Kaligandaki Rafting

In December 2011, my husband and I did a 3 trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal followed by 3 days at Chitwan National Park with Everest Trail Walker P. Ltd. (Kuman Gurung).  We’re in our mid-sixties and began to question our decision when various friends and family members said that it’d be way too cold and difficult at that time of the year.  Actually November and December are excellent months to trek in Nepal as it is normally dry and sunny.  Kuman is an excellent choice as he did all the planning, gaining of licenses, arranging for lodging and planning of the length of our trekking days.  We liked that he not only planned, but accompanied our group of 6, along with two other wonderful assistants (porter and guide).  One needs to understand that Nepal is a third world country, and electricity and warm water become an issue all over the country.  Our days were very warm---how I wished I’d brought a short sleeved shirt---and the nights are cold.  We hadn’t anticipated that we’d spend much of our time climbing up or down----but Nepal translates to the Himalayas so that’s what you do. (much is rock steps which can be difficult for some)  The vistas make stopping often to rest a treasure,----it is beautiful---so beautiful.  You are remote and everything is packed into the area---your meals come mainly from the gardens and are delicious!  Kuman is willing to tailor the trip’s destination and length to your ability and time frame.  He provides one with a most memorable experience, and you come away with a true appreciation of the country and people.  He also arranged our stays in Katmandu and 3 days in the Chitwan National Park.  You begin and end your trek in Pokhara and we recommend the Temple Tree Resort and the Moon Dance restaurant as a great way to end your trek.  Thank you Kuman for making our adventure in Nepal so perfect!

Namaste to Kuman and Lokenra, I write as the expedition leader of a team of 6 (3 Canadians and 3 Americans) who recently traveled for 1 month in Nepal and Bhutan using the guiding and coordinating services of Everest Trail Walker P. Ltd., in particular Kuman and Lokendra.  This was the second expedition which these gentlemen looked after us, the first being in 2010, another month long expedition which featured trekking through the Everest region, a jungle adventure in Chitwan and an extended whitewater rafting trip on the reverred Sun Kosiriver. Our October- November2013 trip featured trekking the Annapurna region, trekking for a week in Bhutan and whitewater rafting 2 rivers - the Kali Gandaki and the BhotoKosi rivers. Needless to say, the care and expert attention provided by Kuman and Lokendra was exceptional.  Every aspect of our trip was handled flawlessly and with good humor and insight of the Nepalese culture and traditions.  Over the last 15 years, I have lead many trekking and rafting expeditions around the world and without any qualification I give the highest marks to both Kuman and Lokendra. Not only did we get full value for our money, but it was done with genuine TLC by both these wonderful gentlemen.  Even when things went off track ( which in the 3rd world - in truly remote environments -  can happen in technicolor - in this case a National Strike of workers) alternate arrangements were undertaken with ease and care - maintaining our schedule and achieving our expedition objectives. I obviously think highly of Kuman and Lokendra and strongly recommend Happy Holidays as 'the go to' trekking/expedition/rafting company in Nepal. In this regard, if you require further amplification of my comments I would be pleased to endorse this recommendation via email or telephone. Clearly, if Nepal offers a Tourism Award for best guides/guiding companies,  Happy Holidays would be a first prize winner!

Dear Kuman, Happy New Year and Namaste.  It has been more than a month since the Team Tim returned home from the experience of a lifetime—organized by you and your company.  It was such an amazing trip with so many different aspects to it.   We started our adventure in Nepal where you and I first met, then quickly off to Bhutan, and eventually back to Nepal and home.  The trip you organized for us contained so many different elements--- hiking, rafting and learning about the cultural aspects of the two countries.  It was an organizational nightmare, but everything ran so smoothly under your direction.  Tim, Viv and I commented about how smooth the transition was between each activity and country.  It really was one of our best adventures. I was so impressed with the way in which the guides took such very good care of us. They were all so happy to teach us about Buddhism, their country and their politics.  I thought it very special how you joined us on the trekking part of the trip. You also went that extra mile when we rafted in Nepal.  You followed our route and met us at each stop along the way to feed us, take pictures, carry our “stuff”, or whatever else our team of 6 needed.  We all became family ----Lakendra, you, and the 3 Canadian and 3 American travellers. I know that you and Tim had thousands of emails between you as you planned this extensive trip.  Tim you knew from his last trip.  He was thrilled that you had opened your own office and that he was able to have you and Lakenda organize and guide the trip respectively. I would be privileged to serve as a reference for you if a potential client requests it. You receive a five start rating from me. Thanks again,