Crystal Mountain Treks
Crystal Mountain Treks
Crystal Mountain Treks
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About
We are a 28-year old, second generation company based in Kathmandu, Nepal. We specialize in "experiences of a life-time" and will do everything in our power to ensure that our travelers are able to experience the Himalayas and our culture to the fullest. Because of this and because we strive to provide personalized services, a majority of our travelers are either repeat customers or referrals.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Crystal Mountain Treks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
94 reviews
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94
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0
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0
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Sara Gillis
Garberville, CA1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Friends
Crystal Mountain Treks went above and beyond our expectations and provided us with an unforgettable experience!
First I should mention that our trip was initially scheduled to happen in March-April 2020. Unfortunately, because of Covid, we had to cancel our plans at the last minute. Two years came and went before we were ready to embark on our journey. All of our previous payments and deposits were honored and Jwalant at CMT handled the situation professionally and promptly.
Our family members all had different fitness levels and cultural interests so our itinerary was created for us to suit our needs.
The first leg of our trip consisted of cultural tours in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. We were provided a guide named Archana who was able to explain the cultural significance of the sites we were visiting. She was happy to answer all of our questions and even helped us buy spices and give us recipes!
Our second leg of the trip was the trekking part. Our family has varying fitness levels and Jwalant was able to create custom itineraries for each of us that matched our abilities.
Our guide, Pema Sherpa, was a wonderful companion and having him with us enhanced our trekking experience. He was patient, friendly, fun and flexible and by the end of the trek we felt as if we were long time friends. He patiently led us up and down the endless stone stairways in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Pema went out of his way to show us things to that we are interested in such as farms, villages, wildlife, native plants and of course, the incredible landscape. At one point the weather turned and Pema had crampons in his bag for us to wear so we didn’t slide through the snow! His friendly personality gave us the confidence we needed to keep on climbing.
We want to return to Nepal to trek in a different region and we will definitely be repeat customers of Crystal Mountain Treks because of their excellent service and guides. We truly appreciate the experience of a lifetime that they provided.
First I should mention that our trip was initially scheduled to happen in March-April 2020. Unfortunately, because of Covid, we had to cancel our plans at the last minute. Two years came and went before we were ready to embark on our journey. All of our previous payments and deposits were honored and Jwalant at CMT handled the situation professionally and promptly.
Our family members all had different fitness levels and cultural interests so our itinerary was created for us to suit our needs.
The first leg of our trip consisted of cultural tours in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. We were provided a guide named Archana who was able to explain the cultural significance of the sites we were visiting. She was happy to answer all of our questions and even helped us buy spices and give us recipes!
Our second leg of the trip was the trekking part. Our family has varying fitness levels and Jwalant was able to create custom itineraries for each of us that matched our abilities.
Our guide, Pema Sherpa, was a wonderful companion and having him with us enhanced our trekking experience. He was patient, friendly, fun and flexible and by the end of the trek we felt as if we were long time friends. He patiently led us up and down the endless stone stairways in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Pema went out of his way to show us things to that we are interested in such as farms, villages, wildlife, native plants and of course, the incredible landscape. At one point the weather turned and Pema had crampons in his bag for us to wear so we didn’t slide through the snow! His friendly personality gave us the confidence we needed to keep on climbing.
We want to return to Nepal to trek in a different region and we will definitely be repeat customers of Crystal Mountain Treks because of their excellent service and guides. We truly appreciate the experience of a lifetime that they provided.
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise K
1 contribution
May 2023 • Family
The company fulfilled every expectation we had. We completed the Annapurna Base Camp trek and trekked to Pangboche and part way to the Amadablam base camp. The guides and porters were excellent and knowledgeable. We learned a great deal about the country, people, traditions and mountains. The itinerary was organized to assure we did not suffer from high altitude illness with adequate acclimatization. The lodges were always comfortable with some more basic than others. We stayed at one lodge that seemed a bit out of the way only to awake in the morning to views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse that were spectacular. It was evident the company knows the routes well, selects lodges and restaurants of people with whom they have long standing relationships. Our guide went out of his way to provide me with an opportunity to visit two hospitals which as a health care professional was an exciting opportunity, I highly recommend Crystal Mountain Treks and am already considering returning next year.
Written June 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingDaver
Indianapolis3 contributions
Dec 2022
I recently completed a 2-week trek from Lukla to Gokyo Lakes in Nepal with Crystal Mountain Treks. They were amazing! I signed up for a solo trek so I had a guide and porter all to myself. The guide, Rinji, was incredible, finding the right pace for me, giving tips on proper hiking techniques, and customizing the itinerary on days I could go farther. He always chose the best lodge in each village and knew the best rooms in each lodge. He and the porter took great care of me so I always felt at ease. The views of Everest from Gokyo Ri were breathtaking! They suggested the Gokyo Lakes trek over the Everest Base Camp trek for the better views and I agree that it was the right choice. They pay their porters and guides more than other companies and are locally owned which I really like. I can't say enough good things about them and highly recommend them.
