Our Story
Founded in 2016 by Ajay Kumar Shrestha (AJ), Annapurna Trekking is the Annapurna-region specialist within the Swotah Travel & Adventure family — built on one principle: the people who know these mountains best should be the ones guiding you through them.
Who We Are
Annapurna Trekking is the Annapurna-region specialist within the Swotah Travel & Adventure family — Nepal's award-winning adventure travel group founded by Ajay Kumar Shrestha (AJ). Our certified Sherpa and Gurung guides built this company around one goal: putting trekker experience before volume.
Our lead guides grew up in villages along the Annapurna Circuit and the Khumbu valley. They know these trails in every season, in every weather condition. More importantly, they know the families who run the tea houses, the monks at the monasteries, the farmers whose fields you walk through. That access is what separates a genuine mountain experience from a guided walk.
We have guided more than 1,000 trekkers from over 40 countries, with a strong safety record built on strict turn-back protocols and structured acclimatisation. We hold a 4.9-star rating on TripAdvisor and on Google Reviews from 500+ verified reviews. And we are proud to return 5–10% of every trek revenue to our Porter Education Programme.
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What We Stand For
We carry emergency oxygen, satellite phones, and pulse oximeters on every trek. Our turn-back protocols are non-negotiable.
Every guide holds a TAAN Class A licence and Wilderness First Responder certification. This isn't just guiding — it's professional mountain service.
5–10% of every trek revenue funds our Porter Education Programme. The people who carry your bags deserve educational opportunity too.
Our Network
Annapurna Trekking is the Annapurna-region specialist within the Swotah Travel & Adventure family — a network of six Nepali-owned sister companies, each deeply rooted in their own region or speciality. Learn about our network →
Nepal's award-winning adventure travel company. TripAdvisor Hall of Fame, 2,400+ five-star reviews.
You're hereAnnapurna Circuit, Base Camp, Poon Hill & Mardi Himal specialists.
EverestEverest Base Camp and Khumbu Valley expedition experts.
ManasluManaslu Circuit — Nepal's last great wilderness loop.
CulturalVillage homestay trekking for authentic cultural immersion.
GermanGerman-language Nepal tours for the DACH market.
Every trek is led by one of these three. You are told which one, by name, before you pay a deposit — and you can message them with questions first.
TAAN-Licensed Guide
Bijay was born and raised in the Manaslu region and has been guiding in the Nepal Himalaya for over 25 years. He has summited 5 peaks and led more than 150 treks, bringing a lifetime of first-hand mountain knowledge to every group he leads.
TAAN-Licensed Guide
Rajan is from eastern Nepal and specialises in Everest region expeditions. With over 10 years of guiding experience, 3 summits, and 60 treks led, he brings deep, practical knowledge of the Khumbu valley to every Everest Base Camp and Three Passes departure.
TAAN-Licensed Guide
Chhakmaya is from the Annapurna region and has spent over 18 years guiding treks through the Annapurna Conservation Area, leading more than 117 treks. Her deep familiarity with local mountain traditions and trail culture makes her a favourite with first-time trekkers.
Your Himalayan Adventure Awaits
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AJ (Ajay Kumar Shrestha)
Founder & Lead Guide
Bijay Gurung
TAAN-Licensed Guide
Rajan Rai
TAAN-Licensed Guide
Chhakmaya Gajurba
TAAN-Licensed Guide
