About

our story

You’ve probably landed on this page expecting us to go on about how we are World leaders in our industry, with high success rates and a great safety record – well yes, we are those things, and we take them very, very seriously.

We created Mountain Quests because Matt Farr and Nima Lama (the founders) met each other one afternoon at the airport in Kathmandu and headed off on a trek to Everest Base Camp. Matt was a city-dweller needing a break from the grind and Nima was his guide. Little did they know, but that trek was to lead to a life-long friendship and a shared passion for bring the Himalaya to other city-dwellers the World over.

Our key motivator is to take you to the airport at the end of your journey with a massive grin on your face, telling us that your journey will live with you forever and that you will have to come back to the Himalaya in the future. This is why we exist and we hope you give us the chance to do it for you.

meet the team

Matt Farr

Matt left behind the trading floors of London’s square mile several years ago to follow his real passions of mountaineering and exploration, which led to the incorporation of one the first adventure travel companies in the Middle East. Matt regularly climbs in Scotland, The Alps, The UAE and Oman as well as being a very regular visitor to the Himalaya. His extensive knowledge of Nepal and beyond will ensure that you get exactly the adventure you are looking for.

Nima Lama

Nima has over 10 years experience as a trekking guide in the Himalaya. He has the skills to ensure all our logistics are in place for any adventure. His links to our guides and porters, hotels, domestic airlines and road transport firms are priceless. His interpersonal qualities are appreciated by all who travel with us. He can always be found mixing it up with locals on our trips. Of course, this means that our clients are able see and experience a lot more as a result.

Sakshi Mulmi Rai

Sakshi is our newest addition to the Mountain Quests team. She has a university degree in rural development studies and is primarily in charge of our communities management. We believe it is extremely important that we do not only match our clients' expectations when we run our adventures, but we also match those of the people who host us. Sakshi works between us and our host communities to ensure everything is done in keeping with our hosts' wishes and customs. Sakshi also ensures that all the logistics for all our trips are correct and in place, to ensure that your journey goes without a hitch.

Dawa Sherpa

Dawa comes from the village of Puiyan in the Everest region of Nepal. He is our head mountaineering guide and lead trekking guide for our trips in the Everest region. If you join us on the Mera Peak expedition you will walk right through his home. Dawa is highly approachable and will introduce you to many of his friends along your trek to Everest Base Camp, helping you get a better understanding for the Sherpa people who live here.

Madan Raj Gautan

Madan has been guiding all over Nepal for over 10 years, with strong experience in the Annapurna region of the country. Born and bred in Pokhara, he is our main man on the ground there and in the surrounding areas. Madan is experienced with both adult and student groups, and is our head guide for all of our schools trips in Nepal. Madan will talk to you for hours given the chance, and explain the history, culture and geography of the country.

Ryan Campbell

Ryan has a degree in filmmaking and he made a short documentary about Matt Farr’s journey when he was studying in university. During the filming for the project he quickly discovered a love for the outdoors and it inspired him to become an adventure filmmaker. He is also the person that will take care of you when you are booking a trip with us by guiding you through the process and answering any questions you might have.

our timeline

2008

Where it all began! Nima and Matt trek to Everest Base Camp together and their friendship begins

2009

Nima and Matt reunite, this time to climb Mera Peak. This is when they first discuss the possibility of running a business together - later to be Mountain Quests

2010

Matt quits his job in banking