the Kanchenjunga region.
Chhatra, Maila, Uttam & Mek
These four awesome guys are part of our Kamzang Journeys Nepal staff, invaluable additions to our kitchen and campsite staff, doing everything from prepping, cooking, and serving to food to setting up our dining tent and personal client tents, carrying clients bags when needed, helping with pass crossings or river crossings, leading horses and just about anything else needed. They all come from Solu, and generally stay in Kathmandu for the spring and autumn trekking seasons. They are some of the most versatile, happy, and hard-working staff we’ve ever had, and are always happy for a chat in the kitchen tent!
Chhatra is a part of our Cafe Caravan at Boudhanath team as well …
Uttam Junar Maila
Chhatra
Phu Tashi Sherpa
Phu Tashi is one of our best, and most loved Sherpa guides in the Everest region, a great and experienced mountain guide from Pangboche in the Khumbu (Everest region). Phu Tashi guides with great care and attention, is a wonderful companion, has many local contacts, and is a favorite amongst our private trekkers.
“I really enjoyed my cultural trek in the Khumbu + Everest region. It was good to have a local guide in Tashi. He was such a quiet and gentle guy, and I was impressed with his respect for culture and Buddist philosophy. I was able to learn about the way of life in the villages and about the gardens and crops. also it was interesting to visit the monasteries and hear about Buddhist practices and philosophy. The route chosen was great – away from the main trekking routes and very scenic. I could feel myself becoming more acclimatized and fitter after a few days above 3000m. Basanta was such a cheerful porter and always greeted us with a big smile.”
– Maureen H, Private Everest Cultural Trek 2017
“Tashi was the perfect guide for me. I was going solo, and looking mostly for solitude; Tashi’s temperament was the perfect match for mine. When he had something to say, it seemed eerily to come right when I was about to ask him a question about the very thing he started to speak about! He has a real passion for the natural world he lives in and for the Sherpa people and their traditions, too. I ended up falling ill with something and here again Tashi was the perfect guide – helpful but not smothering or overly-solicitous. I will be back, and with my family and I’m certain to request that Tashi accompanies us when we return.”
– Nick A-H (UK), Private Everest Base Camp Trek 2013
“This was our first trip with Kamzang. Everything including pick-up at the airport in Kathmandu, air transfer to Lukla and the 2 week hiking trip was professionally organised – no complains. We enjoyed the company of the our guide and porter and are thankful for their advice and guidance on the trail. We are currently making plans for another adventure with Kamzang in the Everest region.”
– Alex + Ninik Everest Trek 2017
“We completed a private trek to Gokyo Ri, Himalayas, with Kamzang Journeys in Dec17. The trek from Lukla was over 15 days and from the time of our arrival in Kathmandu until our departure 25 days later Kamzang Journeys were the ultimate professionals They organized all accommodations, transport, meals, guide and porter. The whole experience was wonderful and went off without a hitch. We attribute our success to the care and attention provided by Kamzang and the wealth of knowledge that they brought to support our trek Thank you to Kim, Lhakpa, our guide Phu Tashi and our porter Babu Ram Rai. It was a pleasure to meet you all and you created an experience for us that we will never forget!”
– Bridget + George, Private Sacred Gokyo Lakes Trek 2017
“Particular praise and thanks are due to Phu Tashi – he was kind, attentive and, all in his quiet way, highly competent throughout. We felt we were in very safe hands and enjoyed his great knowledge of the region and shy charm.”
– Nick + Ella (UK), Private Everest Base Camp Trek 2019
Tshering Sherpa
Tshering Sherpa has worked in the trekking industry for decades, and with his ready smile, good English, local knowledge, care and experience in the mountains is one of the best guides in his home region of Khumbu. It’s hard to say enough about Tshering’s capacities as a trekking guide. He lives in Chuserma, in the Everest region, with his wife and children.
