βThe most scenic Everest trek ever with the most reliable trekking agent.β
16th Mar, 2022
Nepal, the country that we had been hoping to visit since many years ago. A mystical country to us and many of other people. We had our travel plan studied a year before we come into decision for flight ticket purchasing. We were lucky that AirAsia finally launched is Nepal route from Malaysia with promotion fare. We were 4 of us traveling from Penang Island (Malaysia). We bought our flight ticket with low cost airline AirAsia somewhere in Sept 2012 with flying route of PEN-KUL-KTM-KUL-PEN.
PEN-KUL-PEN was with AirAsia and KUL-KTM-KUL was with AirAsiaX and at the same time we contacted Mr. Devi Baral the Managing Director from ANET via email about the trekking trip for Everest Mini Trek. His spontaneous email response with good English writing gave us very good impression about the reliability of this company. We were having close in touch with him through email until our departure date of 27 Apr 2013. Throughout the email responses, Devi Baral did an excellent job by replying our inquiries with detail which are very helpful for us as the first timer to visit Nepal. From his email replying which had built up our confident level to visit our inaugural Himalayan country and showing the good personality of himself as Nepalese. They are friendly and helpful people.
On 27 Apr 2013, our flight departed on time from Penang to KL-LCCT then again to Kathmandu. We were then pick up from Devi's arranged transport and safely arrived in Hotel Access Nepal. Room was OK with clean toilet, WIFI signal is only good in lobby. Breakfast from this hotel was ok, importantly the service was excellent and helpful waiters. Electricity in Nepal is expensive, therefore, this hotel practices cost saving by resuming its power starting from 4:30pm local time daily which we understand from the hotel staff. No big deal as Apr/May still a cool month in Kathmandu. Hot water was running fine in this hotel as well.
Thamel, the place where this Hotel Access Nepal located was excellent. You may shop till you drop and eat till you bloat. Devi met us up at hotel lobby that evening and we were brought to Himali restaurant for our dinner which was serving very tasty Nepalese food called "Dal Bhat" Literally, "Dal" means lentils and "Bhat" means rice in Nepalese language. It's not just purely the lentils with plain rice but with some delicious side dishes such as chicken curry & other vegetables as well. Himali restaurant is just about 150m walking distance from Hotel Access Nepal. Right after walking out from the main gate of the hotel walked straight until seeing the huge Coco-cola signboard then turn left into the the narrow alley which selling lots of beanie.
After the dinner, we were then brought to Devi's office for trekking permit registration as well as full payments. Thanks for the shirt as well as the complimentary Everest Map. Thereafter, we were then back to the room to relax, met up Devi again before our bedtime. We were introduced by him our trekking guide Mr. Kumar Khadka. That evening, both Devi & Kumar were brief us on our trekking trip.
On 28 Apr 2013, we were departed from Kathmandu domestic airport as per plan to Lukla with Tara Air AKE twin otter. Flight journey took us about 25mins along the scenic Himalayan mountainous view from the left side of the aircraft. We were lucky to have a clear morning to fly and safely landed at one of the world deadliest Lukla Tenzing-Hillary Airport with 2,850m asl. From there we started our trek all the way to Benkar. Then we overnight in Benkar at Waterfall Hotel overlooking Tamserku snowy mountain.
Kumar our trekking guide was very considerate and booked us the top floor of twin bedroom. The room is clean and beautiful Tamserku peak just directly view from our window. That starry night sky was so clear with moonlight shined into our bedroom. Trekking journey continue the next morning all the way to Namche Bazaar @ 3,440m asl. and we remained in Namche Bazaar for 2 nights. Again, Kumar booked us the top floor twin bedroom with scenic view overlooking Kongde peak. Between the days in Namche Bazaar we did a day trek to Everest Hotel at Syangboche also the small little Namche Bazaar monastery. Trek to Syangboche is a MUST do trek which we were stunt with the world highest peak of Everest, Lhotse & Amadablam. We were speechless with the beauty of mother earth when we were there.
After 2 days in Namche Bazaar, we started our descend back in Benkar where we stayed for the 1st night of trek. Then the following day we continued the final trek back in Lukla and spent our last night of trek there. Day after, we caught our flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla. Upon arriving in Lukla, we were back in Hotel Access Nepal for the final night before heading back to Malaysia. Final day we did a few places sightseeing such as Pashupatinath, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple) & Kathmandu Durbar Square.
On the final night, we were glad being invited by Mr. Devi for his generosity to dine with his family & relatives at home. Although it was just the 1st time we had dinner with them, but the excellent hospitality just made us felt that we had been known each other for decade. That's the precious moment that money can't buy.
Although it was a budget trip throughout the trekking journey, the trekking guide Kumar just made us felt that we were being treated as friend rather than client. Lots of chats & fun which made the strenuous trek a rewarded & easy one. We really appreciate from our heart. Without him our trekking trip probably may not be the happiest one. A million thanks to Kumar for his guidance. Also, not to forget the 2 jovial and fun porters from Lukla.
We would described Devi as a very well organized and knowledgeable person in term of trekking trip planning. He has jovial and friendly personality.
For our trekking guide Kumar Khadka, he is the best ever trekking guide we ever experienced throughout our 10+ years non-stop travelling experiences. He's honest, caring, jovial and helpful person. Along the trekking trip he has find many ways helped us to save lot of unnecessary expenses. With his trekking experience, we learn a lot from him about mountain life.
We are now looking forward to join his next adventure to Annapurna Base Camp in near future!! Counting down for the next trip with them. :)
Tips form Malaysian

