Archives: Testimonials

Solo Female Trekker from the USA 

I just returned from the trip of a lifetime in Nepal.

Before I started reading about the many magnificent places to be explored I thought Nepal was all high altitudes and snowy mountains.

After deciding the level of trekking I thought I could manage (I’m 67 years old) and the various villages and town I wished to explore, I contacted Nepal Sanctuary Treks, a small, environmentally sensitive group, and discussed various options with them.  Tulsi, the owner of the company, made all arrangements for hotels, lodges, tours, treks and transportation.

Since I was traveling on my own, it was very important to me that I have a reliable guide and safe accommodations.  After contacting other people who had done both individual and group treks with Tulsi, I felt very secure with the arrangements and the itinerary he had devised.

Three very different but relatively easy treks were developed specifically for me:  The first, a four night trek around the Kathmandu valley- Kathmandu Rim Trek, provided beautiful views of the valley and central Himalayas.  The lodges were very comfortable, with private baths and excellent meals.  This trek never exceeded 5,000 feet.  The second, a five night trek around the Annapurna Mountains afforded even more spectacular scenery and although the trekking lodges were more basic, all were clean and cozy, serving tasty and varied foods.  Although this trek reached altitudes of over 9,000 feet, the ascent was gradual and very manageable.

The last trek took me to the Everest area where I spent 10 memorable days enjoying the varied scenery, picturesque villages and snowcapped peaks.  In this trek we reached elevations of 12,800 feet but again the ascent was gradual and two different days were spent acclimatizing.

My guide for all treks was Lakpa Sherpa, a very pleasant young man who spoke excellent English and took care of me as he would his mother.  Whether it was pointing out special sights, assisting me along the more difficult sections of trail, arranging for my food and lodging or explaining the customs and culture of the various tribes, he was always there for me, anticipating my every need.

Besides the treks, I also visited Chitwan National Park, Palaces, Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha and many temples and shrines.

The total, including all transportation in Nepal, lodging and most meals was under $3000 for the 6 weeks, a real bargain.  Treks by themselves are priced even better.

Tulsi takes a special interest in all his clients, taking them to his home for a typical Nepali meal, keeping in close contact with the guides during all treks and travels and making sure everything goes as anticipated.  When he asked me to critique my trip, all I could say was that it exceeded all expectations and I can’t wait to return for a repeat visit.

Nepal is a very safe and friendly country.  I never had the slightest concern about going out at night in the towns or for my safety during the treks.

Anyone interested in planning a trip of any length can contact Tulsi at sanctuary@mail.com.np or gtulsi@wlink.com.np or check out the web sites at www.nepalsanctuarytreks.com

Just a note to let you know everything turned out perfectly on our Nepal Trip.  All members of our group were absolutely delighted.  You and Prashant were very professional and made all arrangements for us on schedule and did all transfers perfectly.  

We had no waiting.  We met our Sherpa guide at the hotel and he flew with us to Lukla where we met the rest of the crew and were off on the trail in minutes.  Lakpa, the guide, was very entertaining and was with us at all times in case we had any questions.  

The Lodges were really great, and the food way beyond our expectations.  We ate everything and stayed healthy. 

The two teen Rai porters were very congenial and smiling and quick to join in for a group picture.  They usually got to the destinations way ahead of the rest of us, and then ran down to assist anyone who found that their daypack was getting heavier!

 All in all a great trip and you are to congratulated for running such a smoothly oiled operation ( with the exception of the London Post, over which you probably have little control)  So far I have traveled with many of adventure trip operators from the US, and I must say you’ve topped the high standard in the adventure travel industry.  All of our group is in agreement.  Again we cannot praise our guide, Lakpa Sherpa too highly since he was there to meet our every need and answer our every question.   

If you have any clients who would like to speak to me about our experience you can have them contact me at this email and I would be glad to contact them by phone.  

Hi Tulsi,

It’s just a quick message to say thanks for putting on a great trip. We all really enjoyed it. It’s only now I’m back reflecting on it that I realize how amazing it was. It was a lifelong dream being able to see Everest and climb a Himalayan peak. Nepal is a fantastic country, Pema and the rest of the Sherpas were really helpful and friendly. I’m glad I could share some time with them.
Also a million thanks for arranging that helicopter that got us down.

Our entire holiday went like clockwork, especially our tour to Pokhara, Lumbini, and Chitwan. We have already started saving for a return trip to Nepal next year.We really had truly meaningful and wonderful experience throughout the trip.

Lindsey, like me, has fallen in love with Nepal. We look forward to our next visit.

We express our sincere thanks to Tulsi and Jyotsna for organized trip and helping to make our trip so memorable.

It’s been long due in my mind. Please find below my testimonial for NST, in both English and French:

“In November 2011 I had the privilege to go on a 6-day trek from Lukla to the Ama Dablam base camp, organized by Nepal Sanctuary Treks for a group of very different levels hikers. It was a dazzling experience and I have precious memories of the whole trip. I have traveled extensively in Asia for business or leisure and rarely have seen in a travel agent such a great combination of quality of service, attention to the clients’ needs, reactivity to the journey’s episodes, security and kindness provided by the guide. I can only recommend Tulsi and his team to any traveler who wants an unforgettable experience in Nepal.”

 “J’ai fait en novembre 2011 un trek de 6 jours de Lukla au camp de base del’Ama Dablam organisé par Nepal Sanctuary Trek, avec un groupe de marcheursde niveaux très variés. J’en garde un souvenir emerveillé.J’ai beaucoup voyagé dans différents pays d’Asie, et j’ai rarementrencontréun tel mélange dans une agence de voyages de qualité deservices, réactivitéaux aléas, sécurité assurée par le guide du trek, gentillesse, et prise encompte des besoins/attentes des clients. Je recommande vivement Tulsi et son équipe à toute personne désireused’avoir une expérience inoubliable au Népal.”

Let’s keep in touch, and thanks again for the chance to have such a pleasant experience in Nepal.

“Just a note to let you know everything turned out perfectly on our Nepal Trip.  All members of our group were absolutely delighted.  You and Prashant were very professional and made all arrangements for us on schedule and did all transfers perfectly.  

We had no waiting.  Lakpa, the guide, was very entertaining and was with us at all times in case we had any questions.  The Lodges were really great, and the food was beyond our expectations.  We ate everything and stayed healthy.

 I asked if I could take a run-up to Ama Dablam Base Camp from Pangbouche and Phouri, who functioned as an assistant guide, went up there with me in 2 1/2 hrs, and we got invited into almost every mess tent for coffee.  We then went back to Tashinga by the more direct route, while the girls took a longer route.  

The two teen Rai porters were very congenial and smiling and quick to join in for a group picture. They usually got to the destinations way ahead of the rest of us, and then ran down to assist anyone who found that their day pack was getting heavier!  

All in all a great trip and you are to congratulate for running such a smoothly oiled operation ( except the London Post, over which you probably have little control)  So far I must say you’ve topped the high standard in the adventure travel industry.  Our entire group is in agreement.

 Again we cannot praise our guide, Lakpa Sherpa too highly since he was there to meet our every need and answer our every question.   

Let me send our heartfelt thanks from our entire group. Everything went according to the plans and we were all satisfied with the trekking and our friends with Chitwan safari as well. Chandra was a very polite and
thoughtful guide. And porters were doing their hard work quietly and politely. I think we got some extra service on the way which was a pleasant surprise, thank you for that.

We are ready to recommend your services in future for our friends. In fact, my husband gave your contact details to one of newly arrived ambassador. 

I hope we are able to enjoy your services in future

“Mr. Tulsi Gywaling’s Nepal Sanctuary Treks is a first-rate organization. It was recommended to me by my son who utilized their services several times, bringing 20 to 30 students for various programs in Nepal; Sanctuary Treks helped them to have comfortable and successful trips.

“In our trip all arrangements were made well in advance and all worked out well. We had good hotel accommodations, comfortable vehicles that were on call at all times, and good drivers.

