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Yonie, Australia, November 2008 |
I have recently returned from my second trip with Freedom Adventure Treks and already I am planning my third.
The first time I travelled with Mukti and the Freedom Adventure Treks team it changed my perspective on what I could achieve and what the world really has to offer.
This time I saw even more of Nepal and got a greater insight into its culture, people and environment. Thanks to Freedom Adventure Treks I have seen the Living Goddess, gone white water rafting (something that I would have never done), gone on an elephant safari, saw twin baby elephants and one horned rhinos. I have walked further and longer than I ever thought I could and at my own pace (which involves frequent photo stops). I never felt like I had to walk faster. If I was too tired to carry my daypack someone would help out and I always had someone to chat with as I walked. Even though I felt like giving up at times it has always been worth it.
I made it to Muktinath temple the first time and Annapurna Base Camp this time, one of the most amazing places I have ever been!!
I have also participated in the Annapurna Clean-up Campaign and the Eagle’s Nest Environment Centre and I feel that I have really given something back to Nepal in return for the amazing experiences that I have had there. Looking through my photographs I can’t believe all of the things that Freedom Adventure Treks has shown me and all the things that they have helped me achieve.
I highly recommend Freedom Adventure Treks if you want to experience and connect with the true Nepal in a way that helps it rather than destroys it.
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Gary, Australia, October 2008 |
My son, Ashley and I went to visit Nepal in October 2008.
We went trekking to the Everest region. The scenery was breathtaking and the mountains were magical. The culture was fascinating with the friendliest people we have ever met. We made it to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patar at 5500m altitude. This is the most memorable trekking we have ever done.
It was a physical challenge, but the Freedom Adventure crew made it easy for us and without their support and encouragement, we may not have achieved this great goal. We met lots of trekkers that were struggling and turning back along the way.
We met lots of porters carrying extremely heavy loads, some with bare feet. We also met a porter that had been left behind when he got sick on a trek. We helped him with some medication and food. The company provided us with a personal porter each, with each porter carrying approximately 15kgs. They stayed at the same guest houses and ate with us.
Mukti was our guide with Pemba and Naran as our porters; they were very friendly and happy to share information about their culture and country with us. It was a great experience, with a great team. We found Freedom Adventure Treks to be genuinely committed to environmental and cultural sustainability as well as worker’s rights.
During our four week visit, Freedom Adventure Treks also organised other activities for us such as white water rafting, visiting Pokhara, Chitwan National Park and Kathmandu City sight seeing. This made it possible to make the most of our time available, but it was all at an easy and enjoyable pace.
One of our friends originally recommended us to Freedom Adventure Treks and we don’t hesitate to recommend Freedom Adventure Treks to anyone who wants to travel to Nepal.
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Ian and Jane, United Kingdom, April 2008 |
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"After trekking with Mukti during my first visit to Nepal, we didn't hesitate to contact him when we knew we would be returning. From advice and guidance about which trek to take, to hotel bookings, we couldn't have had better help with pre-trek planning. Anil and KB were our guides, porters and friends on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek - they made sure we wanted for nothing, and their local knowledge and good humour kept us entertained throughout whilst their strength knew no bounds! Thank you for an incredible and unforgettable experience. Everest next year? Yes Please!"
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Kathleen and Andrew, Warrnambool, Australia, 2007 |
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"Thanks again for organising a fantastic trip for us all. Andrew and I had a really good time. We love the country and the people and only wish we could spend more time there.
KB, Hari and Anil did a fantastic job of organising things - please let them know how grateful we are for everything they did as it really made our holiday. The team you had were really great to be with. We managed to learn a bit of Nepalese and talked about cultural, environment etc on many occasions. Purna and Nabaraj show real potential to be future guides. They were enthusiastic and willing to help and learn. All of the porters were great company - lots of laughing, singing, dancing, talking and playing games"
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Belinda, Victoria, Australia, 2007 |
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"I think that Freedom Adventure Trek is unique in that provides an opportunity to not just see the beautiful scenery, the people and the culture, but to actually be part of it, which is truly a credit to you and your team. One of the things I enjoyed the most was often the music and singing in the evenings (and sometime in mornings!). Not only was it a great way to wind down, but it was also a great way to ‘break the ice’ so to speak with other tourists, porters and locals getting involved in the festivities. One of my favourite memories was a morning music and dance session in Kagbeni- we all later commented that was a great release after the stress of making it over the pass. It is moments like that turn a good trip into a fantastic trip, and I don’t think that you can get that with other trekking companies"
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Garth, Camperdown, Australia, September 2007 |
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"Tashi Delek. Had a great time on the trek and am proud to have made it around the circuit.I thought everything went pretty well. It was a most enjoyable trip which will stay with me forever, especially the two moonlight
walks I did with Big Hari and Purna. The mountains those mornings were so beautiful. Will recommend Freedom Adventure Treks to any-one."
