Kamzang | Why Trek with Us?

Why Trek with Us?
Client Testimonials

Experience - Safety - Adventure - Challenge - Local Knowledge - Fun

Don't take our word for it. Read what other trekkers have to say about us!

Finishing the challening Upper Dolpo to Mustang trek in 2012 ...

Myths & Mountains in Nepal
New York Times Travel Section
Edward Wong on Mustang

Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya
(pg 27 excerpt)
'Western trekking companies based in Nepal include the excellent Project Himalaya (www.project-himalaya.com) & Kamzang Journeys (www.kamzang.com)."

Dolpo Delight
Big Black Book - Jan-Erik Rottinhuis

Everest High Passes
Australian 'Walk Reports' - Jan Sammons

Absolutely fabulous!

I want to tell you how much I respect and admire you for the work you are doing and the path you have chosen. I think you are enormously talented, intuitive, kind, considerate, fair, flexible, skilled, athletic. And despite my many small trials within the larger challenge of this trip, I would not trade away a minute of it. You have many reasons to feel proud of what you have created, and for so much of what your trekkers take away with them and carry for a lifetime. I am most delighted to have been a part of Dolpo 2013, lucky to have crossed your path, and grateful for the entire experience.
Elizabeth L, Sacred Upper Dolpo to Jomsom 2013

I had the most amazing time and am so grateful to you for the best hike ever ... You should be very proud of yourself and your company and the way you run your hikes. It is wonderful to have someone who is so passionate about the country and its people, and the clients on your trip. I am busy looking at your other hikes to see which one i can do next!! I loved the fact that we hardly met any other groups and seemed to have the whole place to ourselves. Thank you for an amazing experience and great leadership by an awesome woman with the biggest heart.
Lorraine H, Sacred Upper Dolpo to Jomsom 2013

Upper Dolpo 2013 group celebrating an unexpectedly beautiful pass crossing ...

I’ve just completed Kim’s May 2013 Dolpo trip. Within the first few days it was clear that the weather, and in particular the snow remaining from a particularly severe winter, would play a major role in determining what we could achieve. Almost immediately we saw numbers of other trekking groups that had to turn back because the snow on major passes was too deep. This would have also been our fate if we had stuck rigidly to the itinerary. However thanks to the hard work and information gathered by Kim & Lhakpa we were able to negotiate our way through Dolpo and share in Kim’s deep knowledge of the area and her close contacts with the local people.

During the latter part of the trip we faced a choice as to how and where the trip would end. Kim and Lhakpa spoke extensively to the local villagers, gathered all the information available at the time on the options open to us and put it to the group for a decision. The near unanimous decision of the group was to attempt to exit Dolpo via the south to the Dhorpatan Reserve. Though completely unexpected this was, for me, a real highlight of the trip and I feel privileged to have did done it. The scenery, so totally different from upper Dolpo, and the sight of the gold rush like annual yarsagumba stampede, will be memories that stay with me for the rest of my life. Indeed whatever treks I do in future these memories will be hard to better. We only completed a small part of the planned itinerary but what we achieved demonstrated, yet again, why Kim, Lhakpa and their crew, are the best trekking team in the Himalayas and why their trips are the best value for money you can find. Congratulations and thanks for an amazing experience.
Graham N, Sacred Upper Dolpo to Jomsom 2013

High fives on a 5400 meter pass (Everest region, Nepal).