“Mr. Gywaling was always available by phone, polite, and helpful. He was quite flexible as we made some necessary plan changes. I definitely recommend Nepal Sanctuary Treks to any group wishing to travel in Nepal.”

J’ai fait en novembre 2011 un trek de 6 jours de Lukla au camp de base de l’Ama Dablam organisé par Nepal Sanctuary Trek, avec un groupe de marcheurs de niveaux très variés. J’en garde un souvenir emerveillé. J’ai beaucoup voyagé dans différents pays d’Asie, et j’ai rarement rencontré un tel mélange dans une agence de voyages de qualité de services, réactivité aux aléas, sécurité assurée par le guide du trek, gentillesse, et prise en compte des besoins/attentes des clients.  Je recommande vivement Tulsi et son équipe à toute personne désireuse d’avoir une expérience inoubliable au Népal.

My name is Theo Kossart and I believe that you are considering utilizing Nepal Sanctuary Treks for an upcoming trip in Nepal.

Tulsi has provided me with many services over the last 24 years, from organizing raft support on kayaking expeditions to internal flights (where he seems to have good contacts at many airports around the country, which I think is important when flights are canceled, delayed frequently), accommodations, to full expedition support. In 1998, I organized a 7 men team to climb Mt. Pumari, and we had an additional 12 friends and family trek to Base Camp. Tulsi, competently organized all permits, provision, supporting staff and internal transport. Subsequently, similar expedition support was provided in 2001 when we made an attempt to climb Mt. Everest from Tibetan side, and Mera and another full-service expedition to Chamlang in 2010.

His company is competent, reliable, trustworthy and hard working. His ability and network of contacts allow him to solve those problems that present themselves from time to time when traveling in such a country.

I have recommended Tulsi to others to their satisfaction, and have no hesitation in utilizing his services again.

Thanks for your efforts in organizing a wonderful trip. Sorry I didn’t email you earlier to thank you for your amazing hospitality. 

The date for next year’s CAS week is:

CAS Week will run from Tuesday 27th October till Friday 30th October

I was thinking about doing the trek to Annapurna Base Camp. We don’t need to do anything yet, as these are draft dates but I thought I would forewarn you; I am sure the trip will be well subscribed next year as everybody loved the trip you organized this year.

I would like to thank you once again for a well-organized trip. We all had a great time. I am sure you will have some return customers. I specifically would like to thank you for the special consideration you gave to Patrik.

Yes, we had a good flight back to Hong Kong. We were all tired but content and happy with our experiences in Nepal. The students have written some good reflection papers with pictures to capture their experience. They were all impressed with the scenery, of course, but more than that the uninhibited friendliness of the people they met. Some could not understand, that though they were poor, how the children at the schools we visited could be so happy. And several have already decided that they will return to Nepal – “once is not enough!”

Thank you and your whole crew for taking such good care of us – as always! The other teachers were also very impressed with Nepal Sanctuary Treks’ professionalism and you own gentlemanly manner.

I met Tulsi of Nepal Sanctuary Treks in 1998 on my trip to Nepal. He has recommended to me while I was in Nepal. I found him to be very helpful, knowledgeable, and a great person. We became friend and kept in touch. When I decided to arrange a trip to Tibet for five of us in 2000, I contacted him and he helped me to arrange a wonderful custom tour. He met or exceeded all of our needs. When we ended up leaving Tibet a day early, we called him and his brother showed up at the border right on time. To do that, he came up the night before so that he would be sure to meet us. Only someone who has crossed that border can understand what that meant!

I recommend his services and him as a person unconditionally. Feel free to contact me with any questions that you have. My phone number is 360-297-3480. I worked out of my home, so feel free to call anytime between 8 am and 9 pm PST. I would also be happy to answer any question by email.

Tibet is an amazing experience. I have arranged my own travel in a number of countries and feel comfortable doing so. Tibet is one country that I would probably not do it. It is best to work thorough a travel agent, especially one like Tulsi that can help with the rough spots.