WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

When I first booked my flight out to Nepal 9 months ago, I had no idea what adventures would lie in store for me once I arrived. I traveled the length of the Annapurna Circuit and then, after a brief rest in Pokhara, walked the Everest Base Camp region. Both of these incredible experiences, filled with laughter, awe, and beauty, would never have been possible without the help of my amazing guide, Ngima Sherpa, his brother Pem Sherpa, and their company Imperial Expedition. It was through their help and guidance that I had the best, most comfortable, and most adventurous time of my life while in Nepal. It was absolutely indispensable to have someone who knew the country and the roads with me; their knowledge about the culture, the history, and the people added an extra element of learning to my trip that I am grateful for, and wouldn’t trade for anything. I hope someday to return to Nepal, and when I do, I know exactly which company I am going to contact first to help me have the best trip possible; I already know by experience that my life is safe in their capable hands and that my adventure will be tailored to fit my curiosities and needs.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

I can't quite figure out how to phrase my appreciation for the expertise of Pem Sherpa and his crew for supporting our September-October 2008 Rotary International medical/dental project and subsequent trekking and climbing expeditions. If I tell the literal truth it will sound like too much, but the reality is that our volunteer group of 21 California volunteers (mostly Rotarians) had complicated arrivals, departures, tour needs, etc.). We had 2000+ pounds of medical and dental equipment and supplies that had to be transported to the remote Chyangba worksite. Following the work project, Pem Sherpa orchestrated our successful climb of Lobuche Peak (20,070'). He followed the perfect altitude acclimatization profiles in getting us to the summit. His team provided a "fixed rope" route for most of the summit climb day, giving climbers the same technical challenge for climbing the mountain while increasing safety if any climber were to fall. His attention to detail and the devotion of his climbing guides were second to none I have ever experienced in my many guided climbs. I would highly recommend Pem Sherpa and his Of Global Interest organization and wish him and his staff good luck.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

It was obvious that the guides put much planning into my visit to Nepal and Bhutan. Everything was perfect and I learned so much. Yes, the guides took care of me and were very knowledgeable about the sites that we visited. I had unexpected travel delays getting into Kathmandu but Dinesh was great with contacting me via Facebook and email to let me know that he would be in the airport - and he waited there for hours. Both guides were able and willing to take me to places that were high on my list and were knowledgeable about the culture and history - especially the history and culture related to Hinduism and Buddhism. Bhutan was more than I ever imagined with so much rich history and very humble people. The hotels there were great - especially the one in Paro. The staff there was so friendly and warm and the meals were always excellent. They were very accommodating towards my vegetarian diet! I believe that it was my favorite hotel. Overall, I would definitely travel with your organization again in the future!!!!

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

We didn’t want to repeat the accolades that others have given to Imperial Expedition describing the fantastic organizational and personal support they provided on our recent EBC trek, but it is impossible not to. Participating in such an adventure is not like taking a trip to Disney, where each moment is carefully scripted ahead of time and unfolds according to the prescribed plan. Weather and a host of other factors can influence how your experience unfolds on this kind of trip. The Itinerary is a good plan, but don’t think of it as a rigid absolute. The weather we encountered was fairly unpredictable and while this had considerable influence on our original scheduled itinerary, it by no means detracted from our enjoyment of the experience provided by Imperial Expedition. We wanted to see Mount Everest, and as the cloudy weather for that portion of the trek did not afford a decent view of the mountain, we were able, through our guide and support people in Kathmandu, to charter a helicopter for the next clear morning. While the efforts to charter the helicopter were taking place we remembered one of the pieces of advice Heather (Director/Founder of Imperial Expedition) had given us: simply, “to be flexible”. She was right. It was the ride of a lifetime, and we were able to fulfill our desire to see the mountain firsthand. This trip was incredible, and long before it was close to being over, we were debating which of the other excursions offered by Imperial Expedition we wanted to go on next. We are amazed by all the things they did for us to make this experience joyfully memorable. We highly recommend using them. We know we will be using them again for our future adventures!

