Kunga Sherpa is the founder of the company and a highly respected Himalayan mountaineer with nearly four decades of experience in high altitude climbing and expedition leadership.
He began his mountaineering journey at the age of 16 and has since accumulated 37 years of continuous field experience across the Himalayas. Over the course of his career, he has successfully guided more than 40 expeditions to peaks above 8000 meters. His experience spans from managing logistics at base camps to leading teams on complex summit pushes at extreme altitude.
Kunga Sherpa has summited some of the highest and most challenging mountains in the world, including Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma. His repeated ascents of major 8000 meter peaks reflect not only strong physical endurance but also deep technical knowledge, sound judgment, and the ability to lead teams safely in demanding environments.
In addition to commercial expeditions, he has led and guided numerous international and institutional teams, including elite military groups. These assignments required the highest standards of planning, risk management, and leadership under pressure. His long term collaboration with international expedition teams has further strengthened his understanding of global safety protocols and client expectations.
Kunga Sherpa is known for his calm leadership style, disciplined approach to acclimatization, and strong focus on climber safety. His experience allows him to anticipate challenges, make timely decisions, and adapt plans based on real mountain conditions. Under his guidance, teams benefit from decades of practical knowledge gained through firsthand experience on the world’s highest peaks.
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.
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.
Throughout his career, Aakash has led treks across the Everest, Annapurna and many other regions of Nepal, building extensive knowledge of Himalayan terrain, high-altitude trekking and mountain leadership. His years in the mountains have given him the experience to lead everything from classic trekking routes to longer and more demanding high-altitude journeys.
As a certified International Mountain Leader, Aakash brings a professional approach to mountain leadership, with a strong focus on group management, safety and helping trekkers get the most from their time in the Himalayas.
Calm, thoughtful and approachable, Aakash is also known for bringing more than just mountain knowledge to a trek. One of our previous guests affectionately nicknamed him “Lord Aakash” for the thoughtful reflections and conversations he shared along the trail, often reminding trekkers that the journey can be just as meaningful as reaching the destination.
His combination of extensive Himalayan experience, professional mountain leadership training and genuine connection with his guests makes him a highly valued member of the Highland Expeditions guiding team.
Originally from Lukla in the Everest region, Phunuru Sherpa has been guiding treks across Nepal for more than a decade. He specializes in the Everest, Annapurna and Langtang regions and has extensive experience leading trekkers through some of Nepal’s most popular and challenging trails.
The Everest region is where Phunuru’s experience stands out most. Having guided the Everest Base Camp Trek more than 50 times, he has an exceptional knowledge of the Khumbu, its trails, villages and local communities. Some of our guests have affectionately nicknamed him the “unofficial mayor of Everest,” a reflection of the many people he knows along the trail and his deep connection to the region he calls home.
Beyond Everest, Phunuru regularly guides in the Annapurna and Langtang regions and has climbing experience on 6000m peaks too.
Friendly, attentive and easygoing, Phunuru brings strong local knowledge and years of practical experience to every trek. He speaks English and enjoys sharing the mountains, culture and everyday life of Nepal with the people he guides.
Ang Sona Sherpa was born in Thame village, a region known for producing some of the most accomplished Sherpa climbers. He is a highly experienced high altitude guide with over two decades of experience in mountaineering and expedition work across the Himalayas and beyond.
Since joining our team in 2015, he has played a key role in leading and supporting high altitude expeditions, with a strong focus on safety, sound decision making, and efficient logistics in challenging environments. His experience and steady approach make him a reliable guide for both trekkers and climbers.
He has summited Mount Everest 11 times, demonstrating consistent performance at extreme altitude. He has also successfully guided a blind climber to the summit of Everest, reflecting both technical ability and commitment to his clients. In addition, he has been involved in multiple rescue operations on different mountains, assisting climbers in critical situations.
His climbing experience includes:
Everest, 11 times Cho Oyu, 2 times Shishapangma, 1 time Himlung Himal, 1 time Mont Blanc, 1 time Island Peak, 12 times Mera Peak, 2 times
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.
Dawa Hyolmo is a seasoned Himalayan mountain guide from Helambhu with years of experience on some of the world’s highest peaks. He is a UIAGM IFMGA certified Internatioal Mountain Guide who has climbed Everest, Manaslu, Ama Dablam, and many other 6000 meter peaks. During the main climbing season, he leads teams on major Himalayan expeditions. In the off season, he focuses on training and mentoring aspiring guides who are building their future in the mountains.
