Tell a friend
Tell a friend
Tell a Friend—Dammaru Prasad Niraula: Nepal Freelance Guide
In the vast and mystical expanse of the Himalayas, where snow-capped peaks touch the skies and ancient trails wind through time-honored villages, there’s one name that stands out to those who’ve traveled with him—Dammaru Prasad Niraula. With over 35 years of experience in Nepal’s trekking and expedition industry, Dammaru has guided thousands of adventurers through Nepal’s most breathtaking landscapes. However, what truly sets him apart isn’t just the routes he knows—it’s the heart, integrity, and wisdom he brings to every journey. If you’ve trekked with him before, then you already understand the difference he makes. Conversely, if you haven’t yet, now is the time to tell a friend. After all, few experiences in life are as enriching as exploring Nepal with someone who is not only a guide but also a guardian of its heritage, stories, and soul
Meet Dammaru: A Lifetime in the Himalayas
Born and raised in the heart of Nepal, Dammaru Prasad Niraula has trekked every major trail and many lesser-known paths long before they became popular. He began his career in the trekking industry as a porter, learning the nuances of mountain life from the ground up. Over the decades, he evolved into one of Nepal’s most trusted freelance guides—earning not just professional credentials, but the deep respect of fellow guides, international travelers, and local communities alike.
He is not just a guide who leads the way—he is a storyteller, cultural interpreter, nature lover, and friend to all who walk beside him. His experience extends across the Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Manaslu, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Dolpo regions, as well as remote and culturally rich areas like Mustang and Mugu.
Why Choose Dammaru as Your Guide?
Unmatched Experience
Dammaru’s career spans more than three decades, during which he has safely led solo travelers, couples, small groups, and large expeditions. His deep understanding of terrain, altitude, climate, and local customs ensures not only a smooth journey but a rich and immersive experience.
Safety First, Always
In the mountains, your safety is paramount. Dammaru is trained in high-altitude trekking protocols, first aid, and emergency response. His judgement has saved lives during adverse conditions, and his calm demeanor offers peace of mind to trekkers of all ages and experience levels.
Cultural Bridge
Beyond the peaks and trails lies Nepal’s true wealth—its people and traditions. Dammaru introduces you to local culture with warmth and authenticity. Whether it’s sharing a home-cooked Dal Bhat in a Tamang village, attending a monastery ritual in Tengboche, or explaining ancient myths under the stars, you’ll walk away enriched.
Customized Itineraries
As a freelance guide, Dammaru tailors every trek to your pace, interest, and comfort level. Whether you want a spiritual journey, an adrenaline-filled high pass trek, a family-friendly cultural hike, or a photography-focused expedition—he makes it happen with flexibility and care.
Environmental Respect
Dammaru believes in “leave no trace” trekking. He promotes responsible tourism, respects local ecology, and encourages trekkers to walk gently and give back to the communities they visit.
Client Testimonials—Voices from the Trails
- Dammaru Niraula was our guide and key support during a five-week humanitarian and trekking trip to Nepal. We traveled to Phortse in the Khumbu region to help build a hothouse and included trekking before and after the project. Dammaru played a vital role in organizing the transfer of funds, coordinating with the village, and ensuring construction preparations were complete. He arranged our itinerary, accommodation, and gear purchases, and managed complex logistics, including transporting materials to Phortse via helicopter, yak, and porter. As our trekking guide, he led us with professionalism, care, and deep local knowledge. From our hotel in Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp and back, Dammaru handled every detail with reliability and warmth. His honesty, patience, and commitment to our group made a lasting impression. We couldn’t have achieved our goals without him and highly recommend Dammaru to anyone planning a meaningful journey in Nepal.
Testimonial from Bell Howse with House Group Australia
Dammaru Niraula—Trekking Guide & Trip Leader
I’ve worked with Dammaru over the past three years on two remarkable treks in the Solu Khumbu region. The first trek focused on remote passes off the main tourist routes, where his deep local knowledge and strong focus on safety made the experience exceptional. The second was part of a long-term humanitarian project to build hothouses in Phortse village (www.himalayanhothouse.org).
Dammaru played a pivotal role—managing logistics, finances, sourcing materials, and building vital community relationships. He led a group of seven trekkers, six porters, and an additional guide with great coordination and served as our interpreter and liaison.
Above all, Dammaru is genuine, hardworking, and deeply committed to both trekking and community service. Furthermore, his favorite saying, “Service is most important,” truly reflects his professionalism. Therefore, I highly recommend Dammaru to anyone planning a trek or project in Nepal.