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 2012
Everest High Passes 2012

Thanks to Kim and Lhakpa for the wonderful trip you put on, the mix of Western and Nepalese input and organisation works very well. The time taken to acclimatise, the direction taken and the coverage of the Everest region looked to me to be as good as you could get. On reflection this was one of my lifetimes best trips. To my fellow trekkers thanks for your company, not a sour or dull moment, sheering the experience with all you people certainly enhanced my trip!
Roger D, Everest High Passes 2012

Lhakpa, Kamzang style! (Everest region, Nepal)

Thank you for a GREAT TREK! You, Lhakpa and the guides really did us proud! Would I recommend your High Passes of Everest trek to others? A definite YES! You took us to all the best view points in the Khumbu where we had FANTASTIC VIEWS of Everest and so many other beautiful mountains. Your itinery also gave us longer at the high points (eg Gorak Shep and Gokyo) than most companies. 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! It was lovely to see you with the locals, including Lhakpa's mother in her traditional Sherpa's house. Young and old they were all so pleased to see you. Apart from the maountains and the views my lasting memory will be of you with your enthusiasm and SMILE!
Martin S, Everest High Passes 2012

Kim, reaching the top of the Kongma La pass in the Everest region ..

Before I decided to go on an Everest High Pass I did a year's worth of research and finally decided to go with Kamzang. I’m so glad that I decided to go with Kim. Kim and Lhakpa know the region and people well. Not only do you get to experience the region, you also get to experience the culture. Kim’s crew always have smile on their faces and are willing to help in any way possible. Kim’s relationship with her crew and the lodge owners is amazing. The acclimation that you go through is well thought out and we had barely any issues compared to other groups that we saw along the way. I can’t wait to get back to Nepal and when I do I would definitely work with Kim!!!
Bryan R, Everest High Passes 2012

Thank you Kim for all the great organisation and smooth running of our holiday. Your enthusiasm and empathy with the Nepalese is truly inspiring. One of the reason I chose your company to trek with was that, according to your website, that you supported, sponsored and otherwise helped the local people with basic health care and education. I was not disappointed: you do a great job, and I am sure it is much appreciated by all. As if to empathise this, on the day I left Kathmandu - 27 November - you had paid for a young girl to have an operation in hospital to correct a cleft pallet.

Lhakpa, please also pass on an enormous 'thank you' to all the team, Suresh, Junar, Yamo, and of course Nehru . Without them the holiday would not have been anywhere near as good. There was not one single occasion when a request for help, assistance, or anything else to any one of the team from me was met with anything other than a smile and instance assistance. What a great team, and a great bunch of guys!
David Reynolds, Everest High Passes 2012

John with Bhutanese man on our Great Bhutan Bike Journey in 2011 ...

Thanks for another great trek. Your boundless energy and enthusiasm is remarkable, your organisational skills are tops, and with Lhakpa and the team your treks are simply wonderful. I thought the food was excellent on last year's trek but this time it was even better. Well done to Junar. Upper Dolpo was, as you had said, an amazing region. The scenery was spectacular and the remoteness of the area, without other trekking groups, made it even more special. I will treasure the memories.
Viv D, Upper Dolpo to Jomsom 2011

A heartfelt THANK YOU for a wonderful trek and fond memories of special people and their environment, and to you and Lhakpa for your hospitality and having made it possible to live these moments on the High Himalayan trail. I'll never forget and will always treasure the experience... I read your Kamzang website regularly and read all the eulogies about your care, support and attention to detail till the last moments of our trek. They all ring true.You are truly a pro and I wanted you to know that it has been greatly appreciated. I consider myself a privileged person to have trekked with you in Nepal.
Jan Erik R, Dolpo 2011

Shiven, on his second of two treks in a row, heading towards Everest Base Camp, Nepal ...

I reckon this was the most amazing trip I've been on with you. Clearly with all the major changes & glitches it had to be organised on the run at times so it was a tribute to you all that when problems arose you were able to work around them - the road accident in the valley, the Last Resort, your being ill, the long night drive, Tholing, Darchen, the weather etc, etc. As Pip & I have discussed if people want a trip when everything happens as planned it will be a straight up the Kali Gandaki to Lo and straight back down, a boring and uninteresting type of trip. You might as well just read a book and watch a DVD. I haven't done 4 trips with you because I want this type of trip!
Graham N, Kailash, Guge & Limi Humla 2011