Written January 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle S
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Couples
Our Annapurna Base Camp trek through Crystal Mountain was a breath-taking, life changing experience. With only 11 days to work with in Nepal, Crystal Mountain put together a custom itinerary for us to ensure our travel timeline was met while also guaranteeing we experienced all the Annapurna range had to offer. All communication from airport transfers, hotel stays, trek travel, meals, and even Kathmandu tours was clear, flexible, and easy. We felt comfortable and confident we were in great hands at all times during the trek and experience- This was my first trek with Crystal Mountain Treks, and I certainly hope it will not be my last!
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monica S
1 contribution
Apr 2023
Crystal Mountain Treks (CMT) facilitated a wonderful experience on the Manaslu Circuit Trek for my daughter and me. The guides all spoke English, and we felt we could rely on them immediately. They were always professional, patient, and very helpful. The porters were energetic and accommodating. CMT's itinerary was very effective for gradual adjustment to the higher altitude levels, and also had flexibility for going over the Larkya Pass on the best weather day. Another plus was CMT's female guide training program; we benefitted from having a fabulous female guide trainee. We can't say enough good things about Crystal Mountain Treks!
Written May 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
db2926
31 contributions
Oct 2021
We just got back from an amazing 2-weeks trip to Nepal for the Everest Base Camp trek. It has been a, fantastic, unforgettable experience - and part of the reason was the impeccable service we received from Crystal Mountain Treks.
Prior to organizing our trip, we have been in contact with several trekking agencies, going through their various offers. Already from that point, we were impressed by Jwalant's responsiveness, his thorough answers, and the very professional way he addressed all our questions and concerns. This prompted us to pick Crystal Mountain for the trip.
The first positive impressions we got before the trip were fully confirmed, and even exceeded expectations, throughout the trip itself.
Our guide, Kandu Sherpa, is not only a real-life Wonder Woman but also the most kind, helpful, and supportive guide you could possibly wish for.
Prior to organizing our trip, we have been in contact with several trekking agencies, going through their various offers. Already from that point, we were impressed by Jwalant's responsiveness, his thorough answers, and the very professional way he addressed all our questions and concerns. This prompted us to pick Crystal Mountain for the trip.
The first positive impressions we got before the trip were fully confirmed, and even exceeded expectations, throughout the trip itself.
Our guide, Kandu Sherpa, is not only a real-life Wonder Woman but also the most kind, helpful, and supportive guide you could possibly wish for.
Written November 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anilbans
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal7 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
They just nailed it in terms of firstly assigning people who are amazingly fit, knowledgeable and so darn friendly that our trip was that much better with our Sherpa friends.
Secondly their logistics and networking with the local lodges and owners was splendid and we had the best of times at all the lodges all the way to Gokyo.
Lastly, Lakhpa's storytelling abilities and his evening reflections as we went around the table recapping our daily activities so just a brilliant touch. There's no other agency better that bring that human touch to trekking in my experience. Period. Love crystal mountain treks!
Secondly their logistics and networking with the local lodges and owners was splendid and we had the best of times at all the lodges all the way to Gokyo.
Lastly, Lakhpa's storytelling abilities and his evening reflections as we went around the table recapping our daily activities so just a brilliant touch. There's no other agency better that bring that human touch to trekking in my experience. Period. Love crystal mountain treks!
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iain - Seasoned traveller
North Berwick, UK2 contributions
Nov 2022
We're a UK couple who completed the Manaslu circuit trek in Nov-22 with Crystal Mountain Treks.
Any guidebook can suggest 20+ trekking companies. Many more can be found by googling "trekking company" "Nepal" and there are even more agencies ... but which company was the best?
We started our search by contacting the approx. 20 listed by Lonely Planet who supported the Nepal Mountain Rescue Association and had more credibility (to us)
Jwalant from Crystal was easily the most responsive, provided good/practical advice and was willing to tailor a trek to our needs. He also provided updates on the late post monsoon rainfalls, their effect on mountain roads and forecasted weather/snow conditions on the high pass. In this respect he was head & shoulders above the rest.
We had a guide and porter both of which were very friendly/customer orientated & happy to help.
Looking at other trekking groups, it was clear that others did not have the same client/guide affinity as we had - this is a key feature of a company who has been in business for 30+ years and relies on repeat business, referrals etc. It's a service business and this is well understood by Crystal Mountain Treks.