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

Hi Pem, I am personally writing to you and expressing my deepest gratitude for an extraordinary journey! Our days in Nepal and the entire trip surpassed my hopes and manifested my dream. The word that most aptly describes our indescribable experience is "phenomenal". Our days in your country were dreamlike in the richness, color, sanctity, beauty, surprise, and loving-kindness that we experienced throughout our journey. The planning was superb and maximized all of our experiences. Chhiri, Dipesh, and Som were extraordinary support teams. We could not have been more fortunate. We are STILL aglow! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Can't wait to see the completed video! I hope your eye surgery tomorrow (already today for you) goes very well and I will send you healing energy. I also hope your family is healthy and happy and that the NEW YEAR brings all of you great goodness and joy!

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

Hi Pem: We feel very fortunate to have chosen Of Global Interest for our first Nepal adventure. Our trip was excellent; thanks to the great care we received from you and the guides and porters. The highlights: --Climbing Sherpas Ngima and Pemba were attentive and communicative to our needs throughout the entire trek and climb. They took great care to make sure we got safely up and down slippery rocks and ice. We felt secure and happy at all times in their care. --The porters were amazing, always smiling and ready to go and generally arriving before we did at the destination for the day. It was simply fabulous to arrive at high camp, find our tent waiting, and proceed to get almost overwhelmed with tea and food! --D'Nesh made sure everything worked out in Kathmandu, always showing up to see to it that we got the flight to Lukla, the car to the airport, etc. --Your own personal attention, by meeting us in Kathmandu, taking us to dinner, and answering all our questions by email and phone was also greatly appreciated. We would not hesitate to book another trip with your company. We hope you have much success and happiness in helping trekkers and climbers discover the delights of your wonderful homeland. We will definitely return at some point! Thanks so much, 

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

Travel to the “roof of the world”. See Everest and yak herds at 10,000 feet. Encounter two of the world’s great religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. Shop and eat at the choicest spots. We did it all and more with Pem and Imperial Expedition. We highly recommend Pem and the wonderful guides he arranged as we traveled in Tibet and Nepal for 3 ½ weeks. It was inspiring to hear Pem’s stories and to see beautiful Nepal through his eyes and experiences. The Nepali people are very friendly and the landscapes are beautiful. We appreciated Pem and all of the staff at Imperial Expedition accommodating our requests. They did everything they could to make our trip a very enjoyable and memorable one! We were very impressed with how they handled the illness of one of our group members while touring Tibet. They were very professional and caring; making arrangements for her and the rest of the group to continue on our trip. Every detail was arranged and when adjustments needed to be made; we were informed and plans seamlessly made. Thank you, Pem and the staff of Imperial Expedition for a fabulous journey!

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

For the past 10 years, I have been trekking and climbing in the Himalayan region. I have enjoyed every single trip and have marveled at the agility of the porters and appreciated the expertise of my Sherpa guides. However, my recent trek (a return to Everest) with Pem Dorjee Sherpa and his team from Imperial Expedition exceeded all my expectations and previous experiences. Quite simply, Pem is a first-class guide with excellent mountain knowledge. Just as impressive are his ‘people skills’ – nothing is too much trouble for him. He will accommodate the whims and ambitions of anyone, it seems. With Pem and his team you are in safe hands and when you travel high and remote THAT is what matters most. From now on the idea of trekking without Pem Dorjee Sherpa is unthinkable.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

This is a letter of recommendation for my friend, Pem Dorjee Sherpa. I had the pleasure last year of hiking with Dorjee on the Continental Divide Trail in July 2007 and of climbing with him in October of that same year on the 1,000-foot high Third Flatiron near Boulder, Colorado. I was very impressed by the mountain knowledge and expertise of this man who has spent so much time climbing high and serious mountains around the world. He clearly is a reliable person who can be trusted with the well-being of anyone placed in his care. Pem Dorjee sherpa is a good man to have in this country as he will add value to any enterprise in which he is involved. I heartily recommend him.
 About Royal Robbinshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Robbins