Thank you so much for making our Himalayan experience so memorable. Your organisational skills in making even the weather cooperate, your capacity to multi-task and problem solve in turning potential crises into mere wrinkles, your love and respect for the high peaks - all come together in making this trek so wonderful. But even more importantly I was touched by how deeply you give of yourself. It showed in the great care you gave to us, in the warmth of your embrace as you met people along the way and most especially in how well you treat your staff. Yours is a difficult task but clearly for you it is not a job but a calling.
Steve & Jo F, Everest High Passes 2011

Kim with 'Caravan Thinle', a chance meeting in Dunai. Photo Elizabeth Leahy

Thank you for a fabulous 3 weeks of trekking in the most spectacular mountain scenery I have experienced. Everything was efficiently organized. Your relationship with the lodge owners was wonderful to see and you should be proud of what you have developed. The tea-house trekking was great with comfortable lodges and amazing views ...
Leigh B, Everest High Passes 2011

What a trip! Thanks for all your hard work and imagination. Truly a spectacular journey and the clientele you attracted was a magnificent bonus.
Chris R, Wild Ladakh Rupshu 2011

Kim runs a tight ship. Everything felt totally thought out and under control. It feels like Kim does such a brilliant job for her own sense of personal satisfaction - that she wouldn't do anything less then to the best of her abilities! She's really human and fun and gets right in there with you - her enthusiasm for spotting flora and fauna or taking photos is with as much genuine energy and vigor (or more!) as her trekkers who are seeing these things for the first time. She is generous in every sense of the word, helpful, warm and lovely. Lhakpa is lovely too and hilarious and laid back and will carry you across rivers. The staff are fantastic and it feels like everyone is in it together and well cared for. I really really didn't want to leave and could have quite easily committed to trekking with Kim forever! I really loved it.
Alice B, Nomads 2011

Kim & Lhakpa's Mustang group with art restorer Luigi Fini in Lo Monthang, Upper Mustang ...

I joined Kim's Nomad trek without knowing what to expect, as it was my first trek. And I absolutely loved it. So much that I'll try to make trekking my annual activity! Kim runs a very professional trek. Her knowledge of the local landscape and history is amazing. She is genuinely interested in helping the locals (nomads) and cares for their welfare. Her staff are such a close-knit group and they work so well and seamless together. She also provides small little extras that are such a luxury during the trek, biscuits, coffee, tea and very well thought out menu. I am not a strong trekker, in fact, I came last every single day. But never did I feel isolated or concerned about my safety. I can strongly recommend Kim's trek to anyone, from beginners to experienced trekkers.
Effi J, Nomads 2011

Wild Ladakh & Zanskar Traverse, 2012 ...

Thank you for making this trip one of the most memorable ones in my lifetime. You have been a friend when I needed one, a leader when the group needed one, an impeccable organizer and a great conversationalist. I marvel at your unlimited energy.
Shivan M, Last Nomads of Mustang 2011

Wow! What an unforgettable experience you have given me … I was constantly amazed at your patience with the individual needs and concerns of the group and of the heartfelt care and connection you have with your staff and horses. You are a great leadership team and a joy to wake up to each morning! The landscape, the interactions with the villagers, nuns and monks along the way, the exhileration of the more risky bits of the trip and your smiling faces will not be forgotten. Thank you & Jullay!
Annie K, Wild Zanskar 2010

I liked your pictures because they reflect your love and enthusiasm for Nepal, the mountains, the trek itself and your care for us. You and your staff are exceptional people; I have never felt more cared for in my life! I can feel the love for what you do.
Sir Thomas K, Everest High Passes 2010

Kim with a Pangboche Lama in the Everest region, Nepal ...

