I first met Tendi in Kathmandu just before my son and I did the Everest Base Camp trek in October/November 2011. Tendi was Binod’s recommendation for a guide in this region as it is his home territory. Having only just met Binod after months of E-Mail chatter as we planned our trek, my son and I both commented to each other what a fantastic introduction both Binod and Tendi were to the people of this remarkable country.

We got to know Tendi well on our 26 day trek. I found the going difficult especially at the beginning and at almost 60 years old am a pretty slow trekker. My very fit son is abnormally quick. A challenge for any guide but Tendi had no difficulty dealing with the two of us. He always knew just when I needed a tea break, or a rest to admire the scenery. He was always able to tell me the answer I needed when I asked “How much further?” And he was always right on! I went on that journey thinking I knew thing or two about trekking and thinking I was in pretty good shape. I was in for a bit of a rude awakening but it was all positive and much of that was due to Tendi. He guided a special and unforgettable journey for my son and me. We treasure those days and are grateful to Tendi for all he did to make that happen for us.

Tendi impacted our lives quite significantly and as a result I’ve been back to Nepal and he guided me on the Lang Tang trek, and later a trek in the Annapurna region. Later this year he will guide me on the Annapurna Circuit and plans are underway for further trekking with him to the Mustang in 2014 as well.

I trust this man completely to provide expert guide services. Although still a young man in his late 30s, Tendi has over 20 years guiding experience. Many times I’ve noticed him assisting other guides, providing information to solo trekkers, and generally helping around the kitchen of the tea houses we stayed at. He seems to know just about everyone and is obviously very well respected by fellow guides and tea house operators.

When Tendi smiles, which is often, his eyes smile too. When Tendi smiles, so do I – even when I’m bone tired! I also have huge respect and confidence in Tendi as an outstanding guide.

A few words about why I believe hiring an experienced, licensed, certified guide is important:
Nepal is a poor country, there is high unemployment. By hiring a guide you are supporting employment. Not all guides are created equal. It is important to ensure the company you use has qualified licensed guides. It is also important that the guide be insured. Companies such as HikeNepal.com look after their guide’s well fare.

The impact to the individual guide you hire through a reputable company is enormous.

You are enabling that person to support a family that would otherwise go hungry. You are enabling that person to have his children in a decent school as good education in

Nepal isn’t free. You are ensuring that guide is insured and properly outfitted. You are behaving as a responsible consumer. You are ensuring you get the best deals on your room rates and are staying in the best of the many tea houses. You are enabling yourself to learn more about the country and it’s cultures. You are part of a solution, not part of a growing problem.

Having contracted the services of this excellent Nepali owned company over the past 15 years for numerous treks, I highly recommend HikeNepal.com as a responsible and ethical tour operator and guide. Anyone thinking of trekking in Nepal, would be in capable hands with this professional Nepali company. Working tirelessly to accommodate the desires and needs of his clients, owner/operator, Binod Mahat, organizes personalized well-supported treks and cultural tours. When the time comes to trek again, please consider the positive impact of arranging your trek through a local company to help Nepal’s trekking industry recover from two years of considerable hardship. Feel free to contact me through KimLetson.ca for further endorsement or information.

Kim Letson
Canada