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 national mountain leader recognized by Nepal Mountain Leader Association and Nepal Mountaineering Association. 

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.

Aakash’s journey in the Himalayas spans more than 15 years, beginning as an assistant guide and steadily evolving into an accomplished guide/trip leader. His extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the terrain make him a reliable and seasoned guide. Aakash has established himself as a go-to leader, particularly in the challenging landscapes of the Everest and Annapurna regions.

Phunuru has been guiding since 2012 and is from Lukla, Everest Region. He calls the Everest region his home and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with guests. 

Prasant Basnet

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. 

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.

Dawa started working as a trekking and climbing guide since the late 2000s. Over the years, Dawa has led many treks and climbs in the Himalayas from the most popular treks to the rugged terrain. He has also worked with internationally well-known agencies as a trek leader. 

Courses he has undertaken:

1. Basic Mountaineering Course
2.  High Mountain Rescue Training
3.  First Aid & Wilderness medical training
4.  Rock Level 1

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.