Island Peak Expedition

August 17, 2023

I trekked with a group of 12 to Everest Base Camp in May 2023 with Mountain Hawk(MH) . Prem and his team organised the trip to the finest detail. MH is a an experienced operator ensuring that the trekkers fitness levels are looked at the outset. This ensures almost 100% success rate. I will definitely recommend MH as a responsible enabler.

November 5, 2019

Prem and his team made the expedition a magnificently memorable experience. The views were amazing and feeling of achieving daily goals to reach the Everest Base Camp under Prem’s leadership was incredible. Prem’s invaluable experience and knowledge of the mountains, his confidence, competence and considerate attention to everyone’s specific needs helped us successfully reach the Everest Base Camp. He provided guidance on what we should wear, what to eat (or not to eat in my case as I like being adventurous!), to keep hydrated and he set the pace for trekking each day – kept on reminding us it is our own race! He made sure we were medically and physically fit each day for the trek. Thank you to Prem and his team for making my first Everest Base Camp trek an incredibly memorable experience. I have no hesitation in recommending Mountain Hawk Trekking for a splendid experience – the best in class!!

May 25, 2018

Gokyo Ri, Cho La pass, & Island Peak ! Prem – Weather god, protector of stomachs, and guide extraordinaire! I cannot speak highly enough of Prem and Mountain Hawk trekking. Prem led us on an amazing 22 trek through Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass and the summit of Island Peak. It was the adventure of a lifetime and Prem made sure it was perfect. He had everything organised and he quickly adapted plans and arrangements when things needed to change. He managed our acclimatisation well, taking us up slowly and monitoring our O2 each day. He also kept us away from dodgy foods and no one got sick. While others were flown back down the valley, we continued. He also has a great sense of humour and was really part of our team. And the porters are fantastic! Those tough guys carried all of our stuff, helped us over Cho La Pass and were always smiling. The Island Peak summit was as amazing as the climb was hard. Without Prem’s acclimatisation and preparation we wouldn’t have made it. In years to come I will bring my children to see the beauty Nepalese mountains and I will definitely go with Prem. Thanks for an amazing experience!

November 20, 2016

My wife and I went to Upper Mustang in October of 2016 with Prem Pandit from Mountain Hawk Treks. I can only say that it was the most remarkable trip we’ve ever been on. Mustang is vast, stark, raw, remote, and to date, unspoiled.

The landscape is most reminiscent of the old American West–just bigger, and with the Himalayas as the backdrop, and more spectacular. It is high desert with altitudes ranging from 2800 to 4000 meters (9000 to 13,500 ft). Daytime temperatures were a comfortable 15C (60F), nighttime approaching 0C (32F).

The culture is Tibetan, and the entire area is dotted with Buddhist monasteries, stupas and chortens. Beautiful works of religious art are found within the monasteries (which are dark inside: a flashlight is a necessity) and the chortens. The villages themselves are small, with people living traditional Tibetan, Buddhist lives. You feel that you are looking back in time. I suspect this will begin to change as adventure tourism continues to grow.

Our guide Prem was indispensable. He not only planned our trek with us in mind (we are in our sixties), but he is very flexible and made wonderfully thought-out changes to our plans when circumstances dictated. Our impromptu trek to Muktinath comes to mind as one of the highlights, and it was added because we needed an extra day in Lo Manthang which changed the original itinerary.

Prem is passionate about what he does. He is very well informed about the wildlife, the cultural and the religious aspects of this region. He loves trekking and it shows. His thoughtfulness and insight made sure we had a successful trip. I recommend him highly to anyone who wants a real adventure. Prem is honest, considerate, and highly respected in the villages and among his peers. He will not let you down. This was our second trek with Mountain Hawk, and we’d go again with Prem.

February 17, 2016

We first used Mountain Hawk Trekking in 2010 when we completed a short 8 day Annapurna circuit and the Everest Base Camp Trek – see previous testimonial below.

We came back to Nepal in January 2014 and once again relied on Prem and his team at Mountain Hawk Trekking. This time Prem looked after us on two treks: Kanjing Gompa and Goyko – Goyko Ri.

Once again, his level of planning, care and attention was simply outstanding. Both treks were simply awesome. Given that it was winter with freezing temperatures overnight, Prem made sure we had additional blankets to ensure that we were warm and comfortable at night. There were days when the temperatures fell to well below freezing whilst we were trekking and to ensure we remained warm and well looked after, Prem made sure the porter trekked with us so that if needed we could raid our packs for additional supplies.

The scenery on the way to Goyko was quite simply majestic and upon reflection I believe it was a better trek than Everest Base camp. The panorama from the top of Goyko Ri is breathtaking with 360 degree views overlooking the Ngozumpa Glacier which is the longest glacier in the Himalayas.

We are planning to return for a third time in 2016 and if weather permits undertake Cho La high pass from EBC to Goyko and thus complete a loop. If you are planning to trek in Nepal, do yourself a really, really huge favour and use Mountain Hawk Trekking; we highly recommend them.

November 28, 2013

Only 2 members of our team of 18 had been to Nepal before and both times with Prem and his team at Mountain Hawk (MH). The fact that we chose MH again is a testament to their excellent organisation and ability to manage such a large group. There was a lot of correspondence before the trip which was very efficiently handled by Prem and his guidance in preparing us for the expedition was invaluable. As you can imagine, looking after each one of a group of 18 with diverse needs is not easy but throughout the trip, the entire crew was superb and attended to all our needs with patience and a smile. There were some tricky moments as weather conditions were testing but their encouragement and support got us through. Above all, we all had a lot of fun and laughter with them as we felt they were like a family to us. Thank you MH from all our hearts and look forward to more trips with you.

