Apex Asia/Broad Adventures Kosher Nepal Trek
Hi. I was looking at an exotic trek adventure. After looking for a bunch of places to go I thought Nepal sounded like a good start and of course Everest Base Camp is iconic so naturally... I emailed with Ramesh and Keshav the owners. Apex Asia and Broad Adventures merged and are now one so either would respond. They responded promptly and with great recommendations. I was looking primarily for great views for photography, then next most importantly something vigorous, and finally at least somewhat isolated. After a thorough discussion despite my ignorance they recommended Gokyo Ri might be more appropriate for my goals. I AM SO HAPPY THEY SAID SO! On the trip a bunch of groups were going to EBC and very few to Gokyo, and also everything I read was that Gokyo is incredibly scenic and EBC is just not in the same league. Next, I am Jewish and observant and I cannot travel on the Sabbath and cannot eat anything not kosher. They noted the teahouses along the way (obviously) are not kosher but that they could provide a cook along the way (!) and that they routinely trek with Israeli clients and they are very familiar with Shabbos and kashrus. The morning we began they ran the food by me so I could inspect relevant hechshers. So yeah! The trip was amazing. Gyanu was the guide who is calm and fantastic. Uttam was the cook and portered as well and Ranjit the porter. They were mountain goats. I carried a day pack and they carried everything else. Every lunch and dinner they asked what I would like to eat, they prepared and cooked it and it was delicious! The teahouses are pretty basic and cold and make sure to bring a very warm (VERY warm) sleeping bag if you go in winter. Also the teahouses do not provide toilet paper and often do not have "Western" toilets so be prepared. The trip was fantastic. Probably best ever trip I've taken. Shabbat and kashrus were not issues at all. I realized late that Gokyo is and out and back trip and I did not want to go out and back. We talked about extending it a day to return through Renjo-La. I said I'm happy to pay an extra day, and I hear Renjo-La is fantastic! Despite requesting this at the last moment they accommodated my wish with cheer and we returned through Renjo La pass (Highly recommended). Best trip I think I've ever taken. Highly recommended. For Jewish observant clients have no concerns. They took care of all my needs.
Plus there's a Chabad in Kathmandu that makes great shakshuka...
Read moreNamaste! I highly recommend Apex Asia Team for your trekking adventure in the beautiful Himalayan Mountains of Nepal. This was my first trip to Nepal and additionally my first ever multi-day trek. Annapurna Base Camp Trek became a dream of mine about a year ago after my adult son made a trip out back in 2019. Apex Asia Travel & Trekking Team made the trip much more enjoyable by facilitating rides to and from the airport in Kathmandu, answering any questions or concerns promptly and being courteous and helpful. Of course I have to give a shout out to my guide for the ABC trek Biraj and also the porter Harka!!! Biraj did an exceptional job of making the trip as smooth as can be expected! In every village he booked me the best room available with mountain views, helped with ordering food and making sure I was comfortable. On the trail Dipendra carefully monitored my condition and frequently checked in with how I was feeling. As it turned out I was able to keep a pretty good pace (I'm a 56 year old man in decent shape) and we arrived at Annapurna Base Camp a day ahead of schedule (which was fortunate because clouds moved in the next day). Harka was very strong and always made sure my duffle bag was in my room when we arrived in the next village. Biraj and Harka also made the evening time fun by inviting me to play card games in the tea house common area. If you get a chance learn the game Dumbal - it's fun! Biraj also guided me in Pokhara where we saw the peace pagoda, Hindu temple caves and the International Mountaineering Museum. In conclusion, Prakash, Biraj and Harka with Apex Asia Travel & Trekking Team provided excellent service worth every dollar. I will definitely use their services again when I return. I'm already thinking about Everest Base Camp or...
Read moreMy partner and I arrived Pohkara in the afternoon, went to tourism office to pick up the permits... little did we know that we had to provide guide information upon registration. My partner went around the corner and found Prakash at Apex Asia. Prakash speaks great English, we had no issues communicating with him. He was also very patient and answered all the questions we had. I mean, we did do our research but it's always not the same when you arrived to a foreign city.
Prakash was able to find us a guide, Bikram, with super short notice. We asked if we could meet Bikram before the trek, who showed up within 30 minutes to greet us. Again, we discussed our "itinerary" as well as our timeline expectations. They answered all the questions and we felt at ease.
During the trek, Bikram was able to identify our fitness level in a couple days. We hiked at our own pace and as much as we can each day. Bikram waited for me when I slowed down and encouraged me when I questioned myself. We were really lucky to be blessed with the amazing weather the day we went to ABC, and it was one of the best experiences I've had.
We got back to Pohkara a day early from the trek. Prakash came to visit us to ensure we had a good time and everything was smooth. During his visit, he gave us some more recommendations on where to go / what to see in Pohkara area. Such a friendly guy!
If I ever returned to Annapurna region, I'd definitely contact Prakash and Bikram again for their knowledge and...
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