22 December 2007
A fulfilled dream: climbing the Himalayas

Up till now we have climbed several mountains in Europe and a few far from the continent. We conquered some attractive peaks in Alps, including Mont Blanc, but the height of this summit is “only” 4810 meters. Two of us reached successfully Aconcagua, the highest point of South America, the peak of the American continent and the southern hemisphere at the same time. But nobody of our group of five have ever seen the mountain of the mountains, the Himalaya.
 
Despite of the long preparation we had a lot of question and on the other hand it is mandatory to have a guide for climbing trekking peaks. We had got the name of “Ace the Himalalaya” from our Hungarian friend and wrote our first letter. During our correspondence it became clear, it was a good choice to organize our trip with this agency. Step by step we completed our schedule and finally in the middle of October we left for Kathmandu.
 
Prem Khatri, the boss of “Ace” organized everything from airport pick-up to climbing equipment. Everybody of us had personal gear with him, but we needed some rope and ice-nail for safe climbing and we borrowed them from Ace. Due to foggy wheather we had a few hours delay, but finally landed successfully at Lukla airport and started our trekking. We took our rucksack of 20-25 kg, and asked only one porter from Ace to take tents, and a part of climbing equipment. Unfortunately one of us just after departure had an attack of low back pain and for him we had to ask an other porter in Namche Bazaar. Our group became eight: Jungbo, the excellent guide from sherpa tribe, Robin, our porter, a young porter from Namche and five Hungarian trekkers.

First we decided to climb three peaks, but the long, day by day walk wore out our enthusiasm. Finally we climbed ice-wall of Island Peak (over 6100 m.) and Mehra Peak (5820 m.), these belong to trekking peaks of Sagarmatha National Park and require permission. We also climbed Chukung Ri (5546 m.) and Kala Pattar (5550 m.), but these mountains are permission free. It is worth to wake up early before climbing Kala Pattar, the sunset over Mount Everest and Lhotse offers an unforgettable experience.

During our three weeks trip we were lucky with the weather (October and November is a stable period of the year in this respect) and we didn’t suffer from high altitude. There was only a small “accident” turning back from Mehra Peak. Someone left his rucksack on the steep snow and it started to glide down into the crevasses. Somehow the bag stopped finally just before falling down into an icehole. Jungbu was, who prepared a rope and climbed down to retrieve the pack, which was relatively small and contained practically nothing, only passport, flight ticket and money.

Returning back to Kathmandu we had a couple of days to look round in the city and the surrounding area and enjoy the feeling of Thamel District. Only a few of us suffered from “low altitude sickness” thanks to tasty local whiskey.
 
Nepal, Himalayas – it was a great experience. Prem, Jungbo, Robin – thanks! I hope – despite of the long distance from Europe – I will turn back in the future.

László Makleit
From Hungary

7th May 2008
To Prem Khatri and Ace the Himalaya….
I justed wanted to say that I have arrived safely back in Australia after having a wondeful time in Nepal.  I am already missing Nepal and can't wait to return and spend more time with you guys.  Prem Khatri, thank you for looking after us all whilst in Nepal.  Your professionalism and dedication to your company ensures that all clients are able to enjoy themselves fully and not have to worry about a thing.  I am extremelly happy that I chose Ace The Himalaya because everything was so professional and well organised.  You certainly know how to make people want to return to your country.  The people and places that we encountered while on you tour were fantastic and it is obivious to me that you take a lot of pride in your team of porters and guides as everyone (including those staff with other clients) would of assisted me if I needed help for anything.  The places that you chose to stay have the best food and views and can't wait to visit some of these palces again.  Prem Pandit, my friend, I want to thank you for all did for us on both tours.  Your knowledge of the Himalayas and mountians ranges can't be argued with and when I return I will be very happy if you where to be my guide again.  The information about food and wheather and anything you thought we should know was always 100% right and never once did we need to question you.  It was a shame to see other trekking companies and their guides not have the level of knowledge that you alone have.  I also thank you for your friendship on the track and all those games of cards and jokes we shared.  We both spent time away from our loved ones and with your friendship, I did not miss them as much.
 
