Meet the People Behind Your Himalayan Adventure
A government-licensed Nepal trekking company founded by veteran Sherpa mountaineers. We combine 15+ years of high-altitude experience, certified local guides, direct operations, and an ethical commitment to mountain staff.
From Solukhumbu Trails to Direct Expedition Operations
Our founder, Surya Lama, grew up in the high Himalayan valley of Solukhumbu. Like most young Sherpas in the Everest region, he began his career at age 18 carrying duffel bags as a porter, learning the trails, altitude dynamics, and weather patterns from old expedition veterans.
Over the next decade, Ang advanced to assistant guide, licensed lead mountain guide, and eventually led multi-summit high-altitude peak expeditions. However, he noticed a persistent problem in international mountain tourism: overseas agencies charging high commissions while local guides and porters received inadequate equipment and low wages.
To create a direct, local Sherpa-owned agency where trekkers receive honest high-altitude advice, safety is never compromised for profit, porters are treated ethically, and local Himalayan communities directly benefit.
Company Establishment & Journey
Combining decades of practical mountain guiding experience with professional agency operations.
Company Establishment & Initial Operations
Igloo Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. was established in Kathmandu in 2025. The company began primarily with trekking services, helping travellers explore Nepal’s mountain trails with experienced local trekking leaders.
Service Development: Peak Climbing & Tours
Building on its trekking operations, the company expanded into peak climbing and tours. This broadened its services for travellers interested in mountain climbs, cultural visits, and journeys beyond the trekking trails.
Website Development & Online Listings
The company developed its website to showcase trip packages, detailed itineraries, and destination information. Selected trekking trips were also listed on Tripadvisor, making them accessible to travellers researching trips in Nepal.
Current Trekking & Climbing Portfolio
The website features comprehensive packages across Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Upper Mustang, and Dolpo. Climbing packages include Island Peak, Mera Peak, Lobuche Peak, and Yala Peak with verified local safety standards.
What "Local Operator" Actually Means
When you book with us, there are no middleman brokers or international reseller markups. Your trek is managed directly from our Kathmandu office to the mountain trail.
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Regulatory Requirement
Under Nepal Tourism Board regulations, foreign trekkers on major routes (including Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Mustang, and Langtang) are required to travel with a government-licensed guide registered through a certified local agency. Working with Igloo Himalaya Treks ensures 100% legal compliance, official TIMS registration, and emergency rescue insurance.
Meet Our Founder
"Mountains Are Our Home. Safety & Integrity Are Our Promise."
With 22+ years of high-altitude mountaineering experience and 5 successful summits of Mt. Everest (8,848.86m), Ang Tshering personally oversees guide training, wilderness medical protocols, and route planning. His experience ensures that our itineraries incorporate realistic acclimatization profiles rather than rushed schedules.
Licensed Sherpa Mountain Guides
Our lead guides hold NMA licenses, high-altitude medical training, and decades of trail experience.
Pemba Sherpa
Experience: 16+ Years
Specialties: EBC, Three Passes, Island Peak
Languages: English, Nepali, Sherpa
"Safety first, summit second."
Dawa Tenzing Sherpa
Experience: 14+ Years
Specialties: Manaslu Circuit, Annapurna
Languages: English, Nepali, German
"Pacing is the secret to altitude."
Lakpa Nuru Sherpa
Experience: 12+ Years
Specialties: Mera Peak, Langtang, Mustang
Languages: English, Nepali, French
"Mountains teach us humility."
Mingma Sherpa
Experience: 11+ Years
Specialties: Rolwaling, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga
Languages: English, Nepali
"Every trekker returns home safely."
The People Who Make Your Trek Happen
A successful Himalayan expedition requires a dedicated ecosystem of mountain professionals. Our team includes licensed lead guides, assistant guides, porters, drivers, and 24/7 Kathmandu reservation officers.
A Day in the Life of Our Lead Guide
Our Approach to Mountain Safety
High altitude requires operational discipline, medical equipment, and clear protocols.