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

Pem, I wanted to take a moment to tell you that the month that I spent with you and Imperial Expedition in Nepal this past month will always be one of the most memorable months in my life. I was very impressed with the degree of organization that you and your company brought to the adventure…both in Chyangba and on the trek to Lobuche Peak (and our subsequent opportunity to look down 1500 feet upon Base Camp for Mt. Everest). It seemed to me that you were constantly being forced to juggle the adventure to comply with requirements of the weather (4 rain days in a row was unusual) and at no time did it seem like you were in less than 100% control of every element of the trek (including food, lodging, personnel, and the idiosyncrasies of your patrons). Thanks very much again for such a memorable experience. I would recommend you and your company to ANY one who might wish for an opportunity to visit Nepal or any of the other destinations and trips that you offer. Please feel free to have them contact me if I may be of further assistance. Warmest regards!

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

I have made two trekking trips to Nepal. On my last trip to the Everest Region, I had a wonderful time with Imperial Expedition. The staff was pleasant and courteous and took great care of all the trekkers. They made sure we stayed in comfortable guest houses and ate good food. They were knowledgeable about the history and culture and all had a good sense of humor. Sign on with Imperial Expedition. I guarantee you will have a fantastic experience.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

This summer I joined Pem Dorjee Sherpa and his team to trek to Lo-Manthang, the former capital of Mustang located in the middle Northern part of Nepal. It was a 14-day trek. At first, I was apprehensive about joining a big group of which I knew no one, except Pem whom I met on my first trip to Nepal a few years before. Joining a trip like this would be like entering an arranged marriage -- we know we will be together, but we do not know what it is going to be like. Our team was 20-plus men strong, clients and sherpas included. Despite the big group, the itinerary and the organization of the whole trip were superb; Pem planned everything in detail and also managed to handle things in emergency situations. Pem always put his client's interest first. For instance, food safety is a major concern when traveling abroad, but the food on this trip was excellent and safe because Pem brought along a kitchen crew to prepare food and ensured that we ate well and did not get sick. None of us got sick during the whole trip. In another instance, when we were in Lo-Manthang, one member of our group wanted to purchase some souvenirs, but Pem found them too expensive and low quality. He argued with the local merchant about the price and selections. Pem’s easy-going style made the whole trip much more enjoyable for us and for those who worked for him. For the trekking experience, it is hard to top this. I will definitely join Pem again on future trips, and I will highly recommend Pem and the Imperial Expedition to anyone who wants to gain ultimate trekking experience in Nepal and the surrounding regions.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

May 30, 2013, Dear Pem, I want to thank you for the wonderful trip to Nepal and Tibet in May of 2013. You have been a terrific organizer and a fantastic guide. I would use your company, Imperial Expedition, anytime. I was so impressed with your ability to take care of the many needs in our group and your willingness to go above and beyond for each one of us individually. Your concern for my health and safety is very appreciated. (I still feel bad about reshaping the group's plans.) Thank you also for listening to what the group wanted and not being stuck in one place. Your flexibility is a special trait that makes trips like these fun and adventurous. You are very personable and upbeat and friendly with people, all things that make you a good guide and organizer. So again THANK YOU for everything!! Keep up the great work. I will be in touch about the insurance situation and I will be down at your store frequently. Best wishes and love to you and your great family.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

The first time I met Pem Dorjee Sherpa, in Kathmandu, I realized he was a great professional providing all that he did for my group of 20 French Physicians (working in Medical Anthropology) across Tibet. He respected my requirements. All group members were charmed and delighted with his professionalism, his effectiveness, his discretion, and his kindness. Pem, thank you for everything. I hope (I’m sure!) we will travel again with you and that many people in the future will enjoy your very high skills.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

