Read reviews

Whilst looking online to research our trekking holiday in Nepal, I had the great good fortune to happen upon the Rugged Trails Nepal website. I was looking at the various treks that were available on the site when a little pop up chat box appeared on my screen and Nirajan (team leader of Rugged Trails Nepal) "asked" me if there was anything he could help me with. I had never come across anything like that before, and was a little apprehensive, but really from that moment on I felt in safe hands as every question and anxiety that I had over the next days (there were many, as we were total novices to the trekking experience!) was answered promptly and nothing was ever too much trouble.

So, I explained that we were a mother and daughter twosome- me, aged 66 and reasonably fit, and my daughter, aged 29 and a keen walker, but both of us new to trekking.
My daughter had already booked our flights, so we had definite dates to keep to which gave us a ten-day period in Nepal. Nirajan asked what we were hoping to see and do and I explained that I had always dreamed of seeing the rhododendron forests in the Himalayan foothills after seeing film of them by Chris Bonnington in a lecture he gave many, many years ago. Nirajan suggested the Ghorepani/ Poon Hill trek in the Annapurna Region and sent me the very comprehensive schedule, which covered everything you need to know. It would just exactly fit the 10 days that we had, and would include site seeing in Kathmandu and Patan. It was perfect!

We decided to go ahead with it, and began many excited hours reading as much as I could about it (lots of blogs and films online) and asking Nirajan a zillion question, all of them answered quickly and with reassurance. Finally, it was time to set off!
From the moment we arrived at Kathmandu airport, we were taken care of and everything was organised for us. Nirajan met us at the airport and accompanied us to our hotel in Kathmandu, through the craziness of the city- hustle and bustle, packed streets, hot, dusty, noisy-Wow! After our long flight from the UK, it was a bit of a shock to the system, and we were so glad we had someone to take care of us!! And that feeling of being taken care of continued throughout our stay in Nepal.

Absolutely everything was organized for us throughout our stay (go to Rugged Trails Nepal website to see what is included and be assured of their attention to detail) leaving us to just enjoy every moment in that wonderful country. Nepal is the most beautiful country, and her people are the kindest and most delightful you could meet), and after dreaming about it for so many years, it was as awesome as I had ever hoped.
The rich culture of the cities- Nirajan provided us with our very knowledgeable local guide who was proud to show us the ancient palaces and temples of Kathmandu and Patan and talk about his culture). We had a fascinating day, and had the good fortune to be there when there was a festival. We even saw a real goddess!

Our bus journey to Pokhara took us through terraced foothills, beautifully fertile and tended by hand and growing everything you could think of.
And finally- the breathtaking magnificence of the mountains. Truly awe inspiring. The trek was dominated by the Annapurna range of mountains as we passed through rhododendron forests and mountain villages, and always greeted by the lovely people- "Namaste"- smiling, kind and gentle- and the most adorable children (take crayons and colouring books). Supported all the time by Nirajan and our lovely porter, and all our needs taken care of. We couldn't have asked for more or better. I can't recommend Rugged Trails Nepal highly enough, and hope to return again. Namaste!

Friends and I agreed that Rugged Trails Nepal is certainly the travel agent in Nepal we can rely on. Nirajan was introduced by a friend who had used their service before. He recommended the most suitable travel plan based on my preference, physical fitness, and budget. Since arriving in Kathmandu, he looked after every tiny detail throughout the journey. I could not have imagined if prior arrangements have not been properly prepared, if Nirajan and Tul were not with me, the 5-days trekking in Ghorepani Poon Hill would not be the most remarkable and enjoyable part of my nearly 4-week journey.

Rugged Trails Nepal rocks! My recent trip to Chitwan and Pokhara was made even better thanks to Rugged Trails Nepal's expert guidance and knowledge of the country. Nirajan, the director of Rugged Trails Nepal has a knack for being able to effortlessly and quickly arrange trips at the drop of a hat if needed. You can trust him and his guides to get the job done and to go that extra mile for all guests and clients.
He was able to arrange a jungle safari and river cruise in Chitwan National Park according to my physical limitations as well as an exciting paragliding experience at Pokhara.
Nirajan's extensive network in Nepal and his experienced pool of guides will not only ensure your safety during easy or challenging trips within the country, but they also try very hard to ensure your journey is as smooth as butter. I highly recommend Rugged Trails Nepal for your next trip to Nepal. I know I will be using them on mine.

Great trekking agency. My trek trip was set up in no time. I met Nirajan in Pokhara. Friendly guy who makes an effort. I felt quite comfortable and I met my guide/porter before I went trekking. Tul was great! And the trek was awesome! Made a lot of screensaver worthy pics! Worth to be with these guys, they are friendly and flexible. 

Firstly, what an amazing Mardi Himal trek! I've done ABC & EBC & this one impressed me just as much as the other two. Nirajan was very helpful with all aspects of the trek and organizing it for me, I will defiantly use him again in the future! My guide Indra was amazing ( I used him for ABC so asked for him again) and trekking solo, I have every confidence in him. My porter Shiva, was equally as nice, always there to help, nothing was to much trouble and always had a smile on his face. He spoke very good English & would also highly recommend using him. Altogether, another great experience here in Nepal, with incredible scenery, pleasant company & all at a very reasonable price. Don't shop around, you will be wasting your time, just book with these guys & you won't be disappointed! Namaste.

Wir sind den Annapurna Circuit gegangen und es war nicht nur ein Erlebnis, es war eine lebensverändernde Erfahrung! Alles war perfekt organisiert und sowohl Nirajan (der Agenturchef), Tul (unser Guide) und auch Yubraj (unser Porter) waren rund um die Uhr um unser Wohlergehen bemüht. Wir hatten so viel Spass gemeinsam!!! Nirajan in Kathmandu war immer für uns erreichbar und hat sich um alle unsere Anliegen sofort gekümmert. Danke an das Team von Rugged Trails für diese wunderbare Zeit!!! Wir sehn uns zum nächsten Trek auf alle Fälle wieder!!!

This was my first trekking experience and I could not have imagined it any better! I spontaneously decided to join a friend on the Annapurna Circuit Poon Hill, which she had already booked ahead of time. Nirajan was very flexible and helpful and even supported me when my credit card and ATM card didn't work.

The trek was perfectly organized and we had an amazing guide and a great porter. I'm sure it's manageable to do the trek on your own, but I would definitely suggest going with a porter and having the trip organized by Rugged Trails Nepal. For once some places on the way have only limited availability and a guide can book a room ahead, but also while going with a porter you will learn about the culture, scenery, and customs of Nepal in a way you could never by simply using a guidebook.

You will also have the chance to get in contact with the local people on the way. Our guide equipped us with a lot of background information and pointed out interesting facts and sights we would have missed otherwise. Nirajan picks his guides carefully and you are guaranteed to be taken the best possible care of! Even before and after the trek, Nirajan took the time to show us around and teach us many many interesting things about Nepali culture, language, society, politics, and history!

We had an amazing time and a blast! We will definitely come back and will do another trip with Rugged Trails in the future! Thank you so much Nirajan for everything! We enjoyed every second of it!

Dear Binod, Rugged Trails Nepal. Thank you for all the help with arranging the travel, airfare, hotels, transportation, guides, and our luggage. You and your team were very diligent when ensuring our comfort and security. FIRST CLASS SERVICE!

Thank you!
JOE. Beth Le Blanc with Dr. Buzz Aldrin
From; "NASA Engineering and Safety Center"