“Tsering Sherpa is marvelous, extremely responsible, serious, devoted, very thoughtful, discreet and very pleasant to trek with. He is very helpful, well-traveled, speaks good English, is well-mannered and has a good experience as a mountaineer and a climber. He is very powerful, strong and quick, and smiles a lot! He seems to know everybody on the trail, is active in his community and is respected by other Sherpas. On trek he was a good counsellor on food, and of course respectful of tradition and of the Tibetan Buddhist faith. With him we felt very secure as he knows the trail and all the shortcuts.”
– Nan + Odette (France), Private Everest Base Camp Trek 2014
“My husband, daughter and I had a great “Around Everest” trek with our amazing guide Tshering. I coordinated the whole trip with Kim and Doma who always promptly answered my many questions. All the information provided was helpful and everything was well organized and worry free. Kim, thanks for creating a great bucket list trip for our family. I highly recommend Kamzang Journeys.”
– McAtees, Private Everest Sherpa Cultural Trek 2017
Gombu Sherpa
Gombu is a wonderful trekking guide, loved by all of his trekkers, extremely qualified, compassionate, caring, safe and a joy to trek with …
Gyurme Sherpa
Gyurme is one of the Khumbu’s best climbing guides, and leads many of our Island Peak and Lobuche Peak climbs in the Khumbu. He also owns and runs Sonam Lodge in Panboche where we stay on our Everest High Passes treks.
He is a very qualified climbing guide, having climbed Everest many times, Amadablam nearly 20 times, and Island Peak probably more than this, as well as having climbed many other peaks in the Everest region. He is a caring, careful and intuitive climbing guide who makes his clients feel secure and safe on the mountain.
Mingma Sherpa
Mingma Sherpa is from the Everest region, one of our best guides in the Khumbu, a caring, careful and experienced guide who safely leads our clients through this wonderful Himalayan region! Mingma and his wife Yangzom have a small lodge at Thado Khosi, and one of the hightlights of the trek is meeting his family, and being treated like family at his lodge.
“I spent almost three weeks hiking with MINGMA SHERPA in the Khumbu region of Nepal and we explored the Gokyo lakes, Gokyo valley and we climbed Gokyo Ri. Mingma is an experienced mountain-guide, knows all the summits in the region, the Sherpas and routes. He is responsive of the challenges, strong and kind, but he is very calm in case of difficult situations. While we walked together, he was attentive and he always tried to accommodate my phyisical condition and my spiritual eagerness. We spent wonderful time together and I immensely enjoyed every moment of the trek. I am planning to walk with him again in 2015!”
– Kati K (Hungary), Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek 2014
Lhakpa Doma Sherpa
Doma Sherpa is the co-owner of Khumbu Adventures, a qualified Sherpa guide who leads treks in her home region, the Everest region. She knows everyone in the region it seems, so you’ll be in good hands!
Doma takes care of many of our trek logistics back in Kathmandu, takes care of trekkers who have returned early as well as leading Everst treks for us. She comes from a big family in Pangboche, the Khumbu region.
“Thank you for everything you did to make our anniversary trip special. From the extras at our hotel rooms to the amazing quality, warmth and hospitality of every person who works with you – we were blown away by the trip you planned. We loved meeting you, Lhakpa, Doma and all the guides, drivers and porters who created such a hassle-free and seamless environment for us to explore beautiful Nepal. Thank you so much – you created a truly life changing and unforgettable trip for us.
– Kim + Bob (USA), Private Amazing Nepal Trek 2016
“All the flights and connections went smoothly thanks to Lhakpa and Doma in Kathmandu, and Tashi and the host from Paradise Lodge at Lukla. Doma was very generous with her time and went with me to see Durbar Square. So a very memorable trip. Thanks so much!”
– Maureen H, Everest Cultural Trek 2017
Vinayak Jay
Vinayak is one of the best rock climbers in Kathmandu and leads treks and climbs for us in various regions of Nepal. His English is very good, and he’s great company on a long trek as well as being well qualified in all ways. Vinay is one of our most technically qualified guides, and lives in Kathmandu or is out climbing peaks of all shapes and sizes, or trekking along the Great Himalayan Trail, when not guiding treks or climbs.
