Expertise and Specialisation

Himalayan Encounters specializes in exciting trips which encompasses many different elements of nature-based adventure. From rafting to camping and ‘teahouse’ treks, jungle safaris, hi-altitude climbing expeditions to trekking peaks such as Island and Mera Peak we can assist you. Many people like to combine traditional, cultural insights into their trips such as visits to Bhaktapur, Patan and Lumbini and this is something we can build in to a holiday. We operate the restored Old Inn at Bandipur and the permanent tented camp at our Trisuli Centre.

Licences and Associations

We hold all mandatory registrations the Nepal Government to operate as a tour operator. We also hold additional certification with the Department of Tourism and a licence from the Central Bank of Nepal for trading in foreign currency. Himalayan Encounters is the only Nepalese company who can operate trekking, rafting and tours under one name. We are members of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal and the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents.

Responsible Travel

Himalayan Encounters’ founders have decades of experience in the realties of responsible tourism. We were involved in RT projects before it became fashionable and have dedicated real time and money towards making a difference. Wherever we take guests we do so conscious of the impact we have and take pro-active steps to minimize or eradicate any negative impact we may make.

We are dedicated towards the support of local villages (our Trisuli Centre at Bandare, The Old Inn at Bandipur and The Farm at Nuwakot are all working examples of this. We are an equal-opportunity employer (with a genderless norm and seeking to provide employment to individuals from under-privileged communities), actively involved in restoration and renovation of old, traditional houses, promote local business establishments and produce (on trek, in the Trisuli Centre, Bandipur and in our Base Camp at Pokhara). We have zero tolerance towards non-biodegradable waste, are progressively involved in the promotion of bio-gas toilets, waste separation systems and management, alternative energy and energy-saving sources within our operation and regional centres in Nepal.

All our staff are paid salaries that meet or exceed local standards and are fully equipped for the roles they perform with us.

Trekking

Season: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

All our treks from short and easy to longer, more difficult undertakings are, as standard, fully supported, with experienced local guides and porters. We can offer a range of trekking styles from camping itineraries to teahouse treks, easy rambles taking just a few days to more demanding high-altitude expeditions. We are highly experienced in the Langtang, Everest, and Annapurna regions and in addition offer Dhaulagiri, Sikles & Taratop along with the much famed 'Royal Trek'.

White-water Rafting

Season: Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

We offer white-water rafting excursions on the most accessible and perhaps most famous river in Nepal, the Trisuli. Offering an exhilarating adrenaline rush over a series of grade 3-4 rapids the Trisuli is a great introduction to the activity, whilst a stay at our Trisuli Centre is an added bonus other operators can’t offer.

Mixed Interest Tours

Season: Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov

Not everyone wants a purely trekking or rafting focussed trip. A good mix of cultural, walking and wildlife based elements often fits the bill and we can offer a wide range of just such tailor-made trips that span anything from just a few days to a few weeks. With a short trek (3-5 days), some rafting, guided tours of culturally traditional and religiously significant sights, the serene ambience and tranquility of the Old Inn at Bandipur and an exciting jungle safari and other activities in the Chitwan National Park, these trips are designed to present a collage of Nepal.

Chitwan Jungle Stays

Season: Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec

Join us for an exciting glimpse into the lives of the Tharu people as we explore Nepal’s Terai region in search of the one-horned Indian rhino, the royal Bengal Tiger and other dramatic wildlife. Most popular is a 2 night/3 day stay in the area, but other durations can easily be arranged. We can arrange accommodation to suit your budget from comfortable through to luxurious.

The Old Inn Bandipur

Season: Year round

We took on the onerous task of renovating the Old Inn at Bandipur several years ago and, now complete, have a superb traditional Newari house converted into comfortable guest accommodation. A stay can encompass short walks in the area with a local guide or just an opportunity to relax and admire stunning Himalayan views.

Food and Beverages

We pride ourselves on our camp food and always offer a variety of local and Western cuisine, according to clients’ palate, using (wherever possible) locally sourced organic food materials. In towns and cities (Bhaktapur, Pokhara, Kathmandu), restaurants with local character and concern for social and environmental causes are recommended, ensuring our responsible tourism concerns are propogated.

Accommodation

From comfortable mid-range and top-end hotels in major cities to guest houses, teahouses and great riverside camps on our rafting activities we always try to select the most appropriate accommodation to meet our clients’ needs.

Transport

We have a wide range of transport at our disposal from buses and midivans to cars according to group size. We’ve worked with our preferred transport company for almost a decade now and get preferential service as a result; their fleet of vehicles is well-maintained, meet emission standards, are safe and driven by highly professional and responsible drivers.

Local Guides

The pride of our organisation our highly experienced, professional, knowledgeable and government-licensed trek, river, city and wildlife guides are chosen for their individual personalities and skills. We then train them in-house to meet what Himalayan Encounters see as the essential virtues of a good guide. These staff are supported by a network of just as dedicated support staff many of whom have been with us for many years. They are Himalayan Encounters.

Age Restrictions

If you're generally fit, young or young at heart, and want to experience something out of the ordinary, no restrictions are imposed. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian and we do reserve the right to refuse a booking should we feel that your enjoyment or safety may be compromised by participation.

What to Bring

What to bring depends on each activity – see each tour for details.