This is the trek of a lifetime, with time to acclimatize, time to marvel at where you are, time for every unforgettable optional side-trip, time to kick back and catch up with yourself and time to enjoy the company of your like-minded trekkers, Lhakpa and their most proficient and professional crew and the inimitable Kim Bannister!
Don’t miss it!
Anne & David, Everest High Passes 2010

Climbing Chhukung Ri in the Everest region. Big smiles ...

I spend my weekend looking at your photos, looking at your website and plotting how to con my manager into giving me 2 month off next year to do a camping trek with you!
Elena S, Everest High Passes 2010

It was a wonderful trek. Really, it was all that one could ask for; magnificent location, excellent weather and of course you and your crew were always friendly and efficient, always ready to give a helping hand. I am truly eleated to have done this trek.
Rein G, Last Nomads of Mustang 2010

Thank you very much for a wonderful trek. At times it was a struggle, but since it was my first long and high altitude trek, that was to be expected, and I hope that I did not hold everyone up too much. I felt so very well looked after, from great food to river crossings to much needed breaks and always someone to see that we did not feel lost or alone. Your attention to detail, from the window seats flying to and from Leh, to the shopping expeditions both in Leh and along the way, from the variety and quality of food to making sure that everything we needed was provided and easy to access, is amazing. Also your energy and generosity of time and spirit in those extra expeditions to nomad tents, the fort etc. when many leaders would have signed off for the day.
Leslie S, Nomads, Lakes & High Passes of the Changthang 2010

Thank you for helping to make this trip so special! It really has been a magical experience and a journey which I will always look back on with happy memories. Thank you for sharing with us the beauty of the breathtaking landscape and lovely people that make this small part of the world so unforgettable. This trek has been just what I needed and I couldn’t think of anyone better to be the ones who showed us the way.
Joe K, Wild Zanskar 2010

High Passes in Dolpo ...

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 look forward to further travels together.
Bob C, Last Nomads of Mustang 2010

I wanted to echo the sentiments of the group - I had an absolutely wonderful trek despite the challenges that I experienced some of the time. The trek was the hardest thing mentally and physically that I have every done but I am so proud that I achieved what I set out to do and it will stay in my thoughts for a long time. I will definitely be doing more treks with you!
Mimi St J-A, Markha Valley & Nomads 2010

Life is good ...

Thank you so much for all of the effort, help and patience that you put in to make the trek special for us. We had such an amazing experience, and we will always have such incredible memories that we will remember for the rest of lives. It was truly an experience of a lifetime ...

I was so impressed with your whole operation; I don't know how you juggle it all. You are not only an amazing operator, pulling all the levers, but you are a gifted guide which makes the trip truly special for everyone. Also, your attention to detail is impressive, you can tell you put a lot of thought into how to make the whole experience as comfortable and pleasurable as possible.
Rob B, High Manaslu 2010

I think about you and Lhakpa and everybody a lot; and I miss the trek, the beautiful mountains, the amazing sceneries and rich culture there. Every time when I go through my trekking photos, the memories of those great moments come back to me, speaking to me and asking me why I haven't packed my gears and signed up for my next Himalaya trip ...
Summer T, Wild Zanskar 2010

Spending time with locals in Upper Mustang (Nepal).

We began the planning process; Some of the things that became important to us were that the guide had some flexibility built into the schedule, that the company was more concerned with the experience but kept the goal in mind, and finally that they had some sensitivity to the local people. We had narrowed the search down to a few companies when my buddy saw a picture of one of the guides and boom; he decided we were going with them. Now to her credit, our guide Kim is a beautiful woman, but even more importantly the group she works with met all of our criteria and then some. Kim's team takes great care of their clients and the locals they hire, they pay them well and treat them with respect. It was a pleasure trekking with them and I’ve recommended them to many friends.
Michael K, High Passes 2010

High Passes Trek: Kim knows the region and facilities better than most and probably has the best connection to the region of any company & Kim's lead guide Lhakpa grew up in one of the villages. Her medical equipment and trip equipment are exceptional. A MD on our trip was impressed with Kim's medical bag, and Kim's knowledge of occasionally needed medicines and medical issues. The acclimatization which Kim takes the group through is cautious, prudent and functionally sufficient. I had an opportunity to see other trekkers going it alone, with solo guides and in groups. Some people paid more, some paid less, our price was very good by comparison and I thought Kim's provision of comfort, information, assistance, and guidance incomparable. I wouldn't recommend anyone else. I hope to go again someday and would only want to go with Kim and her crew.
Russ R, High Passes 2009

Jumping for joy ... (Ladakh, Indian Himalaya).