“Vinayak was my private guide to trek to Everest base camp in October 2013. I felt very secure with him the entire time. He was always attentive to my wellbeing from the time we started in x (kim pls fill in) where we ended up slogging through rainfall and mud due to the cyclone left over from India, all the way through to the end of our trip in Lukla. I could count on him without a doubt every day of the entire 3 weeks we spent together. Thanks to Viney for an excellent trek!”
– Lori C (USA), Everest High Passes Trek 2014
‘I wanted to take a minute to say thank you for everything you did to make our anniversary trip special. From the extras at our hotel rooms to the amazing quality, warmth, and hospitality of every person who works with you – we were blown away by the trip you planned. We loved meeting you, Lkhapa, Doma and all the guides, drivers and porters who created such a hassle-free and seamless environment for us to explore beautiful Nepal. Thank you so much – you created a truly life-changing and unforgettable trip for us.’
– Kim & Bob, Private Annapurna Trek 2016
Mingma is an Everest climbing guide who works for us co-leading climbs in the Everest region.
Tashi R Ghale
Tashi Ghale, from Manang in the Annapurna region, is one of Nepal’s most talented photographers and a sometime guide with us. He has
led several private Mustang treks for us as well as leading treks in the Annapurna region and co-leading a trek with us in the Everest region. His English is perfect and his knowledge of the mountains and cultures unsurpassed.
See his photo gallery which features mountain photography and snow leaopards!
Tashi R Ghale
Ang Pemba Sherpa
Ang Pemba, in his mid-30s is one of our most versatile guides, with experience in most of Nepal’s trekking regions. He and his wife Pema Choten divide their time between Kathmandu, where their daughter Kusang goes to school and Pema teaches Nepali to Koreans, and Khumjung, where Ang Pemba grew up. Pema is from Mongo, where Kim taught school. Ang Pemba has gentle personality to go along with his mountain skills, and is a popular guide.
Ang Pemba’s father Ang Phurba Sherpa was a renown Sherpa climber, climbing with the likes of Doug Scott + Chris Bonnington!
“Fabulously wild and remote location for a trek with jaw-dropping scenery and wonderful, friendly, and welcoming locals. Supremely well organized trek Ang Pemba and Tenzing our guides were the best so helpful and caring esp with my partner who suffered from altitude sickness. 100% recommend Kamzang journeys and will deffo use this company again.”
– Lynn + Nimalie, Remote Nar Phu Trek 2017
“A terrific company to discover Nepal! Kamzang Journeys is a great company to go hiking with. From the initial contact to plan for your trip until the airport to fly back home – every detail was immaculate. Kim is a super communicator and treats every client at a personal level. Her team of Sherpa’s and porters are hard-working, fun, and committed. I plan to travel with them again soon.”
– Nag, Private Sacred Gokyo Lakes Trek 2017
Sherap, Samphel Tandup & Tenzing (Indian Himalaya)
Sherap and Samhpel have been working with Kamzang Journeys for 20 years, absolutely the best in the business in the Indian Himalaya. Sherpa owns his own team of horses, and manages all of our private and Kamzang Journeys trips in Ladakh and Zanskar. Samphel used to own his own team of horses, but now is an assistant guide for our treks in the Indian Himalaya. Tenzing has been working with us for the past 6 or so years, coming after his older brother got married, and along with being one of our best volleyball players is an incredibly great horseman, hard worker, and positive influence.
Our horsemen are truly amazing people, invaluable to our treks in Ladakh and Zanskar. In addition to their work loading and unloading, grazing, and shoeing the horses, Sherap, Samphel, both Tibetans whose families migrated to India after 1959.help put up the tents at camp, assist with river crossings and help in any challenging situation.
