James Newell and his family March-April 2008 visited Nepal for trekking and a jungle safari. The party consisted of three related families (total 11 people) ranging in age from 12 to 56. Prakash Tamang (Team leader of Mountain Zone Trekking) consulted with James to find an itinerary suitable for the party. This included an 8 day trek from Jomsom to Phedi, and a 3 day safari at Temple Tiger lodge in Chitwan national park. Prakash personally led the trek and safari. Prakash also arranged sightseeing in Kathmandu and an Everest flight.
“Prakash, thanks for a fantastic trip! I was a bit apprehensive, taking a mixed party trekking, but all of us had a superb time. I can’t praise your arrangements too highly – everything happened on time, but you were also flexible when we decided to change our plans. The trekking was excellent, with pleasant and efficient porters, and the route you recommended was just right – beautiful scenery, just the right amount of walking, and a lot of contrast along the route. We all enjoyed the teahouses – comfortable, clean and very typical of Nepal. Most of all, though, we appreciated the exert guidance and company we got from you and your team. The kids in particular were so busy chattering on to Harri [the head guide], and trying to compete with him, that they enjoyed every minute and we got no complaints at all about walking for 8 days in a row.
Also, thanks for your recommendation of basing our jungle safari at Temple Tiger. What a place! Our arrival there was probably the highlight of the trip, and we were very surprised and impressed how much wildlife we saw from our balcony, never mind on the elephant safaris. Pity we didn’t see any tigers – although we did hear them – but maybe next time!
We also appreciated how you managed to organise sightseeing in and around Kathmandu to fit in with our other plans, so that we were able to fit in an amazing amount in the short time we had available.
I can’t end without mentioning the Everest flight. This was so much better than I had anticipated – stunning views of all the mountains in the Everest range. I quite took my breath away!
So, Prakash, many thanks for one of our best holidays ever (THE best according to my kids), and hope to see you again soon! Oh, and by the way, it cost us about half what we would have paid with a UK tour company!
Prof. James Newell University of Leeds, UK
I have the luxury with trekking with Mountain Zone Trekking (P) Ltd…. Not once, but twice to date. Once to Jomsom, Muktinath in Oct 2006 and Annapurna Base Camp in Nov 2007.
Our guide, Prakash Lama, saw to all the arrangement during treks… He is knowledgeable, patient, friendly, kind, accommodating and encouraging. He knows the trails, mountains, people, and culture by heart… He ensures that our needs are all taken care of best within his means. He will plan our trek to keep us at our comfortable pace. He ands his group of dedicated porters will keep watch over us especially at high altitude or during adverse trail condition to ensure that our safety and health are not being compensated.
He and his dedicated group of porters makes us feel comfortable and at ease during our journey. They are always helpful and friendly…. And in no ways are they intrusive or pushy. Even when dealing when some of us were slower, they were always encouraging, patient, positive and polite.
During our treks, Prakash will send porter as ‘advanced party’ to help us secure the best available rooms especially at the villages with limited guesthouses or during peak seasons. Furthermore, throughout our trek, he will also help us secure blankets to keep us warm during the nights in the guesthouses.
Upon returning to Thamel after our trek, Prakash even accompanied us to negotiate prices of higher values souvenirs (such as Thangka) to ensure that we get a good deal and genuine stuff… which was way beyond his duty/ obligation.
After the trek, we gained a friend instead of just monetary transaction or plain business dealing. In fact, we still keep in touch regularly upon return to Singapore…
Well, the fact that we travelled with Mountain Zone twice speaks for itself… And I would like to ensure you that it won’t be my last trekking trip with Mountain Zone…
Please feel free to distribute my email address or contacts as reference for your future clients who have queries. I would be also more than happy to recommend your company's services to all people and Prakash as guide.
Best Regards Lim Chee Hooi Singapore Blk 211 Choa Chu Kang Central Singapore 680211 lim_chee_hooi@yahoo.com.sg
Lim Chee Hooi group with Prakash
My wife and I have had the great pleasure of trekking with Mountain Zone Trekking (P) Ltd. twice, once in 2003 from Jomsom to Pokhara and once to Annapurna Base Camp in 2005.
Both times we trekked with our guide Prakash Lama and our porter Michael. In order to have a rewarding and enjoyable trek it is necessary to have a knowledgeable, friendly, flexible and above all patient guide. Prakash fulfils all these requirements and many more besides. His knowledge of the trails, lodges and mountains is indispensable. Also his friendship with and knowledge of the local people is very reassuring. He is very conscious of the need to pay attention to all safety and health issues. He is always seeking to give help and reassurance when required but is not intrusive in any way.
There were never any problems in finding good accommodation with excellent food and great hosts. Michael always ran ahead to book the lodges in good time. There was never any hurry and we could chose ourselves where and when to stop.
Prakash and his team are also excellent at booking all international and local flights as well as hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. I cannot stress how reliable this company is and how good is their attention to detail.
We recently visited Nepal (March 2008), not for trekking but just for a visit when Prakash arranged our hotel and flights. Mountain Zone Trekking was as efficient as ever.
We are privileged to call Prakash our friend and have visited him at his home and met his delightful family.
Please feel free to distribute this information and to give our e-mail to anyone who would like to contact us about our experiences with Mountain Zone Trekking.
Best Regards, Ken & Chris Cassell, Carshalton, Surrey, UK E-mail:- Chris.Cassell@btinternet.com
Our Guest
We would like to thank you, Mr Prakash Lama, once again for your exemplary service rendered during our 11 days stay in Nepal from 27 March 2009 to 6 April 2009.
This is my second trekking trip in Nepal, first being October last year. You have been my trekking guide for both occasions. My first trek was Dhampush and most recent to Poonhill. I thoroughly enjoyed myself very much.
Your service was fantastic. You took good care of us and ensure that the we are comfortable with the walking pace both up and downhill and that we have enough warm clothing especially in the early morning to watch the sunrise and view the beautiful mountains from the peak in Poonhill. The weather was just perfect for us on that morning. Any earlier or later, we would not be able to witness the awesome sight of Annapurna range of mountains. I must say we were so lucky that you changed the trekking route from the original in the itinerary.
We love the food in Nepal, especially the Dal-bhat prepared by the guesthouses up in the mountain. Its so freshly cooked and healthy. Wish we could stay there longer. Maybe next trip...
Water rafting in Trisuli river was fun too. First experience for both of us, and we enjoyed ourselves very much.
Our 1-night stay in Chitwan National Park was memorable. Elephant ride in the jungle was interesting. We laze by the river in the evening watching sunset. Its so beautiful. We love the long canoe ride on the river early in the morning. It was so serene and we had our relaxing moment.
Overall, we had a wonderful time in Nepal....
Thank you, Prakash, for everything. Carol Chew & Lee Choo