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Chris, Melbourne, Australia, 2007 |
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"Freedom Adventure gives you just that, freedom to walk and take in thel local culture, admire the awe inspiring scenery and have not a worry in the world, knowing that every thing is organized by a team of experts.I have travelled with Freedom Treks three times and highly recommend their services. It's the only way to travel to see this wonderful land and have a genuine insight into Nepali culture. The team at Freedom Adventure treks become friends as they share with us their country, its diversity, its languages, its heritage and its environment. No request is too much for them. I will be back again and again."
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Graham Arkinstall and group, Victoria, Australia 13/4/04 |
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"We had an amazing first time visit to Nepal. Seven of us went in April 2004. We took the 18 day Visions of Nepal with Annapurna panoramas trek, as recommended by Freedom Adventure leader, Mukti Timilsina. We didn't know what to expect, but what a great adventure, white water rafting, elephant safari at Chitwan national park and a wonderful panorama trek through the Annapurna region. On our return to Kathmandu we experienced a Mount Everest flight and had a quick explore around the valley, which left us wanting more. Our sight seeing, rafting and jungle guides were all very knowledgeable and the trekking crew were the best. Our guide, porters, sherpas, cooks were all friendly and helpful in any way. We soon realised how terrific our team were, they not only took care of us, but also were always attracted other trekkers, in the way they did things and provided good traditional music and fun at any time. We found ourselves being questioned by other travellers: "How did you arrange this trip? Who is this company?" Everywhere good accommodation, good food, reliable transport, fabulous teamwork by our crew, they not only looked after each other, but they also had a great concern about the local people, and the environment.
We were a mixed group of different ages ranging 16 to 55, all with different needs and personalities, but we all received individual care. We came home with great memories beyond description, and already planning our next trip with Freedom Adventure in 2005."
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Amy and Thor, San Francisco , USA , 2001 |
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"Mukti you are a rock star! Magic Mountain Mukti. Thank you for everything! Your skill, knowledge, patience, honesty and great sense of humour. We had such a wonderful time trekking with you and can't wait for a "non-tourist" camping trek with you. From what we experienced with you and heard from others, you are definitely the best guide in Nepal ! Oh yes, more good things..not only Mukti an amazing guide, but when our porter injured himself, Mukti carried our pack for 3 days without 1 complaint - all the way up to Muktinath! His heart and soul are the most pure we have come across in a long time. We would recommend him 100 times over!" |
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"Thanks very much to Mukti for a very interesting trek. I you want to see places off the beaten track meet good people and have good fun, Mukti's your man. Visiting Didi and Maya is a must. Will definitely be back!" |
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"Thanks Mukti for showing us the real Nepal . Thanks also for the kindness, the hospitality and the 'CRAIC'." |
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Kate and Alice , England , 2001 |
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"Well Mukti, you weren't our official guide but due to luck, we bumped into you when you were Amy and Thor's guide. You saved us in so many ways from the incompetence of a certain well-known travel guide (LP). (Thankfully you showed us the safer routes) And when we were running out of money because like fools we forgot to bring our traveller's cheques with us, we realised desperately needed a flight back from Jomson, you just said "take it easy mate! I'll sort one out for you on credit - just pay at Pokhara! No worries chicken curries!" THANK YOU! You were not only so trustworthy and honest but f-------- hilarious! I'll never forget you toilet story in Marble Arch!" |
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Ned and family, Ireland, 2001 |
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"Thank you very much for the beautiful time we spent with you both in the mountains. You were brilliant with our kids and I don't think they would have walked without you and Anil and Little Sam. You all have to come to visit us in Ireland on day so that we can show you the Irish pub trail!! We'll see you again - when we are ready for the Annapurna circuit!" |
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"Wow! Great trek. Mukti was a tremendous guide, generous, thoughtful and a great source of local knowledge. The trek would not have been the same without him." |
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Swiss group (10), Supergreen, 2000 |
"Mukti is a good guy:
On his tour he made us high!
Everything was perfectly organized,
from the food, the tents until the sunrise.