Sherap and Samphel lead our private treks in the Indian Himalaya, along with Singge and some of our Nepali staff.
Sherap
Samphel Tandup
Tenzing
Singge Zanskari (Indian Himalaya)
Singge was our original ‘Kamzang Kid’, now nearly finished with his schooling and an important part of our Kamzang Journeys team in Ladakh & Zanskar, as well as being a local contact. He sometimes co-leads private treks for us in Ladakh and Zanskar.
We’re hoping to fully train Singge as our local guide in Ladakh + Zanskar!
Ang Chuk (Indian Himalaya)
Ang Chuk (or Wang Chuk) is an integral part of our staff in the Indian Himalaya, driving the group and staff to and from our remote trek destinations, and providing all transport logistics. He’s rescued us from many tenuous situations on our Ladakh treks, and we’ve worked with Ang Chuk from the start, over 20 years ago! Ang Chuk is a Tibetan refugee, having lived in India for most of his life, and greatly enriches our trips in Ladakh and Zanskar with his constant smile, positive attitude, and wonderfully generous nature …
Ang Chuk leads our private jeep safaris in the Indian Himalaya, providing an invaluable local insight into the local cultures and regions. He is probably THE safest driver on the roads in all of Ladakh and Zanskar!
Our Mustang & Dolpo Team
Rakesh started with us in Upper Mustang, and has transitioned into bringing his team of horses into Dolpo for our GHT | Upper Dolpo to Mustang treks. Without Rakesh, the horsemen + our strong and fearless horses we wouldn’t have gotten nearly as far as we have!
We’re hoping to fully train Rakesh as one of our local guides in Upper Mustang!
Karma Gurung
There is no better guide in Mustang or the Annapurnas than Karma Gurung, who also led a New York Times reporter, Edward Wong, to Upper
Mustang. Karma used to be our horseman in Upper Mustang but always had ambitions to write a guidebook to Mustang which would include lots of the old stories which he has been collecting. He’s now living in Kathmandu and leading many private treks for us.
“KARMA MUSTANGI was my guide on the Annapurna Peaks and Villages Trek. Even though I was traveling on my own I was never alone! Days were spent trekking at my pace, we would often stop and chat to locals or other trekkers. Karma found an interesting mix of tea houses to stay and I was always made to feel like one of the family. Karma was extremely attentive making sure I was comfortable, warm enough and fed with plenty of good food. Every time we stopped he would get out his special supply of tea and coffee – I had other trekkers telling me how lucky I was to have such a caring guide!”
– Linda C (Australia), Annapurna Peaks & Villages 2013
“Thanks for looking after my friends so well! They were really pleased and very impressed with the arrangements made by Doma and particularly pleased with the guide, KARMA MUSTANGI, who did a wonderful job of looking after them on their trek. Considering it was all arranged at short notice, Paul said that everything went to their satisfaction and it exceeded their expectations. He’s now got a taste of Nepal and thinking about doing another trek there sometime”
– Viv D (friend of Paul & Patrick, Australia), Private Annapurna Peaks & Valleys & Helambu Trek 2015
Tashi (Tibet)
Tashi is our primary guide on all of our Tibet trips, from Kailash to Kharta Valley, always ready with good advice, a smile and a helping hand. He’s one of Tibet’s few good trekking guides, and we count on his wisdom and leadership on our Tibet trips.
Tashi leads many of our private treks and trips in Tibet …
Babu Samdo
Babu leads our Manaslu treks for us, with his perfect English and friendly demeanor is a wonderful guide. He is a Tibetan from a refugee family, who now hail from the highest village in the Manaslu region, Samdo
We are training Babu to be our specialist in the Manaslu + Tsum regions.
Pasang Tamang
Pasang is one of our permanent staff from the Langtang region (his village was destroyed in the earthquakes, and he his Tamang team were trekking with us during that month of 2015 quakes) and does everything from walking with us to setting up the campsite, a great addition to our team.
