Traveller reviews

“I had a great time doing the trek to EBC with our group of 11 plus the guides Binny, Shanker and our yak man in mid March. Both of them looked after all of us well and provided some good yarns along the way as well as some good games in the evening. They kept our spirits up and were of great help when people were affected by altitude sickness. Would love to come back and wouldn't hesitate to go through Himalayan Social Journey again!”

“My husband and I were part of a group of 12 who undertook the trek to Everest Base Camp in April/May 2017. The journey was everything we imagined and more! From the moment we arrived in Kathmandu we were made to feel welcome by Himalayan Social Journey and had the opportunity to meet some of our fellow trekkers at the airport. A quick transfer to our Hotel ensured we had a room to sleep and instructions for the next day’s cultural tour of Kathmandu. Day 1 entailed experiencing a diverse immersion of Nepalese culture, inclusive of the Monkey summit temple and an historic site where the Nepalese farewell their deceased family and friends by way of ceremonial cremation – Very unique. With a beautiful cultural show and dinner to end the day. Day 2 through to Day 14 was all about the journey to EBC and back. This is what we came for and enjoyed immensely. The dedication, knowledge and commitment of our guide Mingmar Sherpa and his team made it all the more pleasurable, as their willingness to ensure we were looked after had no bounds. Specifically, Mingar’s knowledge of the mountains ensured we were kept focussed on each day as it presented, yet Mingmar also ensured we prepared a few days in advance to ensure we all made it to EBC. His concern for each individual gave you peace of mind that we were on track and his ability to sense any concerns and address these was uncanny – Just another example of how Mingmar and his team used their knowledge, experience and commitment to each and every one of our group. In general, the scenery was spectacular and the chosen track ensured it was challenging yet achievable. There were challenging elements, which you’d expect when trekking at altitude, but again Mingmar Sherpa and his team ensured the group stayed together and the pace was acceptable for all levels of fitness. This also ensured we bonded as a group and helped each other out, which is the Nepalese ethos. The views of Everest and the eventual trek to EBC were equally spectacular, making all the cold nights worthwhile. Sharing this with a loved one, newly made friends and a wonderful guide who went out of his way to make sure we had a great time made it one of the most pleasurable holiday experiences we’ve had. We’d like to acknowledge the Himalayan Social Journey and their guide team, especially Mingmar Sherpa, for looking after us from start to finish – A great experience which we won’t forget in a hurry & would do again in a heart-beat!”

“Finally back home after a 16 day Mt Everest base camp trek with Himalayan Social Journey in April. It was an awesome adventure, the weather was perfect and we even got to trek in the snow after an overnight snowstorm. Our head guide Mingmar Sherpa and assistant guide Binod Sherpa were excellent and I couldn’t recommend them more highly. We were blessed to have them showing us the way and ensuring we were looked after in the best way possible. They were professional, personable, funny, very patient and good at keeping our group together when the altitude started to exert its effects. Thank you for the great experience and memories and look forward to seeing you both again for another trek in the Himalaya. HSJ was a fantastic company to deal with, and Ram made sure everything was going well and was always available if needed. Pheri bhetaula and Dhanyabad!”

“Life and business in Nepal can seem chaotic at times when compared to my well ordered western existence. Trusting in the process can be challenging however things always seemed to work out one way or another. The calm exterior of the team running our trek group, their hard work, very long hours and commitment to all trek participants were apparent. Mingmar Sherpa and team did a great job and I would recommend them. I would trek again with this team.”

“Namaste! First of all, I would like to thank and congratulate HSJ for the service. Our guide, Raju and the two sherpas Sir and Dikbadoo (I hope I spelled it correctly) were an amazing help which led us to a successful 16 days trip to Everest Base Camp. My advice to all, listen to your guide and trust them. Take note on all their recommendations regarding food, medication and etc. The program was designed accordingly for a reason. With 10 years of experience, Raju certainly know what's best for you. The tiring journey simply worth it especially Raju without failing to amuse us with his response whenever asked how's the trek going to be like. "A little bit up, a little bit down. Nepalese flat." We had a last minute (few days before the trip) cancellation from one of a friend. And HSJ happily gave an 80% refund without questions. We even requested for a change of flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, to a day earlier. Raju and the company did it for us. Thank you for the great service. We've been lucky the whole trip with the brightest blue sky every morning. There's something about leaving that place. The mountains. The animals. The people. The air. The view. The hardship. The simplicity. The sadness. The liveliness. The emptiness. The happiness. I was too afraid I might forget. Puts me to tears every time I think of it. But, I certainly do not miss the cold weather! It was a liberating journey discovering new places, people, cultures and scenery. It has open my mind of how tiny we are. It is exciting, humbling, empowering and rewarding. I would certainly recommend to anyone to go for this journey. Go out and discover nature. Feel the dust in your face. Feel the ground as you walk. Touch the frizzy fury yaks. Give the dogs a pat. Pee in the mountains. Let the wind push you away. Look down the cliffs. Look up around you. And don't forget to smile.”

