Reviews

Guildford East District Scout, UK, has worked with Mountain Monarch on five occasions. In 2007 they organized a trek to Everest Base Camp. In 2009, 2011 & 2013, they assisted us in organizing and installing clean water supplies to remote hillside villages and a bespoke trek in the Annapurna, Langtang, and Solu Khumbu regions. At Easter this year, 2015, they again assisted us in organizing and installing another clean water supply in a remote hillside village Gumda in the Lower Manaslu region and provided us with another bespoke trek.

Mountain Monarch has exceeded all these requirements. 
On all five of the expeditions. Their service before, during, and after the expedition has been exemplary. The equipment provided for our use was of the highest quality. The dedication of the Trek Leaders and the Guides to the well-being of all party members has been first-class, and we have been privileged to work with them.

From Pradip, the owner, to all of the guides and porters, the folks at Mountain Monarch were professional, kind, and friendly from when we all met in Kathmandu through my 18-day group Everest circuit trek to our return to Kathmandu. The experience was one of the best of my life. They kept my group safe, healthy, and happy for the trip, despite risks that can harm any trekker, such as altitude sickness and food poisoning. Regarding the overall cost of the trek, I found MM´s pricing to be quite competitive with that of their (many) competitors. I should also add that Pradip, the owner was also friendly enough to personally drop me off at the Kathmandu airport so I could catch a flight to my next destination of Bangalore. I would definitely trek with MM again. In fact, I am hoping I can join them again for a new trek in the next three years, with my father joining me. I rarely post reviews but am compelled to do so to spread the word about how impressive MM´s services are.

Two days rafting on Trishuli River + 4 days along Annapurna up to Poon Hill Our thoughtful & passionate Trek Leader and his Sidekick -Porter, turned this relatively short adventure into an incredible journey. We were planning a Part 2 (and Part 3, 4,5, etc.) with them even before the end and departing Kathmandu!

Mountain Monarch and their Rafting Partner also ensured that each second was thoroughly considered and taken care of, emphasizing the individual and, perhaps, more importantly, the group’s safety. And in case one gets bored with the scenery (AS IF!!!), we were fully engaged with some fantastic hospitality shown by the entire team. There was never a dull moment, even at rest, as we were kept well- reveled with interesting facts & figures, tidbits & tales, and some fascinating bedtime stories.

Thank you, Mountain Monarch, for a simply fantastic trek in Annapurna! Everything was exceptionally well organized, from the very first emails to the final drop-off at the airport. Pradip went out of his way to answer emails within hours and frequently checked in with us while in Kathmandu to ensure things were going smoothly. He even led our tour around Pashupatinath and Bhaudanath.

Our guides, Dipen and Nima, went above and beyond, looking out for us throughout the trek. They took care of everything, so all we had to do was relax and enjoy being in such a beautiful place. Safety was their top priority – from providing hand sanitizer with meals, filling our water bottles with boiled, filtered water every day, leach removal, and carrying a fully stocked first aid kit. One of the trekkers in our group got a little GI bug, and both Dipen and Nima checked in with her frequently, recommending electrolyte hydration packets and antibiotic options if it got worse. I’m a pharmacist and was impressed with how much they knew their drugs! Our porters, Veejay and Khush, hauled our heavy bags all over the mountains without complaint and even showed off their cooking skills for a few days (wow!!). And besides being extremely professional, the four of them were all-around fun guys to hang out with :)

We were on the mountain when the tragic Cyclone Hudhud hit. Fortunately, we were not on the circuit, but the harsh wind and rain at Khopra Ridge forced us to change our plans. Dipen kept an eye on the weather on his phone and called to delay our descent until the wind died. After hearing about the lives lost at Thorong Pass, it became straightforward how truly invaluable it is to have experienced guides.

I loved this trek in particular because of the combination of popular destinations (Poon Hill, Ghorepani, Tadapani) along with some quiet, off-the-beaten paths, hidden gems like Swanta, Chistabung, and the stunning Khopra Ridge. Some days we did not see any other trekkers, and we had the tea house all to ourselves!

Thank you again for a fabulous trekking experience and for already planning my return!

A fantastic trip, well thought out, and led by a very competent team of employees. I can't recommend Mountain Monarch enough, and I hope to use them again in the future. Thanks to Nima and the rest of the team for getting us on the Mera Peak summit! An excellent company for peak climbing in the Himalayas.

In September 2014, a group of seven Aussies went trekking and climbing with Mountain Monarch. The experience we all had was terrific. The trip was well organized and all of us enjoyed the friendship and company of the Mountain Monarch team. They were always helpful and willing to adapt to any changes and had good knowledge and experience of the Annapurna circuit. Two of us split from the original group and climbed Mt Chulu West. Climbing and camping gear was provided.