The trek ran very smoothly & our guide carried a bottle of Oxygen throughout. Thankfully this was not needed but it was good to know it was there in case of problems at altitude. We did not see any other guides do the same.
We're very happy to recommend Crystal - we had a fantastic time and hope you will too.
Any guidebook can suggest 20+ trekking companies. Many more can be found by googling "trekking company" "Nepal" and there are even more agencies ... but which company was the best?
We started our search by contacting the approx. 20 listed by Lonely Planet who supported the Nepal Mountain Rescue Association and had more credibility (to us)
Jwalant from Crystal was easily the most responsive, provided good/practical advice and was willing to tailor a trek to our needs. He also provided updates on the late post monsoon rainfalls, their effect on mountain roads and forecasted weather/snow conditions on the high pass. In this respect he was head & shoulders above the rest.
We had a guide and porter both of which were very friendly/customer orientated & happy to help.
Looking at other trekking groups, it was clear that others did not have the same client/guide affinity as we had - this is a key feature of a company who has been in business for 30+ years and relies on repeat business, referrals etc. It's a service business and this is well understood by Crystal Mountain Treks.
The trek ran very smoothly & our guide carried a bottle of Oxygen throughout. Thankfully this was not needed but it was good to know it was there in case of problems at altitude. We did not see any other guides do the same.
We're very happy to recommend Crystal - we had a fantastic time and hope you will too.
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher N
Yokohama, Japan25 contributions
Apr 2022
This was my 5th trek in Nepal, and my 5th trek with Crystal Mountain. As always, the trek was immaculately organized, the guide was extremely kind and professional, and the trip was absolutely amazing.
This time I flew into Lukla, and took the traditional route to Everest Base Camp, and afterwards cut across the Chola-la pass to Gyoko Lake, and then across the Renjo-la pass and down the valley to Namche and back. The original plan was a slightly easier hike that did not include Renjo, but as I acclimatized well and was feeling good, we altered the plan a bit to see Renjo-la, and I am very happy I did. It was a highlight of the trip.
I'll mention that one of the best parts of going trekking with a qualified guide from CMT is that we can easily make adjustments like this based on the situation. My guide was a local who grew up in the Khumbu valley, so he knew everything there was to know about the trekking region, and made sure we stayed at the best lodges, and that we hiked at exactly the right pace to properly acclimatize. This has been my experience in all of my treks with CMT: Friendly, expert guides who meaningfully improve the experience with their knowledge and advice.
Nepal is an amazing place, and I will be visiting many times in the future. And I see no reason to ever use a company other than Crystal Mountain. They have never failed to exceed my expectations.
This time I flew into Lukla, and took the traditional route to Everest Base Camp, and afterwards cut across the Chola-la pass to Gyoko Lake, and then across the Renjo-la pass and down the valley to Namche and back. The original plan was a slightly easier hike that did not include Renjo, but as I acclimatized well and was feeling good, we altered the plan a bit to see Renjo-la, and I am very happy I did. It was a highlight of the trip.
I'll mention that one of the best parts of going trekking with a qualified guide from CMT is that we can easily make adjustments like this based on the situation. My guide was a local who grew up in the Khumbu valley, so he knew everything there was to know about the trekking region, and made sure we stayed at the best lodges, and that we hiked at exactly the right pace to properly acclimatize. This has been my experience in all of my treks with CMT: Friendly, expert guides who meaningfully improve the experience with their knowledge and advice.
Nepal is an amazing place, and I will be visiting many times in the future. And I see no reason to ever use a company other than Crystal Mountain. They have never failed to exceed my expectations.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pallavi G
Folsom, CA2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We were a group of 11 friends from California, USA who went out for Annapurna Half Circuit hike with Crystal mountain treks. No matter what I write, it will not do justice for the experience that we had on this trip. The crystal mountain treks did a fabulous job in organizing our trek. The attention that they paid to every detail of the trip was unbelievable. They held our hand from the time we signed up with them. Starting from what to expect during hike, what to pack, how to get Nepal Visa, picked us up from airport (multiple times) and took us out on Kathmandu tour. The guides that we had for our trip (Reinji, Dorje and Pasang) were awesome. They had soo much energy, they filled our trip with laughs, songs and dance. They were dancing at 17,000 ft!! and were keeping us entertained and were with us every step of the hike.
They watched each one of us on our strengths and weakness during the initial hike days and made sure they were there every step on the big hike day.
I would recommend them to all of my friends and would be picky to choose the same sherpa if possible.
They watched each one of us on our strengths and weakness during the initial hike days and made sure they were there every step on the big hike day.
I would recommend them to all of my friends and would be picky to choose the same sherpa if possible.
Written November 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience