Twenty years. One mountain range.
Adventure Alternative Nepal was born from a simple idea: that the Himalayas should be experienced with the people who call them home.
From a single Sherpa guide to Nepal's most trusted expedition company.
In 2005, Pemba Dorje Sherpa had a vision: create an adventure company that was genuinely Nepali-led, where every dollar stayed in mountain communities, and where safety was non-negotiable.
Two decades later, Adventure Alternative Nepal has guided 12,000+ travelers from 23 countries across every region of Nepal — from the Everest Base Camp classic to restricted-area cultural journeys in Upper Mustang.
In 2019, we launched our Medical Electives program, connecting medical students with Kathmandu's teaching hospitals. In 2022, we added luxury helicopter tours and wellness retreats. Through it all, our guides have remained our greatest asset — 48 licensed Sherpas who know these mountains like their own backyard.
What we stand for
Safety first, always
IFMGA-certified guides, satellite communications, pulse oximeter checks, and helicopter evacuation on every trek above 3,500 m.
Carbon-balanced travel
We plant 12 native trees for every traveler. Zero single-use plastic on all trips since 2021. Waste-out policy on every expedition.
Community investment
94% of your trip cost stays in Nepal. We fund school scholarships for porters' children and medical clinics in remote villages.
Local-first philosophy
Nepali-owned and operated. Our guides aren't contractors — they're partners who co-design every itinerary and share in our success.
Meet our guides
Nepali-born, internationally trained. Every guide is a partner, not a contractor.
Pemba Dorje Sherpa
Founder & Head Guide
22 Himalayan summits including Everest × 4. Founded our company in 2005 after 15 years guiding for international operators.
Ang Tshering Lama
Operations Director
Logistics mastermind who coordinates 200+ trips per year. Former Nepal Tourism Board advisor.
Dr. Sushila Karki
Medical Programs Director
Emergency physician who built our medical elective program. Connects 180+ students annually with partner hospitals.
Dorje Lama
Cultural Trek Specialist
Born in Upper Mustang. Fluent in 5 Himalayan dialects. Specialist in restricted-area and cultural immersion treks.
Mingma Nuru Sherpa
Expedition Leader
IFMGA-certified mountain guide. Leads all technical expeditions including Ama Dablam and Island Peak.
Dawa Yangzom
Guest Experience Manager
Ensures every traveler's journey is seamless from first email to farewell dinner. Speaks 4 languages.
Licensed, certified, trusted.
We hold every license and certification required to operate safely in Nepal — and several we don't have to, because we believe in higher standards.
- Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) — Licensed Operator
- IFMGA — 4 Certified Mountain Guides
- TAAN — Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal
- Nepal Tourism Board — Approved Partner
- Leave No Trace — Certified Organization
- B Corp Pending — Application 2026
Ready to start your adventure?
Whether it's a trek, a climb, or a medical elective — we'll build the perfect trip for you.