We wondered about the strongness of the Sherpas.
For us really comfortable it was.
The beauty of nature touched our heart,
oh heaven, forest and rice terraces, how smart!
Mukti learned us a lot about Nepalese lifestyle,
while we were sitting around a table by romantical gazlight.
"Bagpipes" prepared us for a good sleep,
our dreams about Nepal will be wonderful and deep.
For eres we'll remember this wonderful trip.
Thank you for everything Mukti,
IT TOUCHED US DEEP.."
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Mukti was recommended to us by friends who visited Nepal 6 years ago. We had an excellent time on our 5-day trek. Mukti is a great and experienced guide and through him we felt like we got to know a little bit of Nepal . He is funny, intelligent, speaks several languages and is extremely kind and patient. We aren't experienced trekkers and we never felt pressured to go faster or feel like we were slowing Mukti down. When we come back to Pokhara, Mukti is the first person we want to see! The day after we had finished our trek all we talked about was Mukti and the great time we had. That's the effect Mukti will have on you."
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Kathy and Julie , USA , 2000 |
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"Despite the cold weather and snow, we had a warm experience with you and Ghale (porter) leading the way. We have really appreciated what we've learned about your beautiful country, and hope to return someday. Your flexibility and hospitality impressed us and other trekkers we met along the way. Your sensitivity to the people who live in the mountains is an inspiration. It is obvious that you care about the environment and the people." |
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"Had a brilliant time with Mukti. He is an absolutely FIRST CLASS experienced guide, who is warm, caring, very considerate, entertaining and profoundly insightful regarding Nepalese culture and life in general. He is extremely talented and able to speak many languages. He tells some very amusing stories and kept John and me laughing our entire trip. I never felt pressurized to walk any faster or further than felt comfortable. I felt 100% confident in his judgement." |
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"Thank you for a good 18 days trekking around Annapurna . It was my first trekking and with Mukti by my side, it could not go wrong." |
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J. Elloway , Canada , 1999 |
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"If you don't have dreams, you can't have dreams come true. You've helped me make memories that will last forever." |
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Lionel and Hilary, Dublin , Ireland , 1999 |
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"Thank-you Mukti for such a wonderful trek. Our first ever and what a beautiful place." |
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"Mukti is a knowledgeable and competent guide. And even more important he is an outstanding person and I am honoured to call him my friend. My children are also grateful to him for bringing me back safely." |
"He is the greatest guide,
he just takes everything in his stride,
he has intelligence, charm and wit,
great knowledge of the mountains and is incredibly fit.
He will make your trek a happy one,
He'll stay in the memory long after he's gone,
He is in English speak, "the top man".
He knows the Annapurnas like the back of his hand,
And has a special place for his homeland,
He'll keep you firmly on the path,
And take you to his town - Muktinath!" |
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"We may be old but we are strong! Mukti led us through bitter cold and snow. He wore a red ribbon and magically the weather improved! What more could we want from a guide! Mukti was splendid company and a wise counsellor enabling us to acclimatise well. Not only did he look after us, but others also walking the circuit sought out his advise and help. In Pokhara we have seen so much more than we might otherwise have done and joined in preparations for the festival, as well as attending a wonderful family wedding." |
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B. Morrison, Norfolk , UK , 1999 |
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"Slowly, slowly and Nepali flat will be lasting memories of our trek with Mukti. He was far more than a guide - he was our friend straight away. Everybody on our day off the Annapurna circuit envied us having Mukti and were keen to seek his advice - people said we'd 'struck gold' with our guide. We admired his compassion for Nepali porters and hope he can help improve their lot. He wanted us to see the best and we did!" |
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"Mukti - what can I say? You are a star! Trekking with you is more than just a walk. Your patience, good humour and local knowledge made this the best holiday ever. We were able to trust your judgment completely with regard to the best route, the time needed, the best lodges to stay, places to eat and places to camp. How useful to have a guide that has such a good relationship with the lodge owners. We seemed to get special treatment everywhere. Throughout our trek we were rewarded with the most fantastic mountain views and our contact with the local Nepali people will be a fond memory for ever. But apart from being such a good guide and host, you also showed what a true Nepali you are by arranging the evacuation by helicopter of the Spanish trekker. He was not even one of your clients, but who knows - you may even have saved his life." |
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"When you see the mountains; In this minute you maybe will stay there forever." |
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M. Conneely , Ireland , 1999 |
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"Mukti is a wonderful guide. He is intelligent, conversational and great fun. He will educate you on all Nepalese culture and way of life. He is doing a lot of work for his fellow guides and porters trying to create a better life for them and their families. When you trek with Mukti you will see some of the most wonderful sights on the planet. He is also a magic man and can cause avalanches for photographic effect." |