Ian Thwaity with Hothouse Group Australia
-
Dear Dammaru,
I went trekking to Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mr. Dammaru in January for six days. The view from Poon Hill was stunning—I couldn’t stop taking pictures! If you’re planning a trek in Nepal, I wholeheartedly recommend Dammaru. His warm personality made the journey not only enjoyable but also deeply memorable. Moreover, his professional guiding skills ensured every detail ran smoothly from start to finish. In fact, the experience was so rewarding that I’m already planning my return this AugustDammaru is capable of meeting all your trekking needs, even with large groups. He has over 10 years of experience guiding English- and Japanese-speaking trekkers. As a Japanese speaker, I was truly impressed—Dammaru is the best Japanese-speaking guide I’ve ever met in Nepal! In fact, I didn’t need to use any English during the entire trek, which made the experience even more comfortable and enjoyable. Because of his reliability, experience, and friendly nature, I confidently recommend Dammaru to anyone planning a trek in Nepal. Whether you speak English or Japanese, you’re guaranteed a wonderful and deeply satisfying trekking adventure with him.
Thank you very much, Dammaru!
Testimonial from Hajime / Tokyo.Japan
Popular Treks with Dammaru
Here are just a few of the routes that Dammaru regularly guides, each with unique highlights:
A Genuine and Hardworking Guide
Above all, Dammaru is genuine, hardworking, and deeply committed to both trekking and community service.
A Philosophy of Service
Furthermore, his favorite saying, “Service is most important,” truly reflects his professionalism.
Panoramic peaks, Thorong La Pass, hot springs, and diverse cultures.
Everest Base Camp via Tengboche
Legendary trails, Sherpa culture, Buddhist monasteries, and the world’s highest peaks.
Langtang Valley & Gosainkunda Lakes
Less crowded, spiritual journey with lakes and sacred mountains.
Remote wilderness, dramatic landscapes, and fewer tourists.
Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp
Rugged, majestic, and deeply traditional. Ideal for experienced trekkers.
Tibetan-influenced walled cities, ancient caves, and stark desert beauty.
Off-the-beaten-path, suspension bridges, and cultural exchanges in Nubri villages.
Dammaru is also happy to explore new or lesser-known regions for returning trekkers looking to go deeper.
Travel Planning with Dammaru How It Works:
Contact: Email or call to discuss your interests, travel dates, and fitness level.
Consultation: Receive a personalized itinerary and gear checklist.
Confirmation: Fix the route, costs, and inclusions with full transparency.
Journey Begins: Land in Kathmandu, and let the adventure unfold.
Services Offered:
- Trekking Guide (solo/group)
- Porter-guide service
- Custom cultural tours
- Peak climbing coordination
- Village homestays & community treks
- Transport & accommodation arrangements
- Permits & logistics
Who Should Trek with Dammaru?
- First-time Trekkers: You’ll feel confident with someone patient and attentive.
- Seasoned Hikers: Discover deeper, wilder routes with an expert by your side.
- Cultural Travelers: Learn about history, religion, and customs directly from locals.
- Photographers: Get to the best spots at the right time with logistical ease.
- Families & Seniors: Trek at your own pace, with care and comfort in every step.
- Solo Women Travelers: Feel safe, respected, and well looked-after in every region.
Rates & Fair Wages
Hiring Dammaru directly means:
- No middleman commission
- Transparent pricing
- Fair wages that support him and his local team
- Better value for your money
You pay for a quality experience, not a commercial package.
Support a Local, Trek with Purpose
By trekking with Dammaru, you:
- Empower local expertise
- Support community-based tourism
- Help preserve Himalayan heritage
- Foster direct cultural exchange
Nepal is best seen through the eyes of those who call it home.
Get in Touch
If you’re inspired to trek with someone who lives and breathes the Himalayas, contact Dammaru today:
Email: [dammaruniraula@gmail.com]
WhatsApp/Viber: [+977-9851088550]
Facebook: dammaruniraula@gmail.com
Instagram: @dammaru_
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
No matter if it’s your first trek or your fifth, every journey with Dammaru inevitably opens your heart to something new. In fact, each trip reveals new wonders and deepens your connection to Nepal.
Tell a Friend
Great guides aren’t found in glossy brochures. They’re remembered in stories by the fire, in the laughter shared over tea in a mountain hut, and in the quiet confidence you feel on a ridgeline with someone you trust.
If you’ve trekked with Dammaru, don’t keep it to yourself—share your experience with a friend. However, if you haven’t had the chance yet, there’s no better time than now to start your journey with him
our testimonials
-
Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then…
-
Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years. My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern. The second trek I did with Dammaru two years…
-
Dear Dammaru I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I…
-
I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769…
-
My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon…
-
Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then as a support person in Nepal before, during and after. He completed the following tasks with the utmost professionalism and patience.
Arranged transfer of a large number of funds from Australian bank account to Nepalese bank account.
Communications with the village before we arrived to ensure the walls were built.
Organized our itinerary and necessary bookings for the trekking part of our journey for 8 adults.
