In reviewing those highlights most people would expect us to wax poetically about the beautiful wooded countryside on the way to Namche. Also who could forget the scary crossings of those wonderfully engineered suspension bridges replete with their colorful prayer flags billowing in the breeze while far below the rapidly flowing bluish-tinged glacier water (of the Dudh Khosi and Imja Khola rivers), twisted its way from up high, framed by steep cliffs on either side. Others would expect us to dwell on the Yaks, those magnificent creatures, unknown to most Westerners, that can only survive in the rarified atmosphere in and above Namche and that are so important to the local economy. Yet others would cite the cultural aspects of the Bhuddists through whose villages we trekked and who made such an indelible impression on us with their spirituality, their gentle ways, and the warmth of their beautiful smiles. And of course who would not expect us to rave about the raw starkness and hostile remoteness of the legendary Himalayan peaks that brought us to the Khumbu region in the first place.

But despite the thrill of all of the above and the many more memorable incidents too numerous to mention along the way, what really stands out when we think of our trip is the excellent service you and your staff provided, literally from the time we landed in Kathmandu on December 26, 2006 until we left on January 18, 2007. As you recall we were a group of just two… my wife and myself. On the trek our guides were Raj and Nirkuma and our porters were Lakpa and Ramish. Our trek was far from routine particularly given our dietary preferences, the fact that we were older (and in my case probably far less fit) than the average trekker and finally the inordinate delay presented by the weather on the way back from Lukla and consequently all that was entailed in terms of our reserved flights home.

You and your staff handled all the challenges of our trek in a most professional and caring way with appropriate attention to detail that makes all the difference when the unexpected arises. What we especially valued and very much appreciate was the concern for our welfare and safety that was always paramount with your team. They were also very considerate and kind. You can be very proud of them! When the possibility arose of a large group of trekkers unexpectedly filling a lodge, Raj would rush ahead to make sure space was available for us. When I would linger along the trail to take more photographs, Nirkuma would go out of his way to help me if needed. When we arrived at our lodge some evenings tired and hungry, our guides saw to it that we were provided with food and tea with minimum delay. When we departed in the mornings your men would make sure we had left nothing behind. Also, there was no pressure whatsoever imposed on us to rush and we were encouraged to pace ourselves and to follow a flexible schedule. This I think greatly facilitated our acclimatization and ultimate success in reaching the top of Kala Patthar.

A word about our porters, Ramish and Lapka: They did a phenomenal job, whatever the climbing conditions. Our gear was always waiting for us in our room when we arrived at our destination each evening and was always picked up promptly in the morning when we were ready to leave. They never once complained, always treated our luggage with care they would their own and always greeted us with a warm and friendly smile.

Finally we also have to compliment two of your Kathmandu staff, David and Hira. They were so helpful on our last day when we arrived back with barely time to make our international flight home. They monitored the flights in from Lukla, picked us as soon as we arrived, whisked us through heavy traffic into town to change our tickets, rushed us to our hotel to pick up our left luggage and returned us to the airport just in time to make our flight. This was a remarkable level of service under the circumstances.

As a tourist in an unfamiliar environment it is really important to be taken care of by a highly professional and experienced team who can be depended upon, especially when the unexpected happens. Himalayan Glacier Trekking unequivocally delivered for us and we most happily recommend your company without hesitation. Please feel free to pass on my email address to any and all prospective clients.

Best wishes for your continued success,