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I just returned from this 19-day trip with my daughter. I chose this outfit in part because of the cost (which cannot be beat) and also because all of my questions in connection with preparing for the trip were answered quickly and completely. I was not disappointed: every detail was taken care of. Our guide Dawa was fabulous. I also liked the fact that this is an entirely Nepali owned and run operation: no foreign middleman! I would highly recommend this outfit if you decide to do this trek. Keep in mind that this does require a certain level of physical fitness and that the accommodations on the trek are rustic. Choosing the right season is also important (October is the best). But if you are up for an adventure, this is it!

I was recommended by a friend to contract Annapurna Foothills and I must say that I was very happy with the service. Nigma was always aware of what was going on and quick to respond to my requests. During the trek, I was with Dendi Sherpa and it was a great time with him, he adapted very well to my changes and was very friendly and supportive. What a great experience !

We took a 4-week trek with Annapurna Foothills, and were 100% pleased with their responsiveness, service, friendliness and efficiency in organizing the guide, porters and permits. Once on the trail with Dawa Sherpa and our 3 porters we felt well looked after, and loved their companionship and competence. The men assisted us when we were sick or needed a helping hand on very unstable landslides. Dawa and the 3 porters all spoke English, which allowed us to enjoy conversations and jokes. They remained cheerful and upbeat at all times, even over the challenging Larkya La and Thorong La passes. Although we were not always able to meet the timetable planned for us, Dawa was unruffled about changing plans and tea houses as needed. Even when one of our group suffered AMS and we had to split up, the Annapurna Foothills Team handled this with expertise and both parties felt well cared for. This was our 6th visit to Nepal, and we went to places we had not previously visited. When we go again, we'll be contacting Annapurna Foothills to help facilitate another amazing trek.