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Joyce and Christine, Hong Kong , 1998 |
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"He is a responsible and considerate guide, providing many useful tips to us. When one of our group felt sick, he found another easier way for us to go." |
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Vanessa, Bondi , Australia , 1998 |
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"He certainly knows a lot. Especially how to put up with two girls complaining with aches and pains constantly. Thank you so much for everything Mukti - You're the best." |
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"His sense of humour and knowledge of the Nepalese country and people added a new to dimension to an awesome trip. I can't recommend him 'HIGHLY' enough. So take it easy and take Mukti, THE MAIN MAN." |
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"Mukti was a top guide and his natural comic talents added a hilarious dimension to our trip. He definitely knows what's what and what's not - don't leave home without him - he's as good as they come." |
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"Looking for a guide? Someone who knows the terrain, exactly where to get the best eats and view and hot showers? Someone who can offer you an insight into Nepalese traditions and customs, an open, honest, trustworthy person who will make damn sure you get the 'best price'; yes, yes look no further; MUKTI is his name. We had a great trek and Mukti made sure we stuck to our 3 day trip/schedule as painlessly as possible. You're in good hands, and we both recommend a trek with Mukti, DO IT!" |
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Sarah and Michael , England , 1998 |
"We have just finished a 6 day trek around Poon Hill, which was absolutely brilliant..Mukti was a superb guide who knew the area well and he found us friendly and good guest houses to stay in along the way. He is a unique character and is great fun to be with, and kept us amused with his many tales and jokes. We highly recommend him to anyone and we feel honoured to have travelled with such a kind, caring and considerate man."
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Dave and Christine , Ontario , 1998 |
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"We flew to Jomson and trekked back. Mukti was the perfect combination of "Take it easy" and incredibly well organized and informative. He was always right there and glad to answer questions when we had them, as well as out of the way and quiet when we wanted to enjoy the scenery and peace and quiet." |
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Amber W., Brighton , Australia , 1998 |
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"We wouldn't have made it if it wasn't for Mukti. He was our guide, motivator, coach and friend; ensuring we got the best of everything along our travels, he kept us informed and gave us lots of laughs "ladies butter"! I feel privileged to have had such a great guide." |
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Jeff , USA and Ted , Sweden , 1997 |
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"Mukti was an excellent guide and took us to very nice guest houses and pointed out all points of interest. He has many friends along the way, which helps with being treated in a friendly and welcoming manner. We always felt safe and had no problems at all." |
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C. Stewart , Scotland , 1997 |
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"Thanks for a brilliant time trekking. Really enjoyed it; took us to really nice places with friendly people, great views. A really good experience!" |
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"Mukti happily talks about the Nepalese way of life and has an interesting idea about getting chickens to lay more eggs!" |
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"We've just had a great week with Mukti. He went at the speed we wanted, never complained about anything, answering every question we could put to him; and even bought us great weather! We could trust him from the start." |
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S. and A. Cooper, New Zealand , 1997 |
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"Mukti has great stamina and knowledge of the Annapurna area as well as Nepal in general. This trip was not good but very good." |
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"The Annapurna 19 day circuit is amazing. Mukti made it easy. He pace us really well so we coped well with the altitude and throughout he showed concern for our welfare and happiness - A great guide!" |
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Mariana , Argentina , 1996 |
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"Mukti is the correct person. You will enjoy your trek with him. He is the best GUIDE!!!!" |
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"Great views, sunset over the mountains and an insight into the rural Nepal way of life and super food. Happy memories!" |
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Joyce and Joost , Netherlands , 1996 |
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"Don't forget to bring a deck of cards, he can teach you some great card tricks. We had to be rescued by helicopter and Mukti arranged everything really quick!" |
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J. Bosley, Perth , Australia , 1996 |
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"Oh my God!!! Had a really great trek with Mukti; his English and knowledge of the Nepali people is excellent. We were a bit slow sometimes, but Mukti tolerated us and even went ahead to organize a good hotel room." |
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N. Gerlach, Brisbane , Australia , 1996 |
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"Mukti was very tolerant of the fact that I was not very fit, so we had stops whenever necessary. Everything was taken care of by him; the accommodation, food, luggage.. the best trails." |
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