Thoughts on these companies...?

[Caruso81]

I'm in the first stages of planning a group trek for 20 students next January. I've been in touch with many companies, and have gotten a lot of quick responses. Adventure Thirdpole looks good and has been very communicative as many said they would, but does anyone have any opinions of the following?

EcoTrek
Unique Path Trekking
Malla Treks
A-Apex Mountain Nepal Trekking
High Country Trek

They've all been pretty clear about what is included, so the question is whether there are any good or bad experiences with any.

Thanks!

[Seattle Climber]

I've used Malla Treks on several different treks in Nepal over several years, and always been very pleased. Malla Treks has stayed in business with the same people for the time I've been going to Nepal and I've learned that they also are the 'agent on the ground' for several of the big name US adventure travel companies - you know the ones with the $20 beautiful glossy giant catalogs that charge you a small fortune for what is almost always a very nice trip.

seattle_traveler@hotmail.com

[Roger]

First of all, there are about a million trekking companies in Kathmandu, and most are probably fine operations, but how do you choose? I went on a trek 2 years ago with Malla Treks. It was a private trek with some friends and Malla organized exactly the trek we wanted for which included some trekking that was clearly off the beaten path, which was perfect for our group. I liked Malla because they listened to what we wanted, explained the options clearly, and the people who went with us on the trek (sherpas, porters, kitchen staff) knew how to deal with both the local people as well as foreigners (US!). Feel free to email me if you would like to have more details.

Roger.

[James]

I would encourage you to contact a few references provided by each company. Each company should have a list of references and hopefully some on the list will be from your country. All those on the list should have had positive experiences, so any negative references should weigh heavily. If you can talk by phone you may learn much more.

[Boulia]

Hi

I have read with interest what you are planning - I hope it goes well for you. I confuse matters let me add another KTM based company I have been on three treks with and will use again in April for a tailored trek for just me.

Sherpa Adventure Travels
Tel No: 00977-1-4422656/4416880
Fax No: 00977-1-4427067/4479664

E-Mail: sat@wlink.com.np
www.himalexplorer.com

The owner is a Sherpa married to a German lady - his daughter now helps in the business having studied in the US for 6 years.