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.
Originally from Lukla in the Everest region, Pasang Dawa Sherpa is an experienced trekking guide with over a decade of guiding experience in the Nepal Himalayas.
Pasang specializes in high-altitude treks, where his experience and familiarity with challenging mountain terrain are particularly valuable. He has guided across demanding Himalayan routes involving high passes, remote trails and extended periods at altitude.
In addition to trekking, Pasang has experience climbing 6,000-metre peaks in Nepal, giving him practical experience beyond regular trekking routes and a strong understanding of the demands of travelling at higher elevations.
Coming from the Everest region, the mountains have been an important part of Pasang’s life from an early age. His years of guiding, combined with his high-altitude and climbing experience, make him a valuable member of the Highland Expeditions guiding team, particularly on our more demanding trekking itineraries.
Born and raised in the mountain village of Gudel in Solukhumbu, Horizon Rai has built his career in the Himalayas from the ground up.
He began working in trekking as a porter, carrying loads and learning the realities of life on the trail firsthand. From there, he progressed to assistant guide and, with years of experience in the mountains, became one of our senior trekking guides. This journey has given Horizon a strong understanding of every aspect of a trek, from supporting the team behind the scenes to taking responsibility for leading and looking after our guests.
Over the years, Horizon has guided treks across different regions of Nepal and developed extensive practical knowledge of Himalayan trails, high-altitude trekking and working with people from around the world.
As part of his continued professional development, Horizon is currently undertaking training towards becoming an International Mountain Leader, further developing his skills in mountain leadership, safety and professional guiding.
Horizon is known for his calm nature, quiet confidence and genuine care for the people he guides. He enjoys being in the high Himalayas and takes pride in helping trekkers experience the mountains and communities of Nepal in a meaningful way.
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.
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.
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.
Arjun Magar is an experienced trekking guide and certified International Mountain Leader, with over 15 years of experience guiding in the Nepal Himalayas.
Throughout his guiding career, Arjun has led treks across many of Nepal’s major mountain regions, including Everest, Annapurna and Langtang, as well as a variety of other trekking routes. His extensive time in the mountains has given him a strong understanding of Himalayan terrain, high-altitude trekking and the practical challenges of leading groups in remote mountain environments.
As a certified International Mountain Leader, Arjun has undertaken professional training in mountain leadership and brings this knowledge together with many years of practical guiding experience in Nepal.
Arjun is known for his calm and composed approach to guiding. His quiet confidence, experience and familiarity with the mountains allow him to lead groups steadily while paying close attention to the needs of individual trekkers.
With his combination of professional mountain leadership training and extensive experience in the Himalayas, Arjun is a valued member of the Highland Expeditions guiding team.
Lakpa Chetar Sherpa is from Lukla, Solukhumbu, and works as a lead climbing guide for our peak climbing trips. He has summited most trekking peaks multiple times and brings deep technical and route knowledge to each climb. Lakpa has also completed extensive sections of the Great Himalayan Trail from eastern to central Nepal. His professionalism, experience, and steady leadership ensure safe and well managed climbing expeditions.
Originally from Lukla in the Solukhumbu region, Mingma Nuru Sherpa brings together extensive mountain experience with a deep understanding of Himalayan culture and traditions.
Before beginning his career in trekking and climbing, Mingma spent several years as a Buddhist monk. This experience gave him a strong knowledge of Buddhism, local traditions and the cultural heritage of the Himalayan communities. He enjoys sharing this knowledge with the people he guides, adding a deeper cultural perspective to their journey through Nepal.
As a trekking and climbing guide, Mingma has extensive experience leading groups across different regions of Nepal. His mountaineering experience also includes climbing and guiding on peaks up to 6,000 metres.
Beyond Nepal, Mingma spends part of the year working in Austria during both the summer and winter seasons. His experience in the European Alps has further broadened his exposure to different mountain environments, cultures and international guests.
Calm, patient and knowledgeable, Mingma combines practical mountain experience with a strong connection to the people, culture and traditions of the Himalayas. His international experience and unique personal background make him an engaging companion for those looking to experience more than just the trails and mountains of Nepal.
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.
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