ABOUT us

Our story

What started as a simple wish to one day see Mount Everest with my own eyes turned into the adventure of a lifetime. And so much more.

High up in the Himalayas, not only did a lifelong friendship start, but also a vision was born.

From the very first day, there was an instant connection with my guide, Gyaljen. His passion for the mountains was contagious, his professionalism undeniable, and his stories touched me deeply.

He shared his life with us, how he began as a porter. At just 15 years old, he slept in caves to earn a small income, saving every little bit to follow his dream: becoming a certified guide. His perseverance and resilience left me in awe. He had turned his dream into reality; becoming a certified mountain guide.  And reaching the summit of Mount Everest in 2019.

But his stories didn’t stop there. He spoke about the injustices in the trekking industry: the exploitation of Nepalis who depend on this work to survive, the dishonesty not only among some travel agencies but also among so-called guides who lack proper certification.

And that’s when the idea came to life: what if we committed ourselves to organizing responsible journeys? Treks where everyone, guides, porters, drivers, and everyone who makes your experience unforgettable, receives fair pay and the care and conditions they deserve along the way.

Our Vision

Why join us? Our vision goes far beyond offering you a trek through the Himalayas. We want every adventure to be fair, for everyone who makes it possible. That’s why we ensure fair wages for our guides, porters, and all staff. Their dedication and expertise are what make your journey truly unforgettable.

Unfortunately, fair pay and proper treatment during treks in Nepal are far from the norm. We want to change that and raise the standard.

By providing fair wages and contributing to the development of a country where poverty is still a reality, we aim to make a positive impact. We want every adventure to enrich not only you, but also everyone who helps make it happen.

Because that is our mission: to give you the adventure of a lifetime while creating fair and responsible journeys for all.

This is us

Gyaljen Sherpa, Mountain Guide and company founder

Gyaljen knows the mountains like no one else. At a young age, he started working as a porter, carrying loads almost bigger than himself. Through sheer determination and perseverance, he achieved his dream: becoming a certified mountain guide.

But he didn’t stop there. He dreamed even bigger, of running his own company, doing things his way, with the best care for both his guests and his team. By combining his deep knowledge of the mountains with his passion for fairness and quality, he has created a trekking experience that travelers will remember for a lifetime, and one that his team is proud to be a part of.

Tessa de Waard, Company founder

Tessa lives and works in the Netherlands, but Nepal feels like her second home. Her deep love for the mountains and adventure has made Nepal one of her favorite places in the world. For Tessa, the most beautiful thing about Nepal is its people and culture, always kind and welcoming, even in the face of challenging conditions.

“I am passionate about organizing treks that put fairness and sustainability first. By arranging trips without intermediaries, I ensure fair wages for the staff and contribute directly to the local communities. Nepal is a country full of endless treasures, and my wish is for you to experience its beauty in the most authentic and meaningful way.”

Client Testimonials

"It was important to me that our porters were treated with respect and paid fairly. This was clearly discussed beforehand, and these men, who amazed me time and again with their strength, simplicity, and determination, could feel it too. The very skilled English-speaking guides were always close to us and are highly knowledgeable about the culture and history. There were enough guides to accommodate different paces among participants and provide everyone with personal guidance. It wasn’t just enjoyable and relaxing; I also felt safe throughout the journey. I can only encourage you: go on a trek in Nepal with Sherpa Trekking Adventures!"
- W. Vandeputte, Belgium
“I had the privilege of completing an incredibly beautiful 17-day trek with a wonderful group of fellow travelers, with the ultimate goal of reaching the summit of Mera Peak (6,476 meters high). This trekking experience was made successful thanks to the excellent service provided by Sherpa Trekking Adventures, led by head guide Gyaljen and his team. Everything was perfectly organized, both in Kathmandu and during the trek, with room for flexibility along the way. The expertise of head guide Gyaljen was invaluable and made the journey truly unique."
- H. Veldhoen, The Netherlands

I love working as an assistant guide with Sherpa Trekking Adventures. Meeting new people, sharing mountain stories, and helping them on their journey makes me very happy!

Sonam Sherpa - assistant guide