Now I know how fortunate I was to have found you; as Richard says - there are no coincidences. I was drawn to your group and that's it. It worked because you were the force behind us. Tom was more right with his statement about you being pretty than he has ever realized - namely, not only the outside appearance but your inner self is just fantastic. I enjoyed every minute of your company and the trek. I never once had the feeling I had to compromise or give in to anybody's interests. Everything happened naturally and I surely hope that others feel the same. We were a merry crowd as Jane Austen would say.
Nives, High Passes 2009

I can gladly say that I've never done camping in such style. Had a two man tent each and a big dining tent with blankets and a constant supply of biscuits. We had something like 24 horses and mules to carry all the stuff and the food was gourmet - three course meals and always plenty of porridge, eggs and pancakes in the morning to get us going. The walking was very special, with many lovely villages along the way and the locals were always keen to come and check out our set up. Basically all above the tree line so the scenery was like nothing I'd ever seen before and every day was
Joe K, Wild Zanskar 2010

Again thank you for another great trek. As per last year it was very well organized and you and Lhakpa were flexible and adjusted to individual needs.
Dennis B, Wild Zanskar 2010

We take you to the best places! (Everest region, Nepal)

Thank you so, so much for your support, kindness and good sense in helping me through my dehydration crash. It all seems surreal as I reflect on it, except for the sadness and disappointment that is lingering with me. I truly appreciated and was comforted by your presence of mind and your willingness to stick by my side with the needs of the group also weighing on you. Please also let Lhakpa know how grateful I am to him for staying with us on that last hike to Jagat. You both inspired me along, step by step. Again, my deepest gratitude to you and I hope our paths will cross again.
Andrea C, High Manaslu 2010

What an amazing trek it was! You can not go wrong by trekking with Kim and Lhakpa. Their professionalism, friendliness, efficiency, expertise and unflagging good cheer and able assistance can not be overstated. The meals were excellent, Junar is a very fine chef. 5-star, healthful dining for all three meals a day. Kim has such a thorough knowledge of their dress, customs and lifestyle. I loved that she would generously share these details with me as we walked. She is a wealth of knowledge and experience. She was also amazing at interacting with the people we would meet along the trail and get them to pose for her camera.

What photos we have to remind ourselves of the fun we had! Lhakpa is the epitome of the ideal Sherpa host. Nothing we Westerners could conjure up would budge his smiling, courteous, and unflappable countenance. Exhausted and struggling on the trail? Lhakpa will carry your pack. (Not to be left out, Kim was quick to relieve us of our packs on steeper sections of the trail - two of them plus hers on one memorable day.) We did not see a single westerner/trekker until we reached the eastern border of the Khumbu. Culturally speaking, all of our interactions with the people were positive and enjoyable. Our porters and kitchen staff were a continual delight to get to know and try to communicate with. They are all really nice, helpful, extremely hardworking (and damn strong!!) happy guys. And Kim, words cannot describe her energy, always positive, unshakable, pleasant demeanor, and all-around world class guide capabilities. There was never a twinge of worry that we weren't in the most capable hands. You could go to the moon safely with her. I feel like they will be my friends for life. They really made the trek all the more memorable and extraordinary.
Lindsay H, Arun & Gokyo 2009

A great group of trekkers celebrating after reaching the Singge La pass in Ladakh, Indian Himalaya.