“This was my first time on a trekking holiday and also first time in Nepal. I was always going to enjoy this adventure, but I absolutely fell in love with the country and can't wait to go back to see more and soak up the culture. While I think anyone with determination and basic fitness can do this trip, it is an adventure and not for the faint hearted. Nepal isn't a first world country and life in the mountains is very simple, so adjust your expectations accordingly! Our guide, Bhat, and the two Sherpas, Dawa and Ang were wonderful. We couldn't have been in better hands the whole time and they did everything to make our trip as seamless and as enjoyable as possible. I miss them dearly :) I really liked the fact that our money for this trip went to a local business and local workers rather than an overseas business who often charge higher prices and don't have as much flow on benefit for the Nepalese community. As it was my first trekking trip I purchased a lot of gear in Australia, but there are plenty of places to buy stuff once you arrive in Nepal. Plenty of imitations for a fraction of the price. Whilst I'm sure the quality wouldn't be as good, I was pleasantly surprised by the items I did purchased there. Certainly good enough to last the trip or even several more. Unless you are a serious hiker and will use stuff over and over again, I found it very good value for money and helped reduce the overall cost of the trip. Actually, I found Namche Bazaar the best place to buy gear, even more than down in Kathmandu. Thank you HSJ for a wonderful experience 🙂”

“It was a great trip led by our guide Mingmar Sherpa and Thukten Sherpa. Their professionalism and diligence are highly commendable. The views of the Himalayan mountains are spectacular. I would highly recommend HSJ and the team to anyone who is interested in EBC trekking.”

“We have just completed the 16 day EBC trek in a group of 15 Australians of varying degrees of age and fitness. We all made it to the top with the support, advice and encouragement of our amazing guide Ganga and Lucky Sherpa. This is not an easy trek and the effects of altitude are unpredictable so we would recommend listening to the advice of the experts: go slowly, keep 'rhythm not random', 'stay warm and keep calm' and most importantly help each other. Be prepared for very basic accommodation as you move up the mountain... especially bathroom and toilet facilities as these get worse at the top. Make sure to wear a buff or mask over your face as the dust, smoke and cold air commonly cause 'Khumbu cough' which is difficult to shake once you have it. The trek takes you from stunning forests with rhododendrons and pine trees to the stark snow covered mountains... all very beautiful and peaceful with lots of opportunities for food, rest and photo breaks. Again, we wouldn't have made it without Ganga and Lucky and their trusty team of porters and yaks... thanks guys.”

“I could not recommend this tour company enough, the guides go above and beyond to help and ensure you have an incredible and most important, safe trek. Everything was well organised from the accommodation to organising our meals. I would do another tour with this company for sure.”

“We got to know about HSJ 4 years ago when Mike and I went for a 5 day Annapurna trek. Last year, we decided it was time to tick something else off our bucket list - EBC, so we went back to HSJ....No regrets. We were well taken care of, from the minute we landed into Kathmandu to the time we left. Our guide on the trek was Raju and with 10 years of experience trekking to EBC, we were grateful to have him as our guide. Our sherpas, Sher and Dikbadu were amazing and also made sure we were well taken care of during our stays at the lodges. There were 5 of us in the group, all friends and so happy that we arranged for a private group trek. It's true when they say to go slow and at your own pace. It was 8 days from Lukla to EBC, and what an unforgettable trek it was. We were just in awe of the change in scenery and landscape every single day, from lush trees to rocky lands. Just a tip if you're planning a trek to EBC - listen to your guide when it comes to dealing with altitude sickness. Go slow, drink lots of water during the trek and if your guide says to not take diamox before you have to, listen because they've been doing it for longer and many more times than any other trekker along the way. Raju was quite adamant that we do not take diamox until we actually felt the effects of high altitude, even though there were people along the way who advised us otherwise. I only took it the day I had symptoms - nausea and vomiting - in Dingboche, and following the advise of our guide, drank lots of water, garlic soup. The next day, I was fine and ready to hit the road. Will definitely use HSJ again, if planning another trek in the Himalayas.”

“Amazing trip to EBC! Excellent support crew- I couldn't recommend Himalayan Social Journey high enough. They were very professional, supportive and full of positive encouragement as we made our way up the mountain.”