We’re hoping to fully train Pasang as our local guide for the Rasuwa region.
Kamzang Journeys All-Star Porters
Our porters are fantastic, too numerous to mention individually, but integral cogs in running our treks, and always incredibly wonderful individuals. No trekker ever forgets their cheerfulness, hard work, or companionship, and many continue to work with us in other capacities. Below is a photo of Pema with two of our Tamang porters on our last GHT | Kanchenjunga to Makalu trek.
Without our porters, our treks wouldn’t be possible. Huge kudos and thanks to all of them for their incredibly hard work.
Shaheen (Pakistan)
Shaheen is our Pakistan connection, a qualified mountain guide who runs his own company and often leads his own trips, treks & climbing expeditions. We look forward to working more with him in Pakistan!
Shaheen leads all of our private departures in Pakistan.
Nuru Wangdi Sherpa (Kamzang Journeys Office)
Nuru, the son of Lhakpa Dorji and Lhakpa Doma, started his career at Kamzang Journeys on an Everest High Passes trek many years ago! Nuru handles our back-end office while we’re trekking, answering emails, and corresponding with agents and trekkers, and is the very talented creator of the newest Kamzang Journeys website. He is also my partner at Cafe Caravan, and an incredible cook and baker!
David E Bannister
Global Relations Director + Finances
David Bannister has been a part of our Kamzang Journeys team since the start, and is the director of our global relations as well as managing our US finances and banking.
Why Trek with Us?
Read about what sets Kamzang Journeys apart from almost all other trekking & travel companies!
Kamzang Journeys | Why Trek with Us?
All About Us!
Kamzang Journeys | About Us
Our Previous Treks, Bicycle Trips + Trekkers | 15+ Years!
Kamzang Journeys | Previous Himalayan Treks & Bicycle Trips
Trekker’s Reviews + Comments
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PRIVATE TREK COMMENTS & TREK GUIDE REVIEWS
Thank you for everything you did to make our anniversary trip special. From the extras at our hotel rooms to the amazing quality, warmth and hospitality of every person who works with you – we were blown away by the trip you planned. We loved meeting you, Lhakpa, Doma and all the guides, drivers and porters who created such a hassle-free and seamless environment for us to explore beautiful Nepal. Thank you so much – you created a truly life changing and unforgettable trip for us.
– Kim + Bob (USA), Private Amazing Nepal Trek 2016
Fabulously wild and remote location for a trek with jaw-dropping scenery and wonderful, friendly and welcoming locals. Supremely well organised trek Pemba and Ltenzing our guides were the best so helpful and caring esp with my partner who suffered from altitude sickness . 100% recommend Kamzang journeys and will deffo use this company again
– Lynn + Nimalie, Remote Nar Phu Trek 2017
My husband, daughter and I had a great “Around Everest” trek with our amazing guide Tshering. I coordinated the whole trip with Kim and Doma who always promptly answered my many questions. All the information provided was helpful and everything was well organized and worry free. Kim, thanks for creating a great bucket list trip for our family. I highly recommend Kamzang Journeys.
– McAtees, Private Everest Sherpa Cultural Trek 2017
A terrific company to discover Nepal! Kamzang Journeys is a great company to go hiking with. From the initial contact to plan for your trip until the airport to fly back home – every detail was immaculate. Kim is a super communicator and treats every client at a personal level. Her team of Sherpa’s and porters are hard working, fun, and committed. I plan to travel with them again soon.
– Nag O, Private Sacred Gokyo Lakes Trek 2017
This was our first trip with Kamzang. Everything including pick-up at the airport in Kathmandu, air transfer to Lukla and the 2 week hiking trip was professionally organised – no complains. We enjoyed the company of the our guide and porter and are thankful for their advice and guidance on the trail. We are currently making plans for another adventure with Kamzang in the Everest region.
