Blog
Blog
The Himalayan Realms Treks: Nepal Freelance Spirit, Professional Backbone
The Himalayan Realms Treks and Expedition Nepal Pvt. Ltd. was established to blend the freedom of freelance trekking with the safety and professionalism of an experienced, government-registered operator. Based in Kathmandu, our company was founded by mountaineering experts with over 35 years of combined experience in the Himalayas.
We operate through a unique model that partners with highly trained, licensed freelance guides endorsed by the Nepal Tourism Board and Nepal Mountaineering Association. These guides bring not only language skills and deep cultural insight but also a strong commitment to safety, environmental ethics, and personalized service.
Whether you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp, exploring remote regions like Dolpo, or seeking spiritual journeys to sacred sites like Muktinath, we ensure a rewarding, responsible, and memorable Himalayan adventure tailored to your interests.
Join us for a journey beyond the ordinary — where every step tells a story.
What sets us apart:
- Licensed Professionals Only: All our guides carry valid government licenses and are regularly updated on safety training.
- Customized Itineraries: We design your trek around your interests, schedule, and fitness level.
- Ethical Practices: We ensure fair pay, insurance, and welfare for our guides and porters.
- Emergency Support: Our 24/7 support system ensures you are never alone during unexpected situations.
Meet the People Behind the Company
The Himalayan Realms Treks was co-founded by Dammaru Prasad Niraula, a seasoned trekking and expedition expert with decades of experience across Nepal’s mountainous terrain. With guidance from Australian consultant advisor Stuart Colkin and foundational vision from Japanese mountaineer Takao Yuzawa, the company blends Eastern hospitality, Western professionalism, and Himalayan expertise.
Our team understands the spirit of freelance guiding, because many of us began as independent mountain guides ourselves. That personal connection helps us support both trekkers and guides—ensuring transparency, reliability, and memorable journeys.
How We Support Freelance Guides in Nepal
Rather than compete with freelance guides, The Himalayan Realms Treks collaborates with them. We offer a platform where experienced freelancers can operate legally and professionally, with company insurance, logistical support, and client management.
This structure empowers independent guides to focus on what they do best: delivering unforgettable trekking experiences.
We also run periodic training workshops for guides on:
- First aid and high-altitude medicine
- Sustainable tourism practices
- Cross-cultural communication
- Digital tools for navigation and safety
By building a trusted freelance guide network under our brand, we help maintain high standards across Nepal’s trekking industry.
Why Trek with Us?
Here’s what you can expect when you choose The Himalayan Realms Treks and Expedition Nepal Pvt. Ltd.:
- Safe & Ethical Travel: We adhere to government regulations, pay fair wages, and ensure all staff are insured and equipped.
- Personalized Adventures: Whether it’s the Langtang Valley, Muktinath, or Makalu Base Camp, we tailor every detail to your needs.
- Local Knowledge, Global Standards: Our guides live in the regions they guide through. Their insights make every trek a cultural immersion.
- Support for Responsible Tourism: We believe in protecting Nepal’s environment and uplifting mountain communities.
Testimonials from Trekkers
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dammaru Niraula over the past three years on two memorable treks in the Solu Khumbu region. From the outset, Dammaru demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the terrain, designing a custom trek that kept us off the main tourist routes while maintaining a strong focus on safety. Two years later, he played a vital role in our humanitarian project to build hothouses in a remote village. His work included sourcing materials, managing finances, and coordinating logistics—all handled with integrity, efficiency, and genuine care.
During our expedition, Dammaru expertly led a group of seven trekkers, six porters, and an additional climbing guide. His role as an interpreter and cultural liaison in Phortse was invaluable. Above all, his deep compassion, honesty, and mantra—“Service is most important”—define his approach to guiding. I highly recommend Dammaru to anyone seeking a trustworthy, skilled, and dedicated trekking leader in Nepal.
Choosing the Right Guide or Company in Nepal: Tips
If you’re considering trekking in Nepal and unsure whether to hire a freelance guide or book through a company, here are a few tips:
- Check for a License: Always ask for a copy of the guide’s license issued by the Nepal Tourism Board.
- Confirm Insurance: Ensure the guide is insured. If not, emergencies could be costly and complicated.
- Ask for references: Experienced guides and companies should have reviews, testimonials, or contacts.
- Look Beyond Price: Bargain prices often mean compromised safety or unethical practices.
- Choose Hybrid Models: Companies like ours offer the freedom of a freelancer, with all the security of an established brand.
Final Thoughts
Trekking in Nepal is a life-changing experience—but who you trek with can define the journey. At The Himalayan Realms Treks and Expedition Nepal Pvt. Ltd., we’ve built a unique guiding system that merges the independence of freelance trekking with the accountability and professionalism of a registered company.
Whether you’re planning a solo adventure, a family trek, or a high-altitude expedition, our team is ready to walk beside you every step of the way.
Come trek the Himalayan Realms—with the freedom you want and the safety you need.
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