We had excellent cooks and a comfortable base, and high camps. The skill of our climbing guides, Prakash and Santa, gave us a lot of confidence to tackle this peak. This climb was one of the most rewarding challenges that both of us have experienced. Thank you, Pradip and your Mountain Monarch team, for a fantastic trek and climb.

Have nothing but great things to say about Mountain Monarch! I recently completed a 15-day trip with them to Annapurna Base Camp / Sanctuary. The trip was absolutely amazing, mainly due to the fantastic guides and porters with Mountain Monarch.

Guides:
The guides (we had one head guide and three assistant guides [+the four porters] for our eight-person group) were excellent. Good English, great experience and credibility, and very fun to get to know! They managed our group very well (with different levels of fitness) so that there was always a guide nearby. The porters were excellent and friendly and always arrived at the teahouse before we did.

Equipment: The guides traveled with an extensive medical kit, which surpassed my expectations. They also provide ponchos, sleeping bags, down jackets, etc. I did not need any of these and brought my own, but the quality looked pretty decent. You get to keep the duffel bag at the end of the trip. Note: the duffel bag is not waterproof. The porters cover it when it rains, but some may leak through, so be sure to “waterproof” (e.g., wrap it in plastic/seal it in bags) anything important. 

Teahouses: While all teahouses have relatively simple accommodations, I thought Dawa and our guides did an excellent job selecting nicer places. For the busier locations, an assistant guide went ahead to secure rooms (which is really important during high season).
Communication: Before and during the trip, communication was very good. Pradip answered all of my questions before the trip. The night before our start, we met with our head guide, Dawa, who gave an “orientation” to answer our key questions. Each night on the trail, Dawa gathered us together post-dinner to discuss the next day’s events. I thought the communication far exceeded expectations.

Hope this helps anyone who is thinking about going with Mountain Monarch. I was considering this company vs. many other international companies (often at a much higher price tag), and I can categorically say that I would select Mountain Monarch again for my next trip over any other options I considered. Happy travels!

In September 2014, a group of seven Aussies went trekking and climbing with Mountain Monarch. The experience we all had was terrific. The trip was well organized, and all of us enjoyed the friendship and company of the Mountain Monarch team.

They were always helpful and willing to adapt to any changes and had good knowledge and experience of the Annapurna circuit. Two of us split from the original group and climbed Mt Chulu West.

Climbing and camping gear was provided. We had excellent cooks and a comfortable base, and high camps. The skill of our climbing guides, Prakash and Santa, gave us a lot of confidence to tackle this peak. This climb was one of the most rewarding challenges that both of us have experienced. Thank you, Pradip and your Mountain Monarch team, for an amazing trek and climb

During November, we undertook the above trek with Mountain Monarch. Apart from ourselves, there were our two friends plus a mother and daughter from Japan and man and wife from Sydney. The age range was the late twenties to late sixties, but everyone got on really well and supported one another – I could not have wished for a better group of people.

It was a trek using the Tea Houses' designated camping areas. The tents and equipment were of good quality, and the porters usually had them erected by the time we reached our destination each day.

Throughout the trek and tour, Mountain Monarch delivered everything that had been agreed upon and more. We had an excellent team of porters, cooks, guides, and a support crew led by Subash Rai. The other guides, Anil, Ananta, and BJ, divided themselves among the group, and were lots of fun. Their English and knowledge of the local wildlife, including birds, were very good. The cook and his team produced freshly made food three times a day and even baked three birthday cakes on the trek, complete with icing and decoration. 

There is no question that the Mountain Monarch team went the extra mile throughout our trip, including safe delivery on all transport and airport pick up and drop off.

 After the trek, we parted company with our Japanese and Australian friends and went on to see some more of Nepal with our two friends, which included two nights in Tansen, one night in Bandipur (staying in Homestays) plus more time in Pokhara. This meant considerably more drive time, accomplished with complete safety, considering the Nepalese roads is some achievement.

We would undoubtedly recommend Mountain Monarch to any prospective trekkers to Nepal.
I (Phil) have previously been on a trek in the Karakorum, which was both longer and more arduous but the Mountain Monarch experience in Nepal was far superior. 

I hope to return in the future.      Lynne and Phil

I just returned from my second trek in Nepal with Mountain Monarch, and I have really enjoyed the experience. My father and I have been trekking for 15 days doing the Annapurna Base Camp, Khopra ridge, and Poon Hill trek on a customized basis with the guides cum porters Bijaya and Jaya. They brought us to the best lodges and always took care to call the tea houses in advance so we could have a private room. In some places where they did not have good cooks, they cooked delicious food for us, as they worked as cooks in India during the monsoon season. I also thank Pradip for being so patient in responding to the numerous emails I sent before my departure and giving me the best advice. I am already thinking about my next trek in Nepal, which will surely be with Mountain Monarch.
Visited November 2014