I recently completed the 19-day Annapurna Round Trek with Sherpa Expedition & Trekking. I cannot praise my guide, Ang Dawa Sherpa, enough. From start to finish, the experience was incredible, and the trek was organized flawlessly. I learned about Sherpa Expedition & Trekking through a friend and used reviews here only to confirm my choice.
I just returned from Nepal, which was my first trip outside of Europe. I learned about the Sherpa Expedition and Trekking through a friend who did an EBC with them. After this experience, I wholeheartedly recommend the company, especially my guide - Ang Dawa Sherpa. I was coming to Nepal with a fair share of scepticism about a "life-changing experience", but I must admit this trip was exactly like this. Largely because I was lucky enough to hit the jackpot with a tour company and guide.
I can tell you all about my experience with Dawa, but he's a three-time Everest climber, so his experience speaks for his competence. He adjusted the trip to meet my needs, like when I wanted to hike a bit longer or chill an extra day. He constantly checked in to ensure I was comfortable. He also knew the best routes, called ahead to tea houses to ensure smooth meals and accommodations and even arranged visits to temples I wouldn't have discovered on my own. One of the unexpected things that I appreciate is that he shared his culture openly, explaining the significance of prayer wheels, flags, and mantras. He guided me in engaging with these practices. After the trek, he helped me find mala beads and a prayer bowl, and he took me to meet a Buddhist lama for a blessing - again, not something I could do on my own. By the trek's end, it felt like I was leaving a friend behind.
Ram's pre-trip organization was equally impressive. He responded quickly, clearly communicated, and ensured every detail was perfect. He handled changes to my itinerary without hassle, like switching from a bus to a flight from Pokhara or arranging an extra night in Kathmandu. I also appreciated the sightseeing tour before the trek, which gave me a great intro to the Nepalese culture.