Meet our team

An ardent mountaineer himself with 37 years of experience in climbing and guiding groups from the base camp of the Himalayas to the summits. Started at the young age of 16, he has guided more than 40 expeditions till date to above 8000m mountains and has summited Everest, Cho Oyu, Shisapangma and other numerous peaks. He has worked with international operators like KE adventure travel, Far Frontiers Expeditions and etc. for many years and have successfully guided expeditions of Royal Navy UK and Indian Air force

List of mountains he has summited:

1. Everest – 2 Times
2. Cho-Oyu – 8 Times
3. Shisapangma – 2 Times
4. Lhakpa Ri – 2 Times
5. Mera Peak – More than 20 Times
6. Island Peak – 5 Times
7. Parchamo Peak – 4 Times
8. Ramdung Peak – 5 Times
9. Chulu West – 1 Time
10. Tent Peak – 1 Time
11. Yala Peak – 3 Times

Passang has been involved in the Nepalese tourism industry since 2011 A.D and over the years he has acquired sound knowledge about tourism in Nepal and the Himalayas. To add credit, he has also operated many treks and climbs successfully ensuring safety is a priority and service is paramount. Most of our guests delight in the immense planning & logistics that go into his itineraries which weighs into every angle of a trip in order to make it successful. 

Despite his busy schedule, he finds time to venture out on trek & climb often to increase his knowledge and to source out new trails in and around different regions of Nepal. He is also a certified International Mountain Leader (UIMLA), bringing added professionalism and depth to every adventure.

Born in Thame village, a village of legendary Sherpa climbers, Ang Sona is a passionate mountaineer with a wealth of experience in high altitude expeditions. A record holder as a mountaineer of having summit Mt. Everest for 11 times. He had the opportunity to successfully guide a blind man to the summit of Everest and have rescued climbers on different mountains many times over.

List of the mountains he has climbed:

1. Everest – 11 Times
2. Cho-Oyu – 2 Times
3. Mount Blanc – 1 Time
4. Istand Peak – 12 Times
5. Mera Peak – 2 Times

Mingma works with our core team in developing new ways to market our company and also familiarizing our company with new customers. She has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management and is currently in the last year of her Master’s Degree Course.

Rinzing K Sherpa is born and raised in the sherpa capital, Namche Bazar. He moved to the USA to pursue his higher education and is currently based in Hawaii. He helps oversee our sales and marketing in the USA. 

Mr Dawa Gyalzen Sherpa is a valuable member of our team at Highland Expeditions, where he serves as the Operations Assistant. With his exceptional skills and experience, Dawa plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our expeditions and treks. Dawa possesses a deep-rooted connection to the mountains, having grown up in the foothill of Mt Gaurishankar. 

Dawa excels in managing the logistics and coordination required for successful treks. From meticulously organizing permits and documentation to coordinating with guides, porters, and other support staff, Dawa ensures that every expedition runs seamlessly. His attention to detail, coupled with his ability to adapt to changing circumstances, enables him to address any unforeseen challenges that may arise during the treks.

Meet Aakash, our trip leader with over 20 years of trekking experience across Everest, Annapurna, and other stunning regions of Nepal. Aakash’s journey in the Himalayas spans more than 20 years, and over the years, he has climbed the ranks to become one of the most trusted and knowledgeable leaders in the Himalayas. His deep understanding of the terrain, combined with a calm and steady approach, makes him a go-to guide for all kinds of treks.

Certified as an International Mountain Leader (UIMLA), Aakash brings professionalism and passion to every journey. But he’s not just about getting you safely from point A to B — one of our clients even nicknamed him “Lord Aakash” because he shares thoughtful reflections that remind you the journey is often more meaningful than the destination.

Meet Phunuru Sherpa — originally from Lukla and now based in Kathmandu with his family, Phunuru has been guiding treks across Nepal for more than a decade. With experience leading trips in Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and beyond, he knows the trails like the back of his hand.

He proudly calls the Everest region home and loves nothing more than sharing its stories, landscapes, and culture with trekkers. In fact, some of our guests have affectionately nicknamed him the “unofficial mayor of Everest” — a title earned through his deep local knowledge, countless connections along the trail, and his easygoing, welcoming presence.

Friendly, attentive, and mountain-smart, Phunuru is committed to making every trek safe, smooth, and truly memorable.

Based in the scenic hills of Darjeeling, India, Prasant brings over 15 years of rich experience leading hiking and trekking adventures across Nepal. Specializing in the iconic Everest Base Camp Trek, Prasant has guided countless trekkers through the breathtaking Khumbu region. His most inspiring journey was with a 78-year-old adventurer who successfully reached Base Camp under his expert guidance.

