Recommendation from David and Patricia Stock
I have been on one trek with members of the “Far above the Clouds” trekking agency. Last year we went on the Annapurna Circuit trek and as I type this we are preparing for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Last year I had a wonderful experience. We had so much fun and were very appreciative of all their efforts on our behalf. Right from the start they have been very professional in working out the details and prices of the trek. They were very prompt in getting back to our emails and gave lots of suggestions about the process and how the trek would proceed. I was also very pleased on the trek with their attention to our safety at every stage. Last year we had 6 trekkers, 6 porters and guide and all the Nepalese were very personable and friendly. Most had very good English which made the experience more interesting. I am always impressed by the good group spirit all the people of Nepal have. Everyone is part of a bigger group and everyone looks out for the Others whenever they receive something like a chocolate bar or biscuits they are immediately divided among all. And so they are with us trekkers. They are very proud of their country and want you to have a very excellent adventure. I would recommend “Far above the Clouds” trekking agency to anyone looking for a good experience here in Nepal. They will take care of you royally and you will establish lasting friendships and memories for years to come. Feel free to contact me for more information at “ davidfstock@yahoo.com ” and I will certainly get back to you.”
I am a 60-year-old female trekker from the Rocky Mountain region of southeast British Columbia, Canada. For the past six years I have been trekking with Bishnu K.C. or members of his trekking team: Annapurna Panorama, Jomsom to Muktinath Pilgrimage route, Lukla to Tengboche, Annapurna Circuit (twice), Everest Base Camp, and finally the Annapurna Sanctuary to Annapurna Base Camp. Due to the excellent safety considerations, professional attention to details and many kind courtesies provided by this staff,I continue to return to Nepal and this company each year for trekking. During these treks I have observed the respectful consideration the agency has for the porters by providing them with proper clothes for high altitudes and fair carrying loads. The treks I have been on have been customnized to allow careful acclimatization for porters and clients alike. I look forward to continuing my association with the staff of this excellent company. Next years’ trek …. the Langtang Himals!! (Please write to me at “patriciaqstock@yahoo.ca” if you would like more information or recommendations.)
Recommadation from Thierry Roquet
I went to Nepal in august 2008. As I am a trekking guide in Central and South America, before my arriving, I was a little worried about services I will find during my Nepal trek. When you have used for 20 years to guide and to leader trekkers groups, it can be very difficult to feel perfectly ok being guided by another guide and having to follow instructions for several days (especially when you are mule headed). In Katmandu, my girl friend and I met our guide Bishnu and part of From Far Above The Clouds Trekking Agency’s team with whom we trekked around Annapurna mountains for 12 days. They received us in their office, offered us a nice dinner, there we spoke about all details of the trek and services, in a very clear and friendly way. After we did the trek, and really it will stay for me one of my greater trekking experiences! I really enjoyed Bishnu’s personality and professionalism. I found with him and his team what I was looking for: a very serious professional guide, really friendly smiles and relationship, and all information about Nepalese way of Life. For that, I warmly recommend Bishnu and his team!
Recommendation from Dorothy Jackson and Marjorie Barnes
We are friends who have enjoyed treks in the United Kingdom, Turkey and Nepal.Our first long-distance walk was the Offa’s Dyke Trail from South to North Wales.We enjoyed this challenge and it whetted our appetite for a more adventurous trek.In 2008 we ‘did’ Everest Base Camp, incorporating a large fund-raiser for the Brick Children’s School in Kathmandu.The following year we trekked the Anatolia region of Turkey which culminated in climbing Mount Ararat.May 2011 saw us camping and successfully walking Hadrian’s Wall which borders England and Scotland.At this point we decided that we were fit enough, (both of us had reached our 60th Birthdays by now!) and had the stamina for a more challenging trek – it had to be a return to Nepal!
We had been recommended ‘Far Above the Clouds and decided to do the Annapurna Circuit trek.Compared to other companies the price was so much more reasonable and all e-mails were dealt with promptly and in detail.Bishnu visited us in Dhulikhel where we were staying, before the trek, to finalise any details and answer any questions we might have.Similarly, at the end of the trek in Pokhara, Madhu visited our hotel to ensure that we had arrived safely, personally bringing our plane tickets for the return to Kathmandu the next day.We were then invited to visit the family home on our return to Dhulikhel, thus confirming the incredible hospitality and friendship that Bishnu and Madhu extend to their clients.
Bishnu was our Guide, supported by Suraj the Assistant Guide, plus our 3 Porters.There were only 4 trekkers in the group and we were extremely well looked after by all the team.Everyone was so cheerful, helpful and hard-working to ensure that we had the best possible experience.There were days when due to the altitude and tiredness we may have slowed down but there was no pressure to hurry, just patience and encouragement.The professionalism, guiding and care from the whole team was first class and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
The next observation may be of more interest to female trekkers – we were surprised and delighted that apart from just a couple of nights we always had an attached bathroom – this was pure luxury compared to our previous trek to Base Camp.It was so good to have the facility of a private toilet and whilst the shower may have been tepid occasionally it was still much appreciated, particularly at the end of a tough, dusty day.
One of the best memories we brought back was celebrating the Festival of Light outside our hotel in Tatopani where we joined in the dancing and singing – it was absolutely brilliant, there was such a good atmosphere with us trekkers being welcomed and encouraged to join in the local culture – a real privilege.The high point (literally) was reaching the top of the Thorung La – the sense of achievement (and relief), with breathtaking views made it an unforgettable experience.I think that many trekkers are fearful that they might succumb to altitude sickness at this height and have to descend but Bishnu was always reassuring, telling us to think positive, climb slowly and we’d be fine.Thank you Bishnu – you got us all up and down safely thanks to the careful pacing and rest days for acclimatisation.
The food in every guesthouse was excellent – 3 meals a day, all freshly prepared and delicious.I have been Googling ‘Dahl Baht’ since my return!
I could go on but would just like to recommend Bishnu, Madhu and their team if you want to embark on a memorable trek in Nepal, where you will be in safe hands whilst you place your feet carefully.The one thing Marjorie and I have to do now is decide where we go next!