Fredrik E(Stranger,Norway)
Trek: Mount Everest Three Passes Trek, 17 days
When I came to Kathmandu I did some research about the best trekking companies in Nepal and I came across Apex Himalaya Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. And without really knowing much about the other companies who operates from Kathmandu, choosing Apex is the best decision I could have made. Apex is mainly run by the two brothers Bimal and Bikram who is doing a fantastic job together.
At first I wanted to do just the classic base camp trek but then I realized the three passes was more suitable for me. When doing three passes you not only get to see Everest up close from Kala Patthar while at the same time doing the base camp, but you also get the opportunity to challenge yourself by doing the three passes and in a loop return to Lukla – where you started. The three passes: Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La is by far the most advanced and challenging trek I have ever done in my life so a good guide is a very important factor.
I did the Three Passes with Bikram Karki and I can easily say he is by far the most professional and knowledgeable guide I have ever had the opportunity to trek with. I have done some treks before, Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu among others but this being a once in a lifetime experience and at the same time a very strenuous trek I couldn’t have wished for someone else. Besides being a guy with a good sense of humor and a never tiring smile, Bikram knows a lot about the area he is trekking in, this is his life for sure. He was raised in the mountains and this is his passion so naturally it shines through to you as a client in every way possible. Among Bikrams many positive abilities I would mention: excellent client/customer service – he knows how to treat his clients in the best way possible from day one all the way to the end, expertise as a guide not only when it comes to proper acclimatization but also in interpreting his environment and making the best decisions for his clients, being very responsive and always listening while at the same time also always eager to learn something new and his ability to make you feel right at home – even though you are trekking the Himalaya.
Bikram is aiming high in life and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours, not the least which is climbing Mount Everest next year.
Before I decided on going with Apex I met up with Bikrams brother Bimal at their office in Thamel to discuss the itinerary among other things. I knew right away that these guys know what they are doing. Bimal is very communicative and easy to talk to. He has excellent customer service abilities, answering e-mails faster than I could even write. I had a lot of questions before my trek, but I never felt that Bimal got tired of all my questions and he answered everyone of them with precise and good knowledge. He also took the time to guide me through Thamel to buy the last things on my packing list so that I came as prepared as possible for this trek. Bimal was also present during our entire trek via phone with his brother, coordinating from the office and updating his brother with important information.
When it comes to the trek itself, one word: amazing. I have never seen views quite like it and we had fantastic weather almost the whole trip. I would recommend doing the three passes in november to early december, even though its cold the air is totally crisp and the peaks – which you came to see – are as clear as the blue sky. We slept in tea houses and ate very good food along the way, met wonderful people and had a great time. I will remember this for the rest of my life.
I know how hard it is to make a decision which company to go with in the end, someone like me always tries to weigh in every positive aspect against the negative – but trust me on this one – choosing Apex will not disappoint you. You are in for the trip of a lifetime and having the very best tailoring and excecuting the trek towards your personal wishes is a privelige not to be missed.
Thank you!
Regards,
Fredrik