I traveled with Imperial Expedition to Mustang, Nepal in April 2011. The trip was very well organized and we had tremendous flexibility in organizing the itinerary before we committed to the trip. Once in Nepal, Pem Dorjee Sherpa and his team ensured that we had a great time and catered to our needs. The food was great and our camp equipment was good. The guides were attentive, focused on safety, and also a lot of fun (as well as good photographers.) As the trip progressed and we reached our destination, Pem and his team kept us motivated and went out of their way to make sure our needs were met. Once we made it back to Pokhara and ultimately Kathmandu, Pem and his team made sure that we were well looked after, including arranging a much-desired hamburger. I have traveled with Of Global Interest once before in Nepal in 2009 and had the same experience. I highly recommend Pem Dorjee Sherpa and his team at Imperial Expedition.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

In the summer of 2008, I had the wonderful opportunity to Trek to Everest Base Camp with Pem Dorjee Sherpa. The overall impression was that Pem’s team was organized, professional, and kind. We felt treated exceptionally well throughout the entire time, and it was a true joy to spend every moment on the Trek with them. The food was delicious, and the advice that we gathered throughout the trip was very helpful for the ascent of Island Peak at the end of our trip. Pem was not only a professional and trustworthy trekking guide but developed very close relationships with all the team members throughout the trip. He met us in Kathmandu and flew to Lukla with us. All the itinerary details were carefully planned, and not once did we have any sense of the trip being unorganized. Pem was open to any of my questions; I very much felt that Pem’s team helped me understand the Nepali culture better. I recommend Imperial Expedition to anyone who seeks a well-organized and intimate traveling experience in Nepal.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

Our experience with Pem Sherpa and Imperial Expedition was in Nepal in September 2008. Our group of 24 was made up of five dentists, a physician, three nurses, and other professionals who went to a remote village called Chyangba to perform medical/dental/vision missions along with building and supporting the village school. Some in our group were experienced campers, hikers, and explorers. While we, being 50-something (in good shape), had limited hiking and absolutely no camping experience at all. Pem’s people met us at the Kathmandu airport and transported us and our gear to a local hotel, where Pem arranged tours for us to explore the surrounding area for a couple of days to get acclimated and enjoy the sights and sounds of Nepal. We had a great experience, and Pem is the only one we would trust to organize and conduct any trip/hike/climbing adventure in the Nepal region.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

In 2008, I participated in a Rotary International service project traveling to Nepal where I met Pem Dorjee Sherpa and Moni Mulepati for the very first time. Somewhat unsure as to what to expect being so far from my comfort zone, I was immediately impressed by Pem’s warm and enduring personality, punctuated by his calm, confident and friendly manner. As our journey progressed, it became even more evident that he is dependable, resourceful, knowledgeable, and most of all trustworthy in what he does. Pem helped make my time in Nepal a most memorable life experience and I would surely recommend his services. We have kept in contact since that time and I am proud to call Pem and Moni my friends.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

My experience with Imperial Expedition could not have been any better! When I arrived in Kathmandu, I was warmly received by a member of the staff who, after dropping my bags off at the hotel, kindly led me around the city. After spending a few days exploring that wonderful city and meeting my climbing guide, we flew out to Lukla to begin our trek. Our goal was to summit Island Peak with a stop at Everest base camp along the way for acclimatization. Throughout the trek, my guide and porter were incredibly supportive and engaging and taught me so much about the region and culture. Although we ultimately were unable to summit Island peak due to weather conditions (one of the greatest challenges of climbing) we did reach approximately 6,000m, the highest I had ever been. I was immensely satisfied with the climb. Though I have taken a mountaineering course previously and had the opportunity to climb many of the highest peaks in Washington State, I was new to the Himalayan Mountains. My guide taught me several new techniques to enhance safety while climbing and provided a safe, encouraging environment. I would highly recommend this guiding company, as they were reliable, timely, organized, and above all fun!