Once we arrived in Nepal he then assisted us in purchasing all the gear we needed for the finishing of the hothouse. e.g. Polycarbonate roof sheeting and the many other bits of hardware necessary.
Transport of the roofing etc to Phortse village via helicopter, plane, yak, and porter.
As well as being a part of the project Dammaru also was our trekking guide for the duration of our trip of 5 weeks. He organized everything for us from the hotel, in Kathmandu and everything in between our trek to base camp.
He is honest, reliable and always puts the customer first. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dammaru to anyone who is considering a trip to Nepal.
-
Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader
I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years.
My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern.
The second trek I did with Dammaru two years later. This trip was the culmination of a long term project to build hothouses in a village deep into the Solu Khumbu region.
www.himalyanhothouse.org To complete this project Dammaru had a pivotal role in developing contacts, sourcing materials helping to manage the project finances. During the preparations for the Hothouse project, we found Dammaru to be honest, prompt and very hardworking. He also showed a great understanding of our requests and needs for the project to be successful. During the trek, itself Dammaru co-ordinated seven of our group and six porters as well as an extra climbing guide. He also acted as a very effective interpreter and liaison with the people of the village of Phortse.
On a personal level, Dammaru is the most genuine man with a big heart. He shared the passion for our project and its humanitarian ideals. Once again our safety during the whole trek was his main concern. A phrase often used by Dammaru sums up his professional work ethic. Service is most important.
I would not hesitate to recommend the services of Dammaru Niraula if you plan to undertake a trek or similar activity in Nepal.
-
Dear Dammaru
I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I would recommend you as one choice. His personality and professional guide skill makes me fun of Trekking and Nepal. so I am planning to go to Nepal again this August. He may meet all demand of you request on your trekking trip even though you join in the big group. Because he has more over 10 years experience of trekking guide for Many English and Japanese speaker. Actually, I have never met such a good Japanese speaker guide and I had no chance to speak in English with him.
I can recommend him to all people who need great experience guide with English or Japanese.
so you can get satisfaction for a great guide.
Very Thanks,
-
I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet).
Our group was led by Dammaru Niraula and we were most impressed by his leadership qualities. He introduced us gently to the lower altitudes and gradually encouraged us on longer and more arduous days of trekking. At Manang, he encouraged us to take a day trek up the lower slopes of Gangapurna and Annapurna III (see my photo below) and afterward to attend an altitude safety lecture in Manang. We are all convinced that, without his careful attention to altitude safety, we would not all have completed the trek over Thorong La and some of us at least would have joined the many trekkers who are forced to descend suffering from altitude sickness. We will always be eternally grateful to Dammaru and his team of Sherpas.
Like many Nepalese, Dammaru has a very quiet and gentle nature with a keen sense of humor and fun. At first, he appears to be shy and reserved but is constantly attending to the needs of his guests, assessing their temperaments and abilities and adjusting the itinerary accordingly. After a few days in his care, you come to realize that you are in the hands of an experienced, competent and understanding mountain guide.
I can recommend him too highly and know that he will continue to offer excellent trekking facilities in the Himalayas.
-
My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. We live in a plain and therefore training for the trek was a challenge in itself. We spent our weekends climbing up and down a 700metre high hill that was regarded as sufficiently steep for our training needs. However, we were unsure of what to expect in Nepal and were concerned about our levels of fitness for the trek that we had in mind. We were introduced to our guide, Dammaru at the hotel we were staying in Kathmandu and our anxieties were quickly alleviated. This diminutive gentleman exuded confidence and assured us that he was able to accommodate our individual fitness levels and ensure that our time in his country was hassle free. And indeed he did! Without it being particularly noticeable, Dammaru controlled the tempo of our daily treks in order that the enjoyment factor always exceeded any physical discomfort. His relationship with the locals was both real & genuine which meant we never felt like intruders or uncomfortable in their presence. Dammaru's keen negotiation skills with the local tea house proprietors' meant the delay between arriving & unwinding from the challenges of our daily treks was minimal with the accommodation always being appropriate to our needs. His professionalism was faultless. He provided us with a wealth of information on all aspects of the history, culture, flora, and fauna of this remarkable country. Not only was he a fantastic guide, but his cheeky grin and sense of humor ensured Dammaru to be a fantastic traveling companion. Our dealings with Dammaru exceeded all expectations and we hope to make a return visit to this stunningly beautiful country.
Recent News and events
-
Visit Nepal Year 2020
Dear valuable guest, I would like to inform all of you that the coming year 2020 is declared as “The year of Tourism”?
-
Nepal celebrates 34th World Tourism Day
Nepal celebrates 34th World Tourism Day with the aim to promote water tourism in Nepal. This year’s theme celebration “Tourism and…
Jan-28-2015