Kim, Lhakpa and the crew will put on a great trip and will take good care of you! The food is exceptional and Kim's attention to detail especially in the dining tent, adds a great personal touch. Having done trips with other trekking companies before, it's the small details such this, combined with Kim's obvious passion/empathy for these places and their people/culture that has drawn me back again and again. However, what really sets them apart for me, is that they provide a fantastic off-the-beaten track experience and do truly exploratory trips in an amazing part of the world!
Celesta, Remote Villages & Wild Canyons of Ladakh 2009

Kim's support team are uniformly excellent, and all pitch in to ensure a smooth operation and to make sure that you are ok at all times. The equipment is all top-notch and the food is very, very good. In addition, the smaller, more "informal" style really promotes interaction between members of the group and the guys helping out, which is a rare thing. They are all really friendly, down-to-earth people and have a great deal of knowledge about the trekking regions, local history and customs, and are very happy to answer any questions you have. A good measure of the success of these trips is the number of returning trekkers and climbers that choose them again and again for their holidays.I'd have to say that every trip I've made with them has been a really special experience. Suffice to say, not once have I been tempted to join any other trekking group.
Beau M, High Manaslu 2009

Photography is our passion! Lhakpa in the idyllic Indian Himalaya, Nomads trek ...

Kim you are one of the most unique people I have ever met. You live life to the fullest.
Tom N, Everest High Passes 2009

I can’t express enough my gratitude for our trip. It will never be forgotten.
Mark, Everest High Passes 2009

Kim, I admire the intensity with which you embrace adventure ...
Mike S, Everest High Passes 2009

Thanks so much for a fantastic Manaslu trek. Your energy, knowledge and passion for the area is infectious and inspiring! Thanks for getting me down the pass, and for picking me up when I fell (in true Lou style, on my butt) ... Thanks again, Kim. I had the best time!
Louise D, High Manaslu 2008

Our fantastic team on a pass in the nomadic section of Ladakh, Indian Himalalya.

Kim's genuine passion and love for these regions is highly infectious.Not only is the trekking and being in the mountains fantastic they also really look after you in terms of safety and ensure that they share their passion with you. You have your own top of the range tent and the food is amazing! I love nothing more at the end of each day than sitting in the dining tent with everyone drinking numerous hot drinks and eating the freshest and tastiest food sharing the days' stories. I always come away feeling so fit, happy and healthy. I have a fear of ice and Kim and the guys instinctively know when I need extra support and are with there with me all the way. Every evening they brief you on the day ahead, what to expect, the terrain, the practicalities,degree of dificulty, what to look out for, altitude and information about the history of the regions and villages we will be passing through.We have alot of laughs too.

What always strikes me about Kim is her interactions with the local people and the wonder and awe she expresses about these beautiful people and surroundings. The fantastic crew who go that extra mile to ensure that the group gets the best out of their trekking experience.
Louise D, High Manaslu 2008

The three weeks in 2008 are unbelievably precious to me. Thank you for being a fundamental part of that. You’ll never know truly how much the trek affected me for the good.
Greg H, Ladakh 2008

Lhakpa and friends having a laugh, Ladakh, Indian Himalaya.

Kim is a pleasant and exceedingly competent trek leader; Lhakpa, the cooks, and the porters are special people and in my experience, a pleasure to travel with. They looked after us cheerfully and with care, but never intrusively. They are a warm and fun group, and pound for pound, physically the strongest people I've ever been around. The people we encountered were fascinating, and the beauty of the place is beyond my ability to describe, it's photography heaven. The cultural differences between rural Nepal and my town are enormous, yet I felt welcome, secure, and at home the entire time we were trekking. The food was good and plentiful, the tents were sturdy and comfortable, the staff happy and helpful, we had very little sickness, the other trekkers in our group were friendly and intelligent, and believe me I slept like a log every night (except when I got up to view the night sky which is like nothing I've seen). Don't miss the walking tours in KTM with Kim, and be sure to ask her to take you shopping...
Steve C, Wild Everest 2008