Prem Khatri, I look very much to returning not only to the Himalays but I look forward to seeing Ghorka and helping you contribute into make your foundation a success.  I will also be emailing you again with a plan of what I want to do next time I visit and I'm sure we can work out another great itinerary for me.
 
To both of you who I now call my friends, I hope to speak again to you soon and look forward to your emails.
 
Your freind
Kevin Darnell from Australia.

10th May 2008
Hi Prem,
 
Namaste,
 
My luggage and I arrived home safely on Friday afternoon, after long and sleepless flights, but have made up for it since I have been home.
 
I trust Raj gave you the small donation for your foundation.  I had planned to give it to you in person, but we had driven out the gate of the hotel before I realised you were'nt coming with us.
 
I would like to thank you for the professional manner with which you conduct your trekking business.  It is a credit to you and your wonderful staff.  Our guide and porters made our trek a very memorable experience, and I plan to send over a gift for each of them soon, as a token of my gratitude for their efforts. I am already considering another trip to your beautiful country - perhaps a birdwatching trip next time.
 
Thank you again for the best holiday I have ever experienced.
 
Jenny Barber
From Australia.

18th May 2008
"The Ace staff made us feel at home in a country very different from our own. The trip was conducted professionally and the guides were extremely knowledgeable; they did everything they could to answer all of our questions and concerns with everything ranging from food to altitude sickness to local customs to hiking equipment.  A great trip!"

Thanks,
Mike Kurz from Canada

2nd June 2008
I recently took part on an Ace The Himalaya trek to Everest base camp as part of a round the world trip. I have to say it was one of the highlights of my whole journey. Although I was travelling alone both my guide and porter made me feel like family and made sure every evening was good fun and that I was always comfortable. Not only that but the clever management meant paired me up with another trip going to Island Peak for half my journey, the people I met in that group are now really good friends. As for the trek my guide arranged everything and got us into the best lodges and to the best view points at the best times. It was a brilliant trip and I would certainly use Ace again.

By the way Prem, it's good to hear Nepal is doing so well and staying peaceful  during such a  big change, I'll defiantly be keeping an eye on the situation and wishing you all luck for the future.

David Wood from UK.

5th June 2008
Hello Prem,

Namaste!!
I arrived home safely and have been back at work for a week now. Thank you again for a fantastic time in your beautiful country.  I have some great photo's and my video is also great.  The memories are also very special to me!  I cannot speak highly enough of you and the very special people you have working for you, I miss you all!  One day I hope to return.

Are you happy with the result of the elections?  I bet you are glad it is all over, and I hope everything has returned to normal. Please say a big hello to everyone for me, and I hope they are all well.

Take care!
Gillian Barber from Australia.

5th June 2008
Dear Prem,

We would like to thank you very much for the great experience that we had with you and your team in our last trip in Nepal. It was really great and every thing was so well organized in all the small details.
 
Our guide, Keshab Khanal together with his team, Rajendhra and Toya made our trek a wonderful journey.
 
With your very fine organization of  choosing the best lodges we were able to enjoy also the  three Shabbats that we spent in Nepal and with the "chef" Santos who cooked specially for us  we could keep Kosher.
 
We are looking forwards to make a new trip in Nepal with the Ace the Himalaya Team in the near future.
 
Best regards,
Dr. Raphael and Nathan Hemmendinger (From Israel)

10th June 2008
I engaged Ace the Himalaya to organise my Everest Base Camp trek, white water rafting and safari through Chitwan National Park from a remote location in India whilst leading an adventure expedition. I arrived at Kathmandu airport to be greeted with garlands and driver form this point I knew I was with an organisation that I could trust.  The various guides and porters throughout my three week adventure were knowledgeable and friendly but most of all organised.  My journey throughout Nepal would not have been the same if I had decided not use Ace the Himalaya as it was seamless and I would recommend anyone who is considering an adventure in Nepal to look no further for an unforgettable experience.