Known for his calm demeanor, deep knowledge of the Himalayas, and genuine care for every trekker, Prasant ensures each trip is not only safe but truly unforgettable.

Sangey Sherpa, from Rolwaling, Dolakha, has over 20 years of experience in climbing and trekking. He has summited Everest and Manaslu nine times each, along with many other peaks. With his deep knowledge of the mountains, Sangey ensures a safe and memorable adventure for all.

Pasang Dawa Sherpa has been working with us as a trekking guide and leads our high-altitude treks and passes with unparalleled expertise. Originally hailing from the scenic town of Lukla, Pasang now resides in Kathmandu with his family. With a decade of experience in the tourism industry, he has honed his skills to become a reliable and knowledgeable trekking guide. With his roots in the Himalayas, he brings an authentic touch to our treks. 

Born and raised in the mountain village of Gudel in Solukhumbu, Horizon Rai has always been close to the trails he now guides. His journey in the trekking world began over a decade ago as an assistant guide, and he steadily worked his way up, gaining valuable experience across various regions of Nepal.

Horizon is known for his quiet confidence, deep mountain knowledge, and the genuine care he shows to every trekker. He loves being in the high Himalayas and takes pride in helping others experience the beauty and spirit of the mountains.

Sabin Rai, also known as ‘Kancha’ for many people, lives in Namche Bazar, Everest region. Started working as a assistant guide for many years, he now leads our trip in Everest region mainly. 

Dawa Tashi Sherpa grew up amongst Himalayan climbers and has been actively involved in mountaineering since his early twenties. Dawa is a skilled climber at high altitudes and has summited multiple peaks several times.

His ascent includes: 

1. 10 summits of Everest
2. 4 summits of Manaslu
3. 4 summits of Ama Dablam

Sonam Chhiring Sherpa is an experienced Nepalese mountain guide and has successfully climbed three 8000m peaks (Everest, Lhotse & Sishapangma) and other 6000m trekking peaks multiple times. He is originally from Kharikhola, lower Solukhumbu and currently resides in Kathmandu with his family. To add to his extensive climbing record, he has also completed advanced mountaineering training. 

Notable Ascents:

1. Everest
2. Lhotse
3. Makalu (Camp III)
4. Sishapangma
5. Island Peak (6 Times)
6. Lobuche East (5 Times)
7. Mera Peak (9 Times)

Ang Rita hails from Pangom village of Solukhumbu region in Nepal, situated near Lukla. Since commencing his guiding career in 2003, Ang Rita has successfully led numerous treks across prominent regions such as Khumbu (Everest), Manaslu, and Annapurna. He has skillfully guided climbers on peak ascents, including Mera, Pachermo, Pokalde, and Island peaks. During the off-season, he utilizes his free time to enhance his climbing and guiding abilities by participating in training courses and exploring new locations. Ang Rita has completed various courses, such as mountain leadership, basic mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing, guide training, and a helicopter marshal course.

Shyam is the youngest guide in our team. Started working as a porter in early days, Shyam has over the years developed himself as a guide for Annapurna Region mainly. He oversees our Annapurna trips and is currently based in Pokhara. He also helps us in managing our staff in Pokhara. During the less busy season, he runs a small restaurant in Lakeside with his wife. 

With over 15 years of experience guiding treks across the Himalayas, Arjun Magar brings deep knowledge and calm leadership to every journey. He has led trips throughout Nepal’s iconic regions, including Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and several other routes. Arjun is also a certified International Mountain Leader (IML), a credential that reflects his high level of training and professionalism in leading mountain adventures. Arjun’s quiet confidence and experience make him a trusted guide in the high mountains.

Mingma comes from Lukla in the Solukhumbu region, the gateway to the Everest Himalaya. Before working in the mountains, he spent several years as a monk, gaining a strong knowledge of Buddhism and Himalayan culture. As a trekking and climbing guide, Mingma has extensive experience leading groups on treks throughout Nepal and guiding climbs on peaks up to 6000 meters. His calm nature, local expertise, and guiding skills make him a trusted leader on both trekking and climbing adventures.

Jeet Rai is from Solukhumbu and has built his career in the mountains from a young age. He began working in trekking support roles and spent many years as a co-guide before progressing to a full trekking guide. With extensive experience in the Everest region, Jeet is known for his steady leadership and strong commitment to his guests. He now lives in Kathmandu with his family and young son, continuing his work as a professional trekking guide while balancing life at home.