Thank you for making our journey such a magical experience ... an amazing adventure. We could not have wished for a better guide.
Everest High Passes Group, Nov 2008

Thanks a million times, once again, for the absolutely amazing trek - what a fine, life changing, experience, thanks to you and your amazing crew.
Lindsay H, Arun Valley & Gokyo 2008

A photo stop on a jeep safari in Tibet, getting to the Kharta Valley & Kangshung Face trek, Tibet.

I have to thank you again (I hope I already did when I left). I enjoyed the trek much more than I could ever expect. When I left home my main goal was basically just to see all those big mountains, I didn't think so much all the other things I was going to see in Nepal. So, I was truly amazed how great it was to meet local, ordinary people, especially kids, and I felt so privileged when you made it possible to visit many homes of local people. The trek itself felt like being on a trek with a good friend who has excellent knowledge of local culture and people, and who knows very well the mountains also ... you did so well in all areas when compared to any other trekking guide (local or westerner), at least I felt very safe every time we were trekking, and nobody was as well taken care of as I was when we were staying in lodges. You had nice attitude all the time and you even took it calmly when I was grumpy or irritable. Maybe the most important thing for me was that in some nice way you were so easy to be with, I mean that even sitting beside you and just reading without saying a word felt so natural; this doesn't happen with everyone.
Olli PL, Everest High Passes 2008

Thank you for the great trip! It was certainty an adventure for me and so much fun. Reviewing my pictures and trying to delete 750 down to 100 is my goal and not an easy task. I have many stories and experiences to tell anyone who asks me.

You were great and a big help to this old man and I'll always remember your concern for me and our group. I already miss the spicy food - sure. And the smells of yak drivers and even Nima. But mostly I miss your infectious smile and spirit.
Tom B, Kharta trek 2007

We specialize in interaction with locals in the areas where we trek. Zanskar, the Indian Himalayas ...

I was on Kim's High Passes trek in November as well as a trek in Ladakh summer '06. Kim and her staff are professional and practice solid risk management, all with a personal touch. I never felt like I was on a commercial trek, yet trekking with

Regarding High Passes specifically, the most important quality about the way Kim leads in that area is a profound attention to acclimatization. The itinerary is appropriately conservative to allow plenty of time for clients of all abilities to acclimatize. In addition, if specific clients acclimatize faster and perhaps have more capacity for activity, the itinerary offers optional side hikes from various lodges. In other words, if I was feeling less motivation or physically less than par, I could spend an afternoon reading in the lodge while others could do another hike in the area. Finally with regard to this issue, Kim is very flexible and provides very well for uncertainties. We had two people who struggled from the outset with the altitude. Rather than ending their trek and sending them back to the starting point, she discussed options with the clients and her sirdar (Nepali guide), and a new itinerary was created for the clients including a porter and guide. This allowed them to travel at a slower pace and still get to Everest Base Camp. They were not able to cross the passes, but we re-joined them at Namche Bazaar, and everyone felt they had reached their goals and were successful. This flexibility would not have happened with a different guide. As a matter of fact, we met clients from other trips who were on their way down after having felt sick and needing more time, and their group continued without them -- no alternative itinerary, just "trip over."

Kim treats her porters very well and considers them a vital part of our trip, caring for them with better wages, some outfitting, first aid, responsible loads, and an itinerary that also took their needs into account. The porters often joined us in the lodge, and we felt they were a part of our group as was appropriate.

... All of this goes without saying that the Everest region and the two high passes (Cho La and Renjo La) are utterly magnificent! We were indeed at the top of the world, and I felt like with this trek's itinerary we really experienced the entire area.
Ann McC, Everest High Passes 2008

Our Dolpo 2008 group taking the low route from Jumla. With Thinle!