All the best !
Dominic Short from UK.

30th September 2007
Thanks to Ace the Himalaya team (Prem Khatri - Director, Prem Pandit – Guide, Rajendra Khatri – Porter)  adding a lot to our journey to Nepal. Without them we most certainly would not have gotten so much out of our 26 days Annapurna Circuit and Base Camp trek (May 2007). By choosing Ace the Himalaya we knew that ecological impact will be kept to the minimum, and encouraging to protection as well as supporting local communities is strong.

The team took all the effort to make our trip enjoyable. Pre-arrangements such as itinerary planning, advice on clothing and needed gear as well as meet and greet at the airport, transportation arrangements etc. by Prem Khatri convinced us that we are dealing with professionals with great attitude.

By sharing with us information on the Nepalese nature, people, history and culture – even local songs our guide Prem Pandit made the trek more insightful and eye opening compared to being individually on the route. His good English knowledge (which is not always a fact) and the broad mountain expertise helped us having a hassle free stay in the mountains for nearly a month. Besides guiding Prem also was very caring about our well being by giving recommendations e.g. for food/meals – one reason we stayed healthy.
Also by having a porter we could enjoy more freely the various terrains and did not feel too much of physical stress. The strength and power of our porter Rajendra was amazing– we could not have done the same effort.

A good sense of humor is important if one on a long trek. Prem and Rajendra made us feel that we were more than just clients – we became friends.

We truly can recommend Ace the Himalaya due to its high quality of service to anyone thinking of trekking in the Himalayas. The unforgettable time in Nepal will definitely bring us again to the Himalayas…hopefully soon!

Kirsti and Tommi from Finland

21 April 2007
Nepal is a country full of exciting, adventurous and wonderful people. I have been fortunate enough to share these experiences whilst on my Island Peak Adventure. With the help of my guide and friend Ang Dawa and the always cheerful and helpful Rajandra. Thanks again to the team and best wishes to the success of Ace the Himalaya. I look forward to another adventure in Nepal with the Ace the Himalaya Team.

Yours Sincerely,
Mathew Beckner from USA

29th May 2007
Hi Prem!
Toby and I would like to thank you for looking after us so well on the ABC trip in April. For me having been previously in October 99, I was really please to see such a vast difference in the spring. The snow and flora combined with the amphitheatre that is the sanctuary was mind blowing.

Prem, I would like to applaud your professionalism in looking after us so well. With 4 children aged 7-12, your staff were always willing to help and their enthusiasm was boundless.

I am will definitely choose Ace the Himalaya when next I travel back to Nepal. Toby and I are off to the Alps in August to traverse the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt and then attempt Mont Blanc.  I only hope our guides are as enthusiastic as the staff at Ace the Himalaya.

MARK LAWSON
FiLGROUP LIMITED
43 OLD LONDON ROAD
KINGSTON UPON THAMES
SURREY  KT2 6ND

11th October 2006
Prem made me feel comfortable about my trip, and all the details from before I left America.  His English and ability to explain itinerary & other important details far surpassed about three other agencies I tried coordinating with.  His organization and follow through just reinforced my comfort and delectation to come. 
 
And things just kept getting better!  I was so thankful that Prem and his team not only took the time to explain cultural details not found in books, but to include me in their culture!  I felt more like an accepted and appreciated friend than a tourist.  What a wonderful experience.
After speaking with many fellow adventurers and trekkers, I realized that a guide that speaks English (even marginally) is rare.  Many fellow trekkers would have no conversations or informational exchanges with their guides, because the guides didn't understand or speak English well, if at all.  This makes my guide almost a deity in the world of guides. 
 
