On a very short notice we decided to take some time to travel to Nepal. We quickly settled on the Annapurna Circuit Trek and then I tried to select an agency to assist with the practicalities and to provide a guide and porter. I took a bit of time to create a shortlist of potential agencies to contact, based on the professionalism and information on the website and the price competitiveness.
Outfitter Nepal Treks & Expeditions was the first to reply, and to do so with very comprehensive feedback and information. Arjun is very efficient, professional and friendly in his replies and the organisation is very flexible and accommodating to tailoring the program.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu the driver was waiting at the airport, the hotel in the Thamel area was clean and comfortable and the city guide and drive the next day were very good and responsible.
Our guide for the Annapurna Circuit, Santosh, is an extremely agreeable person and very professional guide. He is very knowledgeable about the area, the history and culture, has good relations with the lodges and guesthouses along the way and ensured that our trip was an unforgettable experience. In the beginning we were joking that spending 18 days with somebody you do not know might be a challenge, at the end of our trip it was hard to say goodbye...
On our last evening in Kathmandu we were invited for dinner by the founders of the organisation, Arjun, Namaraj and Rajkumar, and enjoyed lovely dinner and conversation.
I highly recommend Outfitter Nepal for their focus on customer satisfaction, professionalism, flexibility, responsible trekking and fair prices. We will definitely work with them again for potential subsequent trips to Nepal, Tibet or Bhutan.
Tim & Brigitte
Brussels, Belgium
I went up to Annapurna Base Camp with Outfitter, and I had an incredible time. It was my first time doing any sort of trek AND travelling solo, so I was very nervous... but I felt very safe and in good hands with them. My guide was Sanjay, who was just phenomenal. He was a sweet guy, very funny and always ensured my safety. There isn't much else to say, other than these guys are really the best in the business.
Ashley K
Montreal, Canada
I choose Outfitter Nepal out of hundreds trekking agencies in Kathmandu due to fast response and notably all enquiries about Annapurna Base Camp trekking promptly answered. I never trekked anywhere before this and didn't know much about trekking and what to expect and to bring. After being briefed and felt confident what Arjun has told me, me and a friend of mine made up our mind to travel to Nepal for the trekking in March 2010. We were met on arrival by Arjun and the next day we started our trekking with a guide named Bala and his porter. Everything went smoothly as promised being safe and sound back in Kathmandu. We really enjoyed the trip.
Being sure of safety and will be having an enjoyable trip again myself, afriend, my daughter and niece made another trip to Nepal in March 2011 and this time to Langtang Valley also with Outfitter Nepal. Sure enough my daughter and niece enjoyed the trip. I will not choose any other trekking agencies and will always be with Outfitter Nepal.Outfitter Nepal is a trekking agency to be reckoned with.Thank you Arjun,Bala and the rest in Outfitter Nepal.
Ibrahim Hamid
Penang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Being a chronic city dweller, I did not know what to expect on my first Nepal Ghorepani/Poon Hill trekking trip. But, I need not have worried with Outfitter around. Arjun was always prompt and patient in his email answering all our enquiries. And once we arrived in Kathmandu, we were only greeted by Arjun's and Raj's enthusiasm, friendliness and the best momos! They were such fantastic hosts, showing us good food and Thamel, making us feel at home in Nepal. Our trekking guide & porter, Prakash & Prakash, were always thoughtful and attentive, taking great care of us throughout the trip. We all had such a wonderful time together, playing local cards and games, singing Nepali/English songs, learning about Nepali culture/lifestyle. It was a truly enjoyable trip. Nepal is beautiful, but this experience is made unforgettable with our newfound Nepali friends! Thank you Outfitter! We will be back for Everest Base Camp trek/momos/alu and more! :)
rayiex
Singapore
I and my boyfriend had the pleasure of Arjun's company in February 2007 to Trek to The Base Camp of Annapurna which took around 2 week this included white water rafting on our way to Pokhara which was fantastic. We had 1 night in Pokhara before our trekking began and Arjun made sure we were prepared and ready for the following day. Arjun speaks excellent English which for us was great because he has very good knowledge of the Annapurna area which was very interesting, he had lots of contacts at each guest house along the way so this was good for us because we always got sleeping blankets each and had the pick of the rooms, e.g., nearest to the toilets. He introduced us to the local people living in the mountains which are experiences we will always remember. He looked after us every step of the way and we were so sad when we said goodbye as he is very easy to talk to and build good relationship with, we are planning another trip to Nepal this time to do the Everest Trek and there is no question that we will be going with. Of course, "Arjun" A really hard working guy who wants you to have a memorable trip and always puts your safety first. Thanks Arjun.
Stacey and Jonathan Leeds,
From England
I went on the Annapurna circuit trek. It was stunningly beautiful with different scenery every day. It can get dusty at times with the donkey trains carrying goods, so buy a dusk mask to avoid a sore throat. Expect a lot of tourist and many towns but I really enjoyed meeting people and experiencing the Nepalese culture along the way. Save room for a lot of photos you will need it! I ran out and was using other people’s cameras! It is truly a memorable experience sometimes the scenery seems superimposed!
I handled the altitude well because I did extra small walks at the end of my day to walk a little higher and come back down. This really helps.
The tour company Outfitter really looked after me at a very good price and my guide Balla was a vey genuine guy who I learnt always had my best interest at heart, stopping at the nicest spots for breaks and giving us great accommodation with good food available.
artHdan
Sydney, Australia
Raj, David & N.G.This was my second time hiking in Nepal. And the experience just gets better. The guys (N.G., Arjun, Raj) met me at the Kathmandu airport, and took care of everything. And I mean everything Accommodations, internal flights, the entire trek. But I may be getting ahead of myself.