“My husband and I completed the trek to Everest Base Camp in April. Our main guide was Ganga and we had Lucky as the second guide. Ganga had an incredible knowledge of the trek and continually informed us what to expect, what each day would look like and what we needed to make sure we had on us each day. My husband and I become ill with gastro day one of the trek and stayed sick the entire trek. Ganga was absolutely incredible, he continually checked in with us, guided us around what we need to do to look after ourselves, he never left our side and at times even took my bag when I was too exhausted. I could not fault Ganga or Lucky in any way and are so grateful that they were our guides for the trek. I would recommend taking your own sleeping bags. The ones provided are smelly and the zippers didn't stay up which made sleeping fun. Make sure your double check what the company are supplying when your in the meeting before the tour starts, Ram seemed to forget what had been agreed upon prior to the tour. My advice before doing the trek to Base Camp would be do your research and make sure your packing everything you need. We did so much research and were prepared which made life on the trek easier especially when we got so sick. I found it really confusing when reading about how much training we needed to do before the trek. I would highly recommend doing as much as possible. Some days are long and the trek is hard, not being able to shower means you don't recharge yourself for the next day of trekking. Overall we are so glad we did the trek and we are so thankful to Ganga and Lucky for giving us such an incredible experience. Do you research, be prepared for everything and you will be fine.”

“On the 21st April we arrived in Nepal and were transported to the Holy Himalaya Hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. On the 22nd of April we were assigned our guide Saroj Nepal. From the moment that he became our guide, he made us feel not only welcome but safe. His knowledge of history and religion was to be our advantage throughout the next weeks of trekking to Everest Base Camp. Saroj, not only guided us with his wisdom, he looked after us like we were family. He ensured we were eating the right foods as we ascended in altitude and he also ensured that we knew exactly what our day had in store for us so we could pack appropriate wears into our day packs. Saroj had a challenging group as there was health complications in our group. One lady was elderly and had to be put in an helicopter out of Namche Bazaar and another group member was helicoptered out of Gorakshep. At all times, Saroj’s capacity to deal with the isssues he had to face with our group was utmost professional, delivered with love, care and the utmost respect for all of our group members. It would have been a trying time for sure, yet Saroj’s never-ending cree of “No Problem”, was always delivered with a smile and reassurance that everything would be okay. Having Saroj as our guide meant that our whole Nepal experience will remain as one of the most beautiful experiences that I have had the pleasure to experience.”

“The trek was a physical challenge but our guides were amazing and ensured we were always safe and well cared for”

“We did the 12 day trek to Everest Basecamp with Mingma and Tookten and it was a fabulous experience. Mingma looked after us very well and made sure that we had the best chance of completing the trek successfully. All in all it was a wonderful experience and we are grateful to Mingma for his care and his attention to detail.”

“Thank you Mingma and Tookten for a great 12 day EBC trek. They took very good care, sometimes to the point of being over protective, but we always felt safe and Mingma always used his connections to get us the best rooms, showers, tables etc at lodges and tea houses. On a serious note the trekking industry will suffer with an over reliance on using medivac choppers to evacuate people off the mountain when they could have simply turned around earlier and walked out. Travel insurance companies will eventually exclude evacuation from high altitudes and less adventurous people won't want to take the risk and won't go. In two groups (10 and 16) we had six evacuated, that's too many.”

“Mum & I decided on a whim "let's do EBC". We researched, spoke to people who had done it and had an image in our mind of how the journey would unfold before us. Well, it exceeded all expectations and at the very end even though we voiced our thoughts clearly as "never ever again" once we were home very soon we started saying instead "we'll do this again". Why? Because the whole journey is exceptional in its remote and unviolated location - it's so afar from everyday life that we don't realise how much we need such an experience to put our whole life and being into balance until we're there doing it. Because of the people and the beauty that we experienced like never before that made us feel at peace. Because of the company (namely our Sherpas - especially Bishnu Basnet), nothing was too much trouble and their patience with us all made them officially saints; on mention of a sore knee saw lotions and potions and supports coming our way to make our travel easier. Himalayan Social Journey is great but their Sherpas make them exceptional. The only thing we didn't like was our borrowed sleeping bags taken from us without us being told on the last night - we needed them :(. Conditions can get rough, the going can get tough but the trip is one of a lifetime and HSJ made that happen - thank you a thousand times over!!!! :)”

“Himalayan social Journey Trekking provided the best arrangements for our 10 person -14 day trekking group to Everest Base Camp. Thankyou Mingma and Tookteen for the perfect adventure with safety and the best service, at Kathmandu, the airport, and on trail. You were always very helpful polite and knowledgable. Thanks again https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g293890-d2300043-r147979644-Himalayan_Social_Journey_Day_Tours-Kathmandu_Kathmandu_Valley_Bagmati_Zone_Centr.html#”