– Alex + Ninik Everest Trek 2017
We completed a private trek to Gokyo Ri, Himalayas, with Kamzang Journeys in Dec 2017. The trek from Lukla was over 15 days and from the time of our arrival in Kathmandu until our departure 25 days later Kamzang Journeys were the ultimate professionals They organized all accommodations, transport, meals, guide and porter. The whole experience was wonderful and went off without a hitch. We attribute our success to the care and attention provided by Kamzang and the wealth of knowledge that they brought to support our trek Thank you to Kim, Lhakpa, Phu Tashi and Babu Ram Rai. It was a pleasure to meet you all and you created an experience for us that we will never forget!
– Bridget + George, Private Sacred Gokyo Lakes Trek 2017
A friend and I just returned from Nepal and gladly we picked a local company that had good reviews. Kim Bannister is the owner of Kamzang Journeys and has an apartment in Kathmandu where she spends much of her time managing her company. It was my friend’s dream to trek in Nepal. A great local company is where to go, and Kamzang Journeys is the company! Every detail of our trip was handled with personal attention and was top quality. My friend’s dream came true. There are not enough good things that I can say about Kim and her staff. Oh by the way their rates are less expensive because they are local. Win, win, win.
– Robert + Craig (US), Annapurna Peaks + Villages Trek 2016
Kamzang Journeys planned a lovely trek for me tailored to my available dates and time frame. Also taking into account my age and fitness level. The trek was seamlessly planned for me with wonderful local people. at each part of my journey. Binod at Kathmandu Guest House was a great help. local guides Doma and Lakpa looked after my airport transfers and flights to and from Lukla. Doma was so generous with her time. It was wonderful to have a local guide In Tashi. I was able to learn so much about the culture and way of life. This Trek was a rewarding and unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend Kamzang journeys to anyone want ing to trek in the spectacular Himalayas and to learn about the culture and people of Nepal.
– Maureen H (Australia), Everest Cultural Trek 2017
We went on 19 day trek through the Khumbu with PHU TASHI SHERPA of Kamzang Journeys. He is an excellent guide and a terrific person (and a pretty good card player). Tashi is very attentive and tuned into his clients from a health, acclimatization and safety standpoint as well as overall comfort and enjoyment of the trip. He is super knowledgeable about routes, peaks and wildlife, and we also appreciated that he is from the area and shared info with us about villages, customs, and the history of what we were seeing and experiencing. On top of this, he seems to know just about everyone. We didn’t realize how important this is until we saw first hand some trekkers who weren’t doing so well. A good network of contacts is vital in that situation! Beyond all of this, he is a kind and caring person with a great sense of humor. After spending almost 3 weeks with him, we truly miss him and hope to trek with him again.
– Kay + Jamie (USA), Private Everest High Passes Trek 2016
Kamzang journeys was extremely helpful in every respect great info on what was needed answered ever question quickly and there people on the ground were lovely def recommend to anyone traveling to use them.
– Zack (Australia), Private Everest High Passes Trek 2016
Kim and her colleages at Khumbu Adventures arranged a solo trek for me at very short notice in November 2013, and did it even whilst most of them were leading another trek in Mustang! They made the complex easy. From a wonderful guide to helping me arrange evacuation when I got sick, I was always in knowledeable, kind, efficient hands with PHU TASHI SHERPA. I recommend Kamzang Journeys without reservation and I’ll be using them when I return to Nepal in September 2014!
– Nick A (Swiss), Private Everest Trek 2013
Thanks for looking after my friends so well! They were really pleased and very impressed with the arrangements made by Doma and particularly pleased with the guide, KARMA MUSTANGI, who did a wonderful job of looking after them on their trek. Considering it was all arranged at short notice, Paul said that everything went to their satisfaction and it exceeded their expectations. He’s now got a taste of Nepal and thinking about doing another trek there sometime …
– Viv D (friend of Paul & Patrick, Australia), Private Annapurna Peaks & Valleys & Helambu Trek 2014
TSHERING SHERPA is a marvelous human being. Extremely responsible, serious, devoted to his duty, very thoughtful, discreet, very pleasant to live with, very helpful, well travelled, speaks good English, well mannered, has a good experience as a mountaineer and a climber. He is very powerfull, strong and quick, and smiles alot. He seems to know everybody on the trail. Very respected by other Sherpas. He is very well known in his community, and very active, and respectful of tradition and Buddhist faith.