Last year, I came to Nepal. I didn’t have a lot of time (just a little less than three weeks). But I wanted to see as much of the country as I could. And the folks from Outfitter Nepal didn’t disappoint. Within a day, itineraries for a hike along the Everest trail, an excursion to Chitwan Park, and day trips around the sights of Kathmandu were put in place.
I had an awesome time. So much so, that I came back this year.
So, who did I contact? The guys at Outfitter Nepal, and again the trip were awesome. I wanted to do the Annapurna sanctuary trek. And it got done. I didn’t have to worry about anything Lodging, food, and the whole hike, all very professionally done. My guide Raj tailored the whole hike to my needs and abilities. We flew to Pokhara and the next day we were off. We trekked 11 days along the Annapurna Sanctuary, all the way to base camp and back. I saw scenery I’d never seen before… met a lot of great people along the way.
Plus, I had a great time (and have the photos to prove it.)
An A-plus trek all the way. I’d highly recommend it.
David Covacs
(Canada)
Outfitter Nepal provided me with the outstanding service, The Guide, Bala was tremendous who helped me on the jomsom trekking. He provided me with lots of interesting cultural and historical information about each of the village that we passed through. It seemed that he has friends and contacts in each of the village. The scenery was breathtaking; it was also very enjoyable to mingle with fellow trekkers. Outfitter Nepal really comes through for me, as I was on a very limited time scale; they tailored a Himalayan trek that was well within the limits of my time frame. I will definitely use their services again on my next trip to Nepal. I highly recommend them to other prospective trekkers in the Himalayas.
Brian Collins
From England
As far as guides go, I could not think of anyone better than Raj. Not only did he know every single detail about the trail (I think he knows every rock by its first name) but he was also a fantastic friend that helped us through the tough times we faced. He put in so much extra effort to make us comfortable that I often wondered why I should deserve such treatment. Thanks Raj, you managed to make the most physically demanding experience that I've ever had into an enjoyable holiday.
Matthew Lee
Australia
Me and my sister went to Nepal in order to do our first real trek in the Himalaya mountains (previously we have only been trekking in Sweden, where the mountains are not mountains - just hills). We had booked Outfitter Nepal before our arrival, and the good service started immediately as we landed at the airport. We were picked up straight away and after that time, we felt we could always trust them, knowing they took good care of us.
The trek itself was amazing, we did the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek up to Annapurna Base Camp. I would really recommend a visit to the Basecamp which was the highlight of the trek. The two of us walked alone together with our guide Bishnu and our porter Ballaram. The two of them were really great during the trek, which made the trek a really good experience. One thing to mention though, is that if you are fast or ready to walk a bit longer each day, you can easily do the trek in a shorter time. But, at the same time, I can guarantee you want to spend as much time as possible on the trek. I am looking forward to going back soon!
mariesjo SWE
Kuala Lumpur, Malasiya
We picked Outfitter Nepal based on a recommendation from a friend, and did the Ghorepani trek. Outfitter Nepal met our expectations and more! The email correspondence was prompt, and Arjun was most flexible with regards to our various requests. Prakesh and Prakesh, our guide and porter, made us feel safe throughout our entire trek, and were excellent company. We enjoyed several rounds of Jutpati and Carrom with them, and even learnt a local folk song along the way! The guys at Outfitters made us feel most at home, like friends showing us around town, and that is just what Outfitter does differently. Other travelers whom we met during our last dinner with Arjun echoed our sentiments wholeheartedly. What more can I say??
Outfitter, you've done well! Dhanyabhad Arjun, we'll be back!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/members/sk0r
Singapore
We did a trek to Ghorepani Poonhill (4 days) and a short visit to Chitwan National park (2 days) with a one day sightseeing in Kathmandu. With traveldays included we spent 10 days with Outfitter. We enjoyed their services to the fullest and were amazed by their flexibility and service oriented attitude.
The company is constantly looking ways to serve their customers better. They are very eager to get feedback to be able to develop their services further.
I can truly recommend their services and if I ever get back, they are my first option for travel services.
Juulia
Helsinki, Finland
Our guide Raj became a true friend to all of our group and I enjoy it when he calls me Dad. Raj made sure that he knew what we wanted and needed from the experience and then made it happen. He was unsure of our ability to go the distance carrying our own gear, but he let us prove ourselves (while keeping an unnecessary backup plan in place). We all thank him for this as the satisfaction of knowing you did it by yourself will always bring a smile to your face. 21 wonderful days trekking around the Annapurna Circuit is a fantastic experience and Raj made it all that much better. His choices of accommodation was always good and he would always check the kitchen to see what food was best to eat. He let us travel at our pace and yet always seemed to get us to our next lodge at a good time. Our group strengthened our friendships as the journey progressed. There was plenty of time to sit and enjoy each others company and also much times to enjoy the peaceful solitude surrounded by magnificent mountains and wonderful valleys. My most memorable moments: watching Raj learn to Moonwalk (I am Jealous), reaching the top of Thorung La and playing cricket, time spent in Kagbeni and dreamily looking up to the Mustang Valley, and when I lost my glasses at the end of the trip, Raj rushing me into Pokhara to have my lost prescription glasses replaced (less than two hours to visit the optometrist, get a new prescription, choose the frames have the lenses fitted and back to the hotel) - amazing service and the optometrist would not let me leave without straps for the glasses and a case that would clip onto my belt. The Nepali people are lovely people.
Mark Lee
Townsville, Australia
Outfitter Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
G.P.O.Box: 19058
Tel: +977 1 4415392 / 97714443103
Fax: +977 1 4415392
E-mail: info@outfitternepal.com
outfitter@wlink.com.np
Website: www.outfitternepal.com
www.trekkingtourinnepal.com
