"We wouldn't go with anyone else"
We went with two other families with young children on a two week trek with Nawang in 2009. It was a wonderful adventure from beginning to end, and we will always be grateful to him for a memorable experience.
Nawang's ever-smiling face greeted us at the airport and we immediately felt comfortable with his calm sense of control. After a bus ride to our hotel, a meal at a great restaurant, and a chat about details for the next day, we knew we were in good hands...
The day we departed Kathmandu for the trek, a snap general strike had been called - no problem for Nawang and his crew who rearranged pick-up times and had us well clear of town before the sun came up.
Over the next 14 days, through the foothills of the Helambu, and up to 4000m, we were constantly amazed and impressed with the easy professionalism of Nawang and his crew. Our two children (8 and 10) got on famously with the sherpas and porters and were able to experience a totally different culture and environment from their own - while feeling completely safe and looked after. Every morning we were awakened by Nawang's cheerful greeting; at breakfast he told us what to expect during the day ahead ('little bit up, little bit down'!); on the trail he was always alert to each walker's condition and needs; his crew seemed to effortlessly juggle the logistics of carrying equipment and feeding 14 (including 8 kids!); at the end of a long day Nawang would ensure the camp was set up and leave us to a delicious dinner and an early night under starry skies.
Inevitably mishaps occurred, one involving our daughter getting burned when we accidentally spilled boiling water. It was at that point that we realised how grateful we were to have someone of Nawang's experience and capacity. Although an evacuation wasn't required, we were in no doubt that he knew exactly how to handle the situation - having already quietly checked out the nearby peaks for the best mobile coverage. Our daughter was carried for the next three days (seemingly effortlessly by Ang-Kami, a young and indestructible sherpa from Nawang's own family).
By the end of the journey we felt we had made a friend - one we trusted implicitly and who never looked like letting us down. Apart from his professionalism, and the smoothness of the trek he organised for us, it was his transparent integrity and kindness that most endeared him to us.
Will we go again? Absolutely. But only with Nawang.
Stephen and Marcela Garrett, April 2009
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The day we departed Kathmandu for the trek, a snap general strike had been called - no problem for Nawang and his crew who rearranged pick-up times and had us well clear of town before the sun came up.
Over the next 14 days, through the foothills of the Helambu, and up to 4000m, we were constantly amazed and impressed with the easy professionalism of Nawang and his crew. Our two children (8 and 10) got on famously with the sherpas and porters and were able to experience a totally different culture and environment from their own - while feeling completely safe and looked after. Every morning we were awakened by Nawang's cheerful greeting; at breakfast he told us what to expect during the day ahead ('little bit up, little bit down'!); on the trail he was always alert to each walker's condition and needs; his crew seemed to effortlessly juggle the logistics of carrying equipment and feeding 14 (including 8 kids!); at the end of a long day Nawang would ensure the camp was set up and leave us to a delicious dinner and an early night under starry skies.
Inevitably mishaps occurred, one involving our daughter getting burned when we accidentally spilled boiling water. It was at that point that we realised how grateful we were to have someone of Nawang's experience and capacity. Although an evacuation wasn't required, we were in no doubt that he knew exactly how to handle the situation - having already quietly checked out the nearby peaks for the best mobile coverage. Our daughter was carried for the next three days (seemingly effortlessly by Ang-Kami, a young and indestructible sherpa from Nawang's own family).
By the end of the journey we felt we had made a friend - one we trusted implicitly and who never looked like letting us down. Apart from his professionalism, and the smoothness of the trek he organised for us, it was his transparent integrity and kindness that most endeared him to us.
Will we go again? Absolutely. But only with Nawang.
Stephen and Marcela Garrett, April 2009
Back