My son and I just arrived back home from an incredible trek to Mera Peak (May 2018). After searching and reviewing many companies, we finally selected Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expidition as the company we would use for our trek.This turned out to be a great decision. Ngmia and the gang at Annapurna Foothills met and exceeded all our expectations. Ngima answered all my e-mailed questions (and I sent him a lot of them) quickly and accurately. He made sure all travel documents were in order and that we knew exactly what gear to bring and how to prepare. Ngima arranged for us to rent sleeping bags and down jackets in Kathmandu, these turned out to be excellent, at no time were we cold (and it getg cold at the top of Mera!).After travelling for 30+ hours and arriving at Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu, you cannot imagine the relief we felt when we saw Tashi (Manager from Annapurna Foothills) waiting for us at the arrivals gate. He recognized us from our passport photos and had us and our luggage in a car in minutes, no looking around or wondering where we were. This gave us a great start to our adventure. Tashi took us to our hotel (The Address - Kathmandu, great location) and made sure we were settled in OK, before leaving us to rest. Arrangements were made for a welcome dinner, as well as scheduling a time to meet the next day to go over our climb itinerary and introductions to our guides.We had a free day to explore Thamel region in Kathmandu, which turned out to be a great idea, as it gave us time to get over jet lag and do some shopping and sight seeing. If I was to do it again, I would add a day or so at the start and finish of the trek to see some more of Kathmandu, there is a lot going on there and is worthwhile to spend some time there.Ngima and our guide Dawa Sherpa met and went over what to expect, made sure we had all the correct gear, signed all the appropriate paperwork (some things never change,, no matter where in the world you go, there is always paperwork to be done), made sure our insurance was OK.Next up was flight out to Lukla. We were booked on the first flight out the next day, so it was a 4:00 a.m. wakeup call and a quick cab ride to Tribhuvan airport. Dawa made sure we were first on the plane and made sure we got seats that would give us best views on the way to Lukla. The weather had not been great, and the day of our flight to Lukla was one of the first clear days, so there were a swarm of planes heading to Lukla. We were one of the first up and what a flight it is. Makes for a fantastic way to start a trek, look at some youtube videos of landing at Lukla and you will see how exciting it is. Having a great guide like Dawa ensured we got best location to enjoy this.Once we landed at Lukla, it was time for a quick breakfast and coffee. We were introduced to our climbing guide Ngawang Sherpa who would go up Mera with us and our porter Chitra Khulung who would carry all our gear for the next few weeks (Chitra is withouth the strongest, kindest person we have ever met, how he carried all our stuff and manged to keep a smile at all times is amazing!). Dawa and Ngawang would take turns explaining where we were going each day, teach us about Nepal, its customs, politics and life in general. All the time making sure we were safe and healthy. We had chosen a slightly longer route to Mera, giving us more time to acclimatize to the altitude. This turned out to be a great decision as at no time did we have altitude sickness symptoms. This route took us over some very quiet trails, where we would not see another person all day. The lodges (teahouses) were sometimes basic, but always clean and dry. Food was basic but plentiful. Dawa always made sure our orders were taken and translated any questions that we had. At times, we were not eating enough (you appetite goes away when you go high up). Ngawang and Dawa would supplement our meals with fresh fruit (apples, oranges) and candy bars when they did not think we were eating enough.This was our first time to Nepal and I know we were not prepared for just how big the mountains there are and just how steep the trails can be. There is a lot of going up and down and very few switchbacks on the trails, just lots of climbing. I wish I had spent more time on the stair-climber in preparation. This going up and down is great for acclimatization, so go with it. At all times, Dawa let us set the pace and never rushed us. Lots of breaks and stops for tea. We always made it to our lodges for the night in plenty of time, so I think the distances were appropriate. Each evening, Dawa would go over our plans for the coming day and let us know what to expect ad what to wear. Being on a trek by ourselves gave us incredible flexibility. Whenever we wanted to take a side trip, a quick mention to Dawa and off we went. This allowed us to go to some monasteries, explore some waterfalls and other sights. It is interesting that on the trek to Mear, the really hard treking days are early on in the trip, as you approach Mera Peak, the trails become easier and not as steep. The trail from Kote to Khare is actually quite easy and enjoyable, despite the altitude. Walking the river valley up to Khote, with these magnificent peaks all around you is beyond words. I know my son and I stopped occasionally and said to each other "can you believe where we are?".We had arranged through Ngima to rent boots, crampons and climb gear in Khare. All this was taken care of and worked as expected. If I were to do this again, I would make sure to have my own crampon capable boots. while the rental boots worked, there is nothing like you own boots, broken in to you own feet, for comfort. So, next time, I will have my own.On the Mera Peak trek, the only nights you spend in a tent, are at Base Camp and High Camp. The tents provided were good, both had mats in them to cushion you from the cold ground. Even when tenting, a variety of food is offered. The cook at the camps did a great job of providing worm drinks, soup and whatever you wanted (and of course Ngawang supplimented the food with fruit and candy).The climb/trek to the summit is quite hard. You are getting pretty high up and the air is quite thin. Ngawang made sure we were roped up safely and ensured that no matter how slow we went, he was with us all the way. We had a bit of a snow storm while heading to high camp, but the trail is well marked and one just has to follow the footsteps. I only made it as far as high camp, as I had a cough (lung infection). Ngawang made sure I was OK, (he had O2 in case I needed it, not necessary). He took my son further up to the Peak and then came back and collected me for the trip down. I was a little disappointed until Ngawang took me round the corner from high camp, and there spread out before me were all the royalty of the Nepal Himalayan mountains, Everest, Makula, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Nuptse. What a view. The weather perfect, blue sky, clouds below (I understand this was one of the best years to climb Everest as there were 11 days of good weather in a row). Made up for not making the summit.I had thought the trip down would be anticlimactic, but it turned out to be great. As you descend, you can breath easier, and it is possible to enjoy the scenery a bit more. You just have to keep an eye where you step, as the trail is quite rough.While in Kote, we met up with some other trekers. They indicated that Lukla airport had been closed due to bad weather for several days and that there was a backup of people waiting to get out. Turns out the weather pattern that was making it clear at high altitude was making it really cloudy down low. This could have been a bit of trouble, but this is where Annapurna Foothills really came through, Chitra and Dawa mentioned that we cold change our plans and walk to the nearest road and then take a jeep back to Kathmandu. A quick call to Ngima, and our flights were cancelled, and a jeep arranged. All this with only a question or tow from me. Dawa handled all the change details. It meant a bit more hiking for us, but once again, took us to another trail that was used very little. We went over two 4300M passes, through some incredible forests and into villages that I do not think many westerners go to (given the number of people that came out to see us).While heading on this trail, we passed through Chitra's village. He insisted we had lunch at his house and welcomed us there. I cannot express how honoured we were to be welcomed by him and his family into his home. This act of kindness touched me more that I can express.For those of you that have not experienced a jeep ride on a non-paved road in Nepal, it is something you must try. I don't think there is a bone in my body that was not shaken up on this trip. The views from the road were amazing. Throughout this unplanned trip, Dawa made sure we had hotel or lodge rooms, often insisting we try another as it did not meet his standards. Once back in Kathmandu. Dawa made sure we were delivered safely back to our hotel and all was OK before he took off. Ngima contacted us and made arrangements to meet with us the next day. After 18 days on the trail, that first shower at the hotel felt really good!At the end of the trip, Ngima, and Tashi met with us and went over the trip. They asked what went well, what could be improved upon and how we felt about the trip. I really appreciate this type of followup, as they are really concerned that you have had a great experience. They want their company to be the best and want to ensure their guests have a great time. This type of feeback and review is something that closes the loop on the adventure and makes you think about doing it again. Finally, Ngima made sure we were delivered to the airport in time to make our flight home.One has a lot of choices in who to use as a Treking Agency in Nepal. I do not believe that you can go wrong in engaging Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expedition. They delivered exactly as the said they would, at all times met or exceeded our expectations and remained flexible to changes as weather and our requirements changed. They are a small company, but know what they ae doing and have great staff. So, if you want to go to Nepal, reach out to Ngima. You will not be disappointed.Some final thoughts:1. Add a couple of days to the start and finish of the trek. This will allow for weather and some time to look around.2. Do not hesitate to rent the cold weather sleeping bags, the ones we got were fantastic. 3. Making a summit is not necessary, the trek is fantastic and just being there and experiencing it is enough4. Don't wait, just do it. I am 59 years old and should not have waited this long.So, until our next adventure.....

The Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expedition owner, office staff, guides and porters provided excellent customer service for our recent one-month teahouse trek in the Mansulu and Tsum Valleys. Ngima Nura Sherpa, the Annapurna Foothills Managing Director, worked closely with our friend who organized our custom trek ahead of time through the web and emails. Annapurna Foothills staff were responsive, knowledgeable and consistently good-natured. They went the extra mile before, during and after our trek to make it a safe and wonderful experience. The Annapurna Foothills webpage is detailed, accurate, beautiful and easy to use. Trekking in Manaslu and Tsum Valleys require special permits and coordination with police along the way at several checkpoints. The Annapurna Foothills staff efficiently organized our permits ahead of time and conducted the stops at checkpoints seamlessly and with no difficulties. We did not have to give the necessary formalities a second thought. We especially appreciated Dawa Sherpa, Pasang Sherpa, Minga Sherpa and Myla Rai, our guides and porters during the trek. Their customer service was excellent. Their skills, strength, courage and experience helped keep us safe, especially when crossing treacherous landslides. Their warm, calm, patient, wise and supportive personalities were unfailing regardless of the circumstances along the way. On several occasions they carried the daypack (in addition to their already heavy loads) for one of our party that was too sick to carry his, someone backtracking for items left at a teahouse or as we crossed unstable steep landslides. When there was any possibility of the teahouse for the night being booked before we arrived, one went ahead to reserve space for all of us. They knew which teahouses in a village would best meet our needs and seamlessly translated our lodging, food, hot water for showers and other requests to the lovey and gracious hosts who in many cases did not speak English. Dawa Sherpa was an excellent guide with good English skills and 25 years of experience. The porters for many agencies do not speak English. We appreciated that the Annapurna Foothills porters on our trek also spoke English. Annapurna Foothills staff made it possible for us to squeeze in visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan and Lumbini into some extra days before and after our trek. We highly recommend making time to visit these amazing and beautiful places during your visit. Tashi Sherpa, an Annapurna Foothills guide, gave us interesting information and took us to places we would otherwise have missed. We appreciate that Annapurna Foothills hired skilled drivers with sound vehicles for portions of our trips that required travel on the roads of Nepal. Tashi also organized the required permits for our trek. His pleasant personality, excellent English skills and knowledge of Nepal and the sites we visited enhanced our experience. Though the Manuslu Valley and side trip to Tsum Valley are described in the Lonely Planet Himalaya trekking guide as “challenging,” we are very glad we went and recommend it to others. A road is being built through the Manaslu Valley with plans to extend it through the wonderful Tsum Valley all the way to Tibet in China. Anyone considering these areas for trekking should go now while the region is still only accessible by traditional trails and before the road is finished. Expect some stretches to be adjacent to or on the road being built which can be treacherous in places. A scenic detour trail got us around the worst of the construction activities. Also, expect stretches along the way that are exposed but that can be safely navigated with care. It is worth it to see the upper valleys before they are forever changed by road access. We recommend Annapurna Foothills for organizing and supporting trekking and other tours. We will work with them when we return to Nepal.

