This was a 12 day trek (76 miles) with a friend (in our 60's) from Lukla to Gokyo and back with stops in Kathmandu on each end. Jaya (or Jay) Gurung, the owner and chief organizer of our on ground experience is based in Kathmandu. As with most guides or owners of these smaller trekking companies, they start out as porters and graduate to guides or owners over time. Jaya is a warm and organized person to which we were referred to by former clients of the Company. The trek and transportation to and from Lukla was well organized. In addition to other activities in Kathmandu we were invited to his home where is wife prepared a favorite Nepali meal called Dal baht.
Unable to lead our trek due to educational commitments, Jaya set us up with his brother-in-law Dinesh to guide. A porter also accompanied us, carrying most of our gear. Dinesh, in his early 20's, was somewhat reserved, but warmed during our trek. He was very strong in the mountains, was attentive to our needs, and paced us nicely so that we did not burn out. We achieved our trekking goals, making it to Gokyo, up Gokyo Ri and over Renjo La (twice to 18,000 feet). We enjoyed our time with and the leadership from Dinesh.
We had a great experience on the trail, however the tour time in Kathmandu was less impressive, which is the reason for the 4 rating. Dinesh was our Kathmandu guide and was not very informed on the sites we visited. He was more of a chaperone. While this was not the focal point of the trip, the company could improve this segment of the experience. Jaya did a nice job making some quick adjustments when our hotel in Kathmandu experienced a water issue. He was able to move us to a very nice hotel nearby.
There are many, many trekking/guide companies in Nepal and this is the only one I've tried. Given the organization and execution of the itinerary, the competence of Dinesh, and the friendliness of Jaya and Dinesh I can recommend this Company to others.
M
Michael LeeSingapore,July 09, 2017
Great experience
I've been trekking with this company twice once in 2015 and once in 2017.
Overall a superb experience, when I was caught in the 2015 earthquake, Jay personally came down to my hotel to ensure I was alright despite not having contact with his own parents.
Jay is extremely flexible too, offering to take me around Kathmandu and planning a trek to Poon Hill within a day's notice when I got back to Kathmandu from Everest Base Camp. Would definitely recommend him to anybody who wants a good experience in Nepal.
M
Maya YBangladesh,July 09, 2017
Highly Recommended
I trekked up Poon Hill in April 2017 with a group of friends. The trip was organised meticulously by Jaya Gurung, from the Jeep transfers to the room bookings. From the very start I was impressed by his honesty, professionalism and manners. He went out of his way to make sure every member in the group was looked after. We trekked up to Ulleri, Ghorepani and then Poon Hill, descending back down Sarangkot for another mountain view sunrise and paragliding. At one point in the journey we were all exhausted and Jaya arranged a jeep transfer. We had two porters who were the funnest people ever, and both hail from his village and he is training them to be professional tour operators. Jaya's knowledge of the mountains is unparalleled, as he grew up there, and I enjoyed the most the hours I spent chatting with him learning about his history and experiences. I would consider Jaya to be family and I highly recommend booking a trek, tour or just hanging out with him.
Michael LeeSingapore,July 09, 2017
Great experience
I've been trekking with this company twice, once in 2015 and once in 2017.
Overall, it was a superb experience. When I was caught in the 2015 earthquake, Jay personally came down to my hotel to ensure I was alright, despite not having contact with his own parents.
Jay is extremely flexible too, offering to take me around Kathmandu and planning a trek to Poon Hill within a day's notice when I got back to Kathmandu from Everest Base Camp. I would definitely recommend him to anybody who wants a good experience in Nepal.
M
Margo RonsonCanada,July 04, 2017
Great tour company in Nepal!!
I have used Unique Nepal Adventure Treks and Expedition Pvt Ltd twice now and I would recommend this company to anyone who is looking for a well organized tour in Nepal. Jaya helped me organize a great trip in Kathmandu, Pokhara, an amazing trek to ABC and then a three day excursion to Chitwan National Park in April 2015. It was fantastic and Jaya was so understanding and accommodating when I changed my mind as I had originally planned to go to Everest Base Camp. He was so helpful and friendly and I cannot thank him enough! This past April 2017 I took another great trip with Jaya and his team in Kathmandu and a three day trek to Poon Hill. They are very knowledgeable and I recommend this company to everyone I meet. Thank you Jaya and I hope to see you again soon! Namaste! :)
C
capendaleSouth Africa,June 29, 2017
Anapurna Hike December 2015
Jay Gurung was my trip advisor during the planning of my trip to hike to Anapurna Base Camp in December 2015. Jay was always extremely friendly and willing to help and I can recommend him to anyone who is planning to hiki/explore Nepal.
Planning a trip from across the world always seems daunting as you have no idea who you are dealing with and what you are getting yourself into, but I never had the slightest doubt that Jay has my best interest at heart.
On arrival in Kathmandu, Jay was waiting for me at the airport and took me to my residence. Being my first time visiting Nepal, I felt at home and comfortable from the get go. I spent a few days exploring the majestic city, Kathmandu, and found myself wondering the streets of Tamel most of the time as it has a lot to offer, from well stocked hiking gear shops to fantastic restaurants. Jay, being a local, gave me great advice and made sure that I was always well looked after.
After my stay in Kathmandu, I left for Pokhara, my final base before I commenced with my trek. Jay orgainsed a guide for me, Laxman, a really friendly, helpful young man whom was my guide for the full duration of my trek. Pokhara was a fantastic city to visit with the most beautiful lake forming the heart of all attraction. I would recommend to anyone doing this trek to spend at least a day exploring this city as it really has a lot to offer.
So, we commenced with our trek in the Himalayas. Let me not give too much away as I would like each reader to witness this natural marvel themselves. But what I can say is that Laxman, whom is a close associate of Jay, was a fantastic guide. He taught me some basic Nepali, was always more then willing to help and someone whom you can share some genuine connection with. The hike was around 12 - 18km per day which in my opinion is just short enough to ensure maximum enjoyment and comfort. The hiking was enjoyable, the views from the base camp absolutely mind blowing and to top it off we spent a day in natural hot water springs to get rid off the stiff muscles.
After my trek, Laxman invited me to his home in Chitwan. I accepted this hearty offer and we took the bus from Pokhara to Chitwan where I spent 3 evenings in the home of my guide and his family. During my stay, I explored the tiny town and was taken to Chitwan National Park for game viewing and a elephant ride.This was truly an special experience, the family slaughtered a goat in my honour and blessed me in a traditional Buddhist manner. What a magical experience !
After my stay in Chitwan, Laxman and I headed back to Kathmandu, I spent a few days exploring the monkey temple, shopping in Tamel and just gallivanting in the streets of the great city.
On my return, Jay drove me to the airport, ensured that I was check in and greeted me on my departure. I was sad to leave my adventures, Jay, Laxman and all that made my trip as special as it was. I can recommend to anyone who is interested in visiting Nepal to get into contact with Jay, he will help you with a smile and will ensure that your trip is nothing less than memorable.
Dhandebat Jay !
Z
ZaneUnited States,June 24, 2017
Great guide in Nepal
Jaya was our guide for two treks, one to Everest Base Camp and one to his village up in the mountains. Both were amazing experiences and I would recommend him to anyone planning to explore Nepal.
Z
ZaneSouth Africa,June 24, 2017
Great guide in Nepal
Jaya was our guide for two treks, one to Everest Base Camp and one to his village up in the mountains. Both were amazing experiences and I would recommend him to anyone planning to explore Nepal.