UK and Kenya, London and Nairobi

April 19, 2012

Had a great trek to EBC with Mountain Hawk in March 2012. Badri was our excellent guide and Niraj our porter. Everything was organised so well and our safety came first. Guest houses were very good and the food excellent. I recommend Mountain Hawk to anybody.

March 6, 2012

Sarah and I travelled with Mountain Hawk Trekking to Everest Base Camp in Jan 2012. Prem was recommended to us by friends as a very professional and knowledgeable guide and we were not disappointed. Our flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and back, meals and accommodation on the trek, porters, park passes, were all arranged by Mountain Hawk Trekking. Prem‚Äôs attention to detail is fantastic, as is his knowledge of the area. He ensured we were well looked after while walking, and in guesthouses each night. Prem and his team are very professional, friendly, and have a wonderful sense of humour, all of which added up to an absolutely wonderful trip. I can highly recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking for your trip to Nepal ‚ we are certainly planning to return.

February 22, 2012

Thanks for a very memorable Annapurna Trek that you and your group managed for my party. We found the Mountain Hawk team to be excellent, and everyone involved did their utmost to ensure our trip was successful, safe, and enjoyable. Our trek leader, Badri Karki was great, and he really went the extra mile to make sure our trekking experience was first rate. Thanks again, and best wishes.

Rod Poxon, Martin and Tom Beanland, Nick Cook, Rod Poxon, David Reynolds, Peter Addlem, John Denny.

February 15, 2012

I trekked to EBC in January 2012 with Prem as our guide. What a fantastic bloke he is, brilliant guide, ensures that food at guest houses is tip top and also a great beer guide around Kathmandu on our return. I have recommended Prem to others and they have booked him for EBC later this year Prem you took loads of photos you choose which one to go on.

December 17, 2011

Hi Prem, Badri and the team, Thank you for all of your help and support. We had a fantastic trek to annapurna base camp. You were very professional and helpful and will certainly be happy to recommend your company to our friends and family. We will remember this wonderful trip forever.

Thank you.

Martin and Tom Beanland, Nick Cook, Rod Poxon, David Reynolds, Peter Addlem, John Denny

November 15, 2011

I had a wonderful week in Nepal in 2007 on the Poon Hill trek. I was very fortunate to have Prem (Pandit) as my guide. Prem is a very experienced guide who speaks excellent English. He was a delight to spend time with as he was able to tell me all about the mountains and the flora and fauna. He was also able to tell me about the local customs and lifestyles of the people who live in the small Himalayan villages. Prem goes out of his way to make sure that you are comfortable at all times. I wholeheartedly recommend Prem as a guide. He is absolutely first class.

September 18, 2011

Mountain Hawk treks organized a great trek for my family and I during the month of August 2011. The team of porters and our guide were excellent and very attentive. We had beautiful weather and plenty of wildlife. All in all was everything we wanted. Will be coming back for sure!

Caroline + Dan from Canada

My father, sister and I spent 21 days with Ram, Raju and badri on the Annapurna circuit. I couldn’t have imagined a better group of guides/ porters to spend time with. They were always extremely professional and made the trek a great experience altogether.

June 26, 2011

hi mahesh and the rest of the trekking team

it was great while we were there together on the mountains etc. All in the same boat and as they say that sinking feeling but we were adamant and were keen on not letting the ship drown and carried on and persevered and eventually we saw light at the end of the tunnel – literally – we reached muktinath -a very holy place for buddhists and hindus alike !!!

dipak did do a wonderful job and same for prem and his team – so a big asante sana

so hip hip hurray to us all for adding another chapter in our lives !! a milestone by any standards

mahesh it was apity we lost ‘mzee’ earlier on but we inherited another mzee …. you were sorely missed for your chili sauces etc and of course as been our senior member and the wisdom thats comes with it – but we all have to heed the call from above and do what is the right thing for our health and safety !!

so hope all are ok and getting down to business of our daily routines and work loads and asking hte same question -should i be sitting at the desk and do what i do or take time out and do something more adventurous and meaningful ?

its all in our hands

all the best
from the most dangerous aadmi
Nitin Jadu

March 14, 2011

Mountain Hawk treks provided a fantastic trek to Everest Base Camp and Kalapattar. We had fantastic weather, wonderful wildlife sighting and a caring guide. A very enjoyable eleven day trek! We had the pleasure of meeting many tourists and local Sherpa people alilu. The traditional Nepali Dalbhat un proves…… as you walk down! Fantastic atmosphere and feeling among the trekkers and guides. Our generous, fun- loving porter was an absolute champion!

January 24, 2009

We completed the Everest Base Camp and Cho La pass trek in December 2008 with Prem and we had an incredible time. When you have no previous serious trekking experience and no experience in Nepal, travelling with the right guide is the single most important element of your trip and we have to say we felt very lucky. Prem was friendly and flexible, yet always gave us the space we needed. He is experienced and extremely knowledgeable about trekking, mountain and Nepali culture. With him we felt safe – we believe his advice contributed a great deal in us not getting altitude sickness – and well taken care of. He for example managed to get us the best rooms in the lodges we stayed in whenever he could – so all we had to do was to focus on enjoying our trip. With his knowledge of less traveled trekking regions, including in India, as well as his experience of the most popular technical trekking peaks in Nepal, we felt that there is a lot more to discover and we will contact him for sure for our next trekking adventures. Sam & Naoko Japan