Ace the Himalaya team has a great ability to be adaptive and responsive to their clientele.  They are aware and knowledgeable, and keep you and the rest of the clients' health and safety first and foremost in mind.  I strongly recommend Prem (director of Ace the Himalaya) and his team as a tour operator and guide to any adventure they says they can take you on!!!! 

Eric Waldspurger
Mill Valley, California USA.

30th April 2007
Our trip as an enjoyable adventure in which we learnt a great deal. As it was situated in the heart of the Annapurna Range we woke up every morning with an almost surreal, astonishing panoramic view.
 
The Ace the Himalaya team helped us get through our trek and were always willing to carry anything extra for us when we were tired. They were, also, very efficient. Whenever we were cold or needed anything, the sherpas carrying our essentials (coats etc.), were always there to give us exactly what we needed. Moreover, most importantly, we walked confidently as we knew we were being guided by expertise Guide.
 
We would have never survived camping in the Annapurna without all the help from our kind and generous team. In fact, we did not feel like we were camping at all. We were served delicious, fresh meals in the evenings which were served in a lovely, private dining tent were we played cards (many games were played with some of our lively sherpas), read books etc.
 
In Conclusion, our trek was fulfilled with fun. Our children loved it and learned many interesting things. However, the most remarkable thing was the familiarity we had with our team. By the third or fourth day of the trek, we knew everyone’s names and our children felt completely confident with them. It is a memorable adventure. A one of a life-time.
 
Yours sincerely
Nathalie and family from UK

2nd November 2005
Myself and 3 other Irish friends completed the 11-day Everest Base Camp/Kala Pathar Trek. The trek was an absolutely fantastic experience that I'll never forget. The trek was enjoyable at all times thanks to our expert trip organizer prem (from Ace the Himalaya) , to whom we are very grateful. Prem met us in Kathmandu the night before the trek and described what we should expect on the trek and advised us on what to bring. We felt very assured from the start. Our guide flew with us to Lukla, taking care of everything at the fairly chaotic airport, and took care of accommodation and food all throughout the trek. Our guide was a great source of knowledge and information throughout the trek, having done it many times before. There wasn't a question he couldn't answer, and in his near-perfect English I might add. He had no problem understanding our various Irish accents (Donegal, Dublin, Meath and Carlow). He seemed to know practically every other guide and many of the locals along the trek, and had very useful contacts in the Airline that allowed us to fly back to Kathmandu a day ahead of schedule. We learned a lot about Nepali culture from our frequent and prolonged conversations with our guide, which added hugely to the whole experience.

I would heartily recommend Ace the Himalaya team for trekking in the Himalayas. Their wealth of knowledge, experience, professionalism, not to mention his great sense of humour, combined with the beauty of the trek itself, made our trek to EBC/KP an unforgettable experience.

Francis Diver
Irland.

8th November 2005
We are a party of three who trekked through the Everest region in November 2005. We contacted Prem (Ace the Himalaya leader) via email after reading internet recommendations and we found him to be a wealth of information on everything we needed to know to organize our trip. Once we booked Prem he advised on clothing required and costs, as well as organizing all our internal flights and park entry fees. We found Prem and his team to be extremely flexible in all aspects.

On arriving in Nepal (our 1st visit) Prem met us at the airport and took us to our hotel. He couldn’t have done more for us throughout our entire stay. From our Lodges to meals and the Porters from his team, it was all organized with a minimum of fuss. We all got to know all of them pretty well over the two weeks and found them to be great company with an excellent sense of humour. Their whole team has a good knowledge of the mountains as well as the pitfalls associated with altitude. We all found his advice on fluid intake and meals invaluable.  He was a mine of information on not only the Himalaya but Nepali culture. Our whole trip went off without any problems and we all achieved our goal of climbing to the top of Kala Phattar and taking in the breathtaking views of Everest as well as many other 6,7,8000m peaks all around us.

There’s no doubt that Prem and his team greatly added to our trip and we most certainly would not have made our goal without them. I have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone thinking of trekking in Nepal.

Jim Bailey
Sydney Australia