Fantastic Trek and Experience - Mera Peak, Amphu Lampsta Pass, Island Peak, and EBC Over 1 MonthFrom first contact with Ngima i knew it was a good company, and the more contact and eventual meeting i had with both Ngima and the team, i knew we were in very good hands.Ngima was always polite, considerate and helpful, the same for both our guides and also all our porters.Our guides Dendi and Noah had both climbed Everest, Dendi several times!Our Porters were amazing, the loads they carried over the mountains and passes to make our life easier, were just incredible, and always with a smile!The trek starting from Kathmandhu was always professional, lodges were basic but scenery was amazing, food was good, and summit days were hard, but the energy from reaching the summits, words cannot describe.Dendi and Noah always making sure we were ok, offering help and doing whatever they could to ensure we all reached the summit of our climbs. Our whole party had a 100% success of our summits, and are all thankful for being with such a great team of people who all helped us achieve a fantastic life experience.

Just returned from a very successful, rewarding and enjoyable trip. We made a conscious decision to use a local company (Annapurna Foothills) and Ngima and his team delivered an excellent service and exceeded our expectations. From the outset Annapurna were very flexible, tailoring the trip to suit our specific requirements. There were 6 in our group and we had 2 v experienced mountaineering guides led by Sherpa Dendi and a team of very accommodating and obliging porters. While 27 days is a lot of time, I would still recommend this trip and recommend Annapurna Foothills. Given the size of the company, the service is more personal. Thanks again Ngima for a memorable trip.

We recently hired AFTREKS to summit Island Peak … we summited and returned safe. So by the most basic measure the trek was a success. Of course these trips are not only about the "what" but the "how". The "front office" of this operation, in our case Ngima Nuru Sherpa, MD of AFTREKS, that liases with clients helping with planning and organizing the tour really does a very good job of attending to all your pre-trip enquiries and small important details. Very confidence inspiring and helpful indeed !! The "back office" of this operation are your trekking guides in the hills who are basically freelancers who have been 100% paid in advance before your journey even begins. Here there are the management issues and disconnect one might expect from remote staff. I have traveled in Nepal before and have some decades of experience in the countries of SE Asia running businesses so I was careful to meticulously plan our journey and communicate our plans months in advance. Effectively I took on the management job of the trek which actually helped alot but didn't save us from every pitfall arising from ineffective communication/coordination between the "front and back office". I note with interest the negative review below. I can completely understand how it happened. It didn't have though.Fellow trekkers, AFTREKS is a great little company that is growing and learning so, by all means, give them a chance. But also realize you have to prepare a bit more, plan a bit more, do a bit more and, most importantly, keep your wits about you while in the hands of "the back office" and run your trek the way you want ! After our trek, we took Ngima and Tashi to a very nice lunch to just express exactly the above (with illustrative details) businessmen to businessmen so they can hopefully improve their operations from our feedback for future trekkers which may someday include us ! The trekking business and the entire solu khumbu valley are changing very rapidly with such amazing access to the outside world via the internet. Good hearted local operators like AFTREKS need to stay on their toes and keep improving their services to help their company thrive, help the region succeed and bring more satisfaction and understanding for the passionate tourists that visit this fantastic country.