“WHAT A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE !! ....The Himalayan Social Journey trip was very well organised from start to finish and everything went perfectly. (We were with a 10 person Trek... just about the right size !) I can't speak more highly of our Sherpa Guides, MINGMAR CHODDEN SHERPA and his partner, THUPTEN SHERPA who were both very attentive and helpful in all ways and made my and my son, Paul's, trek that much more enjoyable. I am 65 years old and with their assistance and help they guided us to the "Top of The World " to see Everest Base Camp. Without Thupten's assistance in carrying my Back-pack, I may not have had the energy to make it to the top of Kala Pathar at 5545m. for those "WOW" and "BLOW ME AWAY" 360 degree views on that 4:30am start, freezing -13 degree morning to plant my Crystal on the very top of that "HILL" ...(That Crystal is now programmed to send out the thoughts of Peace, Love and Harmony for the Whole of Planet Earth and to link up with other Crystals I have placed on Mt.Warning & Mt. Coolum in Australia, Cradle Mtn. in Tasmania, Mt. Abu in Rajasthan & Orccha in India, Cruz de Ferro in Spain and another beside a Church in Amsterdam.) .....AGAIN... I Highly recommend MINGMAR and THUPTEN for your Everest Base Camp Trek. I may not pass their way again but I consider them both as "brothers" and will always cherish the times we spent together on the Trek and also at the rest spots. I will always have a warm place in my heart for them and their families. THANK - YOU, MINGMAR and THUPTEN from Rudi and Paul. (Brisbane, Australia)”

“We just completed a 16 day trek to Everest base camp with Himalayan Social Journey and this was a life time experience. It was not easy and some of the accommodation was very basic but this was a small price to pay for the experience and outstanding scenery. We were lucky enough to have Mimma Sherpa as our guide and together with his team they provided us with outstanding service. There was nothing that was too much trouble and they ensured everyone in the group achieved the goal of making it safely to base camp. When one of the group got sick on the return leg their evacuation by helicopter was handled by Mimma with professionalism, expertise and caring, he ensured the process was as easy and as smooth as possible. This trip is not for everyone and you will need to do some training and be prepared to endure some of the effects of Altitude sickness (in varying degrees or none for some) but the benefits out way the discomfort for what will be for most a once in a lifetime experience. You have to be flexible as the itinerary can change and you will be impacted by the weather but this is all part of the experience and the journey. I would recommend this trip and highly recommend you asking for a trip with Mimma as your guide, he and his team made the journey more memorable for us.”

“An amazing trip with the HSJ who I would highly recommend, Ram and his team were very experienced and approachable. The trek was incredible and though it was not easy it was an amazing experience. Our guide Binod was fantastic allowing everyone to walk safely at their own pace and was very supportive and professional in his care for the group. A lot of fun with a great group, and at the end of a long days walk the HSJ staff would always ensure we were comfortable and arrange the meals for us before themselves. Acute mountain sickness is always a risk and and therefore it is important to chose a professional tour company such as HSJ that has the experience and resources to provide the necessary support should it be needed. All in all a real "bucket Iist" experience, I intend to travel back to Nepal and trek some other routes and will certainly book again with HSJ !!”

“This was an amazing experience the company was very good and got us there and back, even with a Lukla plane delay!!”

“A group of us just got back from Nepal a couple of weeks ago from this trek. It really was something else,very tough mentally and physically at times,but what a backdrop. We were so glad we did it,definitely need a holiday to recover. Thanks so much to our great guides Shankar and bindaas for your good humour and getting us on and off the mountain safely.”

“We booked a Webjet Active Holiday to do the Everest Base Camp Trek. H.S.J. were the trekking company webjet used. Pretty much everything was done for us by HSJ - we were collected from KTM airport and taken to our hotel - information session was held that same evening as planned where we met our fellow trekkers - a great bunch of people may I add - group dinner that night and advice given re buying Phone cards, trekking gear (last minute) etc. The reason it was last minute was because our Monday sightseeing day was now our first trekking day. We had a main guide, Prakash and an assistant guide Chaman. Both were awesome throughout the trek - they key was to go slow to allow our bodies to naturally acclimatize and each morning we were asked how we were feeling, just in case anyone started to get AMS. Over the 8 days up to EBC there were a couple of illnesses experienced but no one got AMS and our group all made it to EBC in one piece. We were well looked after and upon return to KTM we still got our sightseeing day. Overall a great company. The guides were brilliant!”