I would happily repeat the Arun-Gokyo trek, or do any other trek, with Kim and her crew. Kim is a pleasant and exceedingly competent trek leader; Lhakpa, the cooks, and the porters are special people and in my experience, a pleasure to travel with. They looked after us cheerfully and with care, but never intrusively. They are a warm and fun group, and pound for pound, physically the strongest people I've ever been around.

The people we encountered were fascinating, and the beauty of the place is beyond my ability to describe, it's photography heaven. The cultural differences between rural Nepal and my town are enormous, yet I felt welcome, secure, and at home the entire time we were trekking.
Steve & Karen, Arun Valley & Gokyo 2008

I thoroughly enjoyed being part of your Everest High Passes trek. Thank you very much for providing such good leadership, for your ever-cheerful companionship, for solving the various problems that arose and for ensuring that we all had a good time. We were an excellent group of really nice, diverse and interesting people whose friendship I enjoyed and value. Visiting the Everest region was a wonderful and awe-inspiring experience that I treasure.
David Knowler, High Passes 2008

Even after a week here in the States, my heart and mind are still in the Himalayas!!! Thanks so much for all that you did to make our trek the incredible experience that it was. Although I got a bit tired at times, I did so enjoy the experience so much. How blessed I feel to have been able to go on this trip, especially with such a great group as our merry little band. Do greet the crew for me and thank them again and again. I hope all of you are safe and having a blast out there on the trail somewhere...
Terry R, Ladakh, the Land Beyond 2007

The spiritual as well as the mountains is part of our vision. Visiting old Tibetan Buddhist gompas in western Tibet.

Kim was terrific. She has an enormous amount of energy and is extremely generous in spirit and heart. Indeed, she very a kind and passionate guide who loves what she does.
Ornella Cosentino, Manaslu and Nar-Phu 2006

I swear you are one of the most amazing people I've ever met. You simply never ceased to amaze me with your seemingly endless energy. On top of that you were always there to see how I was doing and never failing to have a solution to whatever was the problem of the day. Your professionalism, organization, and friendliness shined at every turn.
Lowell, Everest Gokyo & Kala Pattar Christmas 2005

Your energetic leadership and guidance and positive outlook have made this trip truly memorable. Thanks for your kindness and inspirational support.
Jim Wolff, Everest Gokyo & Kala Pattar Christmas 2005

Exploring the ruins of ancient palaces and fortresses in Leh, Ladakh.

Yes, it turned out to be a real good trip and I am most glad that I participated ... The land and the people turned out to be as interesting as you had promised. And the fellow travelers turned out to be amiable. The last, but not the least, Temba [Tenpa] and his assistant cooked up a storm. And all this sunshine...
Rein Grabbi, Zanskar, the Land Beyond 2005 lead by Kim and Joel, Project Himalaya

I also wanted to tell you both again how much I enjoyed the trek, how it really has been a "trip of a lifetime" for me that has given me wonderful new insights into Ladakh and a rich experience that I will always treasure (and hopefully repeat)! You were both instrumental to that experience, and I appreciated immensely your energy, enthusiasm and passion for trekking and your deep knowledge of the culture and history of Ladakh.
Scott R, Jumlam 2005 lead by Kim and Joel, Project Himalaya

The early years: trekking in the Changtang region of Ladakh with Lobsang & Joel, western Indian Himalayas

... thank you [Joel], Kim, Lobsang and co for a trek that far surpassed all hopes and expectations. You can supply the adjectives for yourself to save me descending too far into the realms of cliché - any delighted superlatives will do. Unforgettable, and certainly not the last time I hope to come out.
Evan Jeffries, Caravan 2003 (and Helen and Evan came out in 2005...) - led by Kim & Joel, Project Himalaya

Himalayan Veterans, Kamzang Style!

Searching for heart rocks (Ladakh, Indian Himalaya).

'The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page'
-St Augustine