Before the Trek
- Comprehensive fitness & health evaluation
- Required high-altitude equipment audit
- Acclimatization profile verification
- Matching group with compatible guide
During the Trek
- Twice-daily pulse oximeter SpO2 logs
- Strict elevation gain caps (300-500m/day above 3,000m)
- Garmin inReach satellite tracking
- Boiled/filtered drinking water protocols
In an Emergency
- Immediate descent to lower altitude
- First-aid & portable altitude chamber / O2
- Direct satellite dispatch to Kathmandu hub
- Helicopter evacuation & hospital transfer
Honest Mountain Risk Transparency Statement
"Mountains cannot be made 100% risk-free. Weather, flight delays, and altitude sickness affect even the most experienced mountaineers. Our commitment is to approach every mountain responsibly through conservative acclimatization profiles, certified medical equipment, satellite communications, and transparent decisions — prioritizing your life and safety above all else."
100% Fair Porter & Staff Welfare Policy
Porters are the backbone of Himalayan trekking. We adhere strictly to the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) and IPKO ethical guidelines:
- 20kg Weight Limit: Strict maximum load cap per porter.
- Living Wages: Fair daily wages above industry averages.
- High-Altitude Gear: Warm jackets, trousers, gloves, and boots provided.
- Medical & Rescue Insurance: Comprehensive insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation.
- Warm Teahouse Shelter: Guaranteed warm sleeping arrangements and meals.
Responsible & Sustainable Tourism
Where Your Trekking Money Goes
How your trip payment directly supports local mountain ecosystems in Nepal.
Government Registration & Industry Affiliations
Igloo Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. is fully certified and recognized by government ministries and tourism authorities in Nepal.
Tourism Authority License
Official license to organize trekking, mountaineering, and cultural tours in Nepal.
Business Registration Document
Legally incorporated as Igloo Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. under Nepal Government law.
PAN Certificate
Official Permanent Account Number (PAN) tax certificate issued by the Government of Nepal.
Kathmandu Municipality Certificate
Local municipal government operating registration and business certificate.
Cottage & Small Industries
Registered enterprise under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.
Foreign Exchange License
Authorized central bank license for secure foreign currency wire & card transactions.
NMA Mountaineering Document
Certified organizer for trekking peaks including Island Peak, Mera Peak, Lobuche, and Yala Peak.
Kathmandu Headquarters & Client Briefing Lounge
We welcome trekkers to visit our main office in Thamel for pre-trek briefings, gear inspections, or cup of Himalayan tea.
Aja Swan Marg, Geetanjali Chowk, Ward 16, Kathmandu, Nepal
Opening Hours:Sunday – Friday: 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM (NPT)
Saturday: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
WhatsApp: +977 9860843980 | Call: +977 1 4700000
What We Will Never Promise & When We Say No
Real Stories & Expedition Journal
First-hand experiences from our trekkers and mountain operational team.
"When bad weather grounded Lukla flights for 2 days, Ang Tshering and Pemba arranged an emergency private 4WD to Salleri within 2 hours so we didn't lose a single trekking day. That operational quick thinking made our entire Everest Base Camp dream possible!"
"Crossing Cho La (5,420m) requires checking black ice conditions at 4:30 AM before departure from Dzongla. Our guides carry microspikes for every trekker and test fixed rope anchors across the glacier section."
Where Our Sherpa Team Operates
Direct field operations across all major trekking regions and mountain sub-valleys of Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns and operates Igloo Himalaya Treks?
We are 100% locally owned and operated by veteran Sherpa mountaineer Surya Lama (5x Everest summitter) and based in Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Are you a government-registered trekking agency?
Yes, we hold Nepal Ministry of Tourism License #1482/068, Company Registration #60124859, and active memberships with TAAN and NMA.
Planning Your Trek to Nepal?
Talk directly with our Kathmandu expedition specialists. Tell us your target travel dates, group size, and fitness level — we'll help you plan a safe, authentic itinerary.