– Nan + Odette (France), Private Everest Base Camp Trek 2014
PHU TASHI SHERPA was the perfect guide for me. I was going solo, and looking mostly for solitude; Tashi’s temperament was the perfect match for mine. When he had something to say, it seemed eerily to come right when I was about to ask him a question about the very thing he started to speak about! He has a real passion for the natural world he lives in and for the Sherpa people and their traditions, too. I ended up falling ill with something and here again Tashi was the perfect guide – helpful but not smothering or overly-solicitous. I will be back, and with my family and I’m certain to request that Tashi accompanies us when we return.
– Nick A-H (Swiss), Private Everest High Passes Trek 2013
KARMA MUSTANGI was my guide on the Annapurna Peaks and Villages Trek. Even though I was traveling on my own I was never alone! Days were spent trekking at my pace, we would often stop and chat to locals or other trekkers. Karma found an interesting mix of tea houses to stay and I was always made to feel like one of the family. Karma was extremely attentive making sure I was comfortable, warm enough and fed with plenty of good food. Every time we stopped he would get out his special supply of tea and coffee – I had other trekkers telling me how lucky I was to have such a caring guide!
– Linda C (Australia), Annapurna Peaks & Villages 2013
VINEY (VINYAK) was my private guide to trek to Everest base camp in October 2013. I felt very secure with him the entire time. He was always attentive to my wellbeing from the time we started in x (kim pls fill in) where we ended up slogging through rainfall and mud due to the cyclone left over from India, all the way through to the end of our trip in Lukla. I could count on him without a doubt every day of the entire 3 weeks we spent together. Thanks to Viney for an excellent trek!
– Lori C (USA), Everest High Passes Trek 2014
Last May I spent almost three weeks hiking with MINGMA SHERPA in the Khumbu region of Nepal and we explored the Gokyo lakes, Gokyo valley and we climbed Gokyo Ri. Mingma is an experienced mountain-guide, knows all the summits in the region, the Sherpas and routes. He is responsive of the challenges, strong and kind, but he is very calm in case of difficult situations. While we walked together, he was attentive and he always tried to accommodate my phyisical condition and my spiritual eagerness. We spent wonderful time together and I immensely enjoyed every moment of the trek. I am planning to walk with him again in 2015!
– Kati K (Hungary), Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek 2014
TRAVELLERS’ REVIEWS & COMMENTS
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Thank you for a GREAT TREK! You, Lhakpa and the guides really did us proud! The guides were excellent doing everything they could to make our holiday truly memorable. They were ready to help with an arm when needed and so patient and smiley when we were slow. Lhakpa was always working hard to ensure everything ran smoothly, so much so that it was easy not to notice all he did, which included using his contacts to secure us flights out of Lukla. But, Kim, you made the trek. Once you had had your morning coffee, you were always smiling, working hard, encouraging us and sorting out our various ailments! Apart from the mountains and the views my lasting memory will be of you with your enthusiasm and SMILE!
– Martin S, Everest High Passes 2012
Thanks again for another exceptional trek! I really enjoyed meeting your Ladakhi ‘ebi’ (grandmother) and grandfather. What special people they are – radiant kindness. And the tea party with the ‘grey-haired’ laughing, venerable women of Yulchung!! You give your all Kim, and I so appreciate it. The Jumlam – with all its adventurous passages – was amazing. And once again, your passion and compassion for the people, culture & wildlife shine through. Namaste!
– Sue L, Ultimate Ladakh 2015
I had a minute to reflect on the past 9 weeks and I feel overwhelmed by how good the time has been. And in every memory, every achievement, every moment I feel a gratitude to both of you, Kim + Lhakpa, for making it possible and eternally memorable.
Thank you!
– Shiven M, Upper Dolpo to Jomsom & Everest High Passes 2012
I really enjoyed my cultural trek in the Khumbu + Everest region. It was good to have a local guide in Tashi. He was such a quiet and gentle guy, and I was impressed with his respect for culture and Buddist philosophy. I was able to learn about the way of life in the villages and about the gardens and crops. also it was interesting to visit the monasteries and hear about Buddhist practices and philosophy. The route chosen was great – away from the main trekking routes and very scenic. I could feel myself becoming more acclimatized and fitter after a few days above 3000m. Basanta was such a cheerful porter and always greeted us with a big smile.
All the flights and connections went smoothly thanks to Lakpa and Doma in Kathmandu and Tashi and the host from Paradise Lodge at Lukla. Doma was very generous with her time and went with me to see Durbar Square. Kathmandu Guest House was lovely and the staff were so helpful, especially Binod. I was able to meet up with Celesta on the last day as she had just arrived in Kathmandu. So a very memorable trip. Thanks so much!
– Maureen H, Private Everest Cultural Trek
Kim + Khumbu Adventures arranged a solo trek for me at very short notice in November 2013 – and did it even whilst most of them were leading another trek in Mustang! They made the complex easy. From a wonderful guide to helping me arrange evacuation when I got sick, I was always in knowledeable, kind, efficient hands. I recommend Kamzang Journeys without reservation and I’ll be using them when I return to Nepal in September 2014!
– Nick A (UK), Private Everest Trek 2013
Tsering Sherpa is marvelous, extremely responsible, serious, devoted, very thoughtful, discreet and very pleasant to trek with. He is very helpful, well travelled, speaks good English, is well-mannered and has a good experience as a mountaineer and a climber. He is very powerful, strong and quick, and smiles a lot! He seems to know everybody on the trail, is active in his community and is respected by other Sherpas. On trek he was a good counsellor on food, and of course respectful of tradition and of the Tibetan Buddhist faith. With him we felt very secure as he knows the trail and all the short cuts.
– Nan + Odette (France), Private Everest Base Camp Trek 2014
Viney was my private guide to trek to Everest base camp in October 2013. I felt very secure with him the entire time. He was always attentive to my wellbeing from the time we started in x (kim pls fill in) where we ended up slogging through rainfall and mud due to the cyclone left over from India, all the way through to the end of our trip in Lukla. I could count on him without a doubt every day of the entire 3 weeks we spent together. Thanks to Viney for an excellent trek!
– Lori C (USA), Private Everest High Passes Trek 2014
Last May I spent almost three weeks hiking with Mingma in the Khumbu region of Nepal and we explored the Gokyo lakes, Gokyo valley and we climbed Gokyo Ri. Mingma is an experienced mountain-guide, knows all the summits in the region, the Sherpas and routes. He is responsive of the challenges, strong and kind, but he is very calm in case of difficult situations. While we walked together, he was attentive and he always tried to accommodate my phyisical condition and my spiritual eagerness. We spent wonderful time together and I immensely enjoyed every moment of the trek. I am planning to walk with him again in 2015!
– Kati K (Hungary), Private Gokyo Lakes Trek 2014
Tashi was the perfect guide for me. I was going solo, and looking mostly for solitude; Tashi’s temperament was the perfect match for mine. When he had something to say, it seemed eerily to come right when I was about to ask him a question about the very thing he started to speak about! He has a real passion for the natural world he lives in and for the Sherpa people and their traditions, too. I ended up falling ill with something and here again Tashi was the perfect guide – helpful but not smothering or overly-solicitous. I will be back, and with my family and I’m certain to request that Tashi accompanies us when we return.
– Nick A-H (UK), Private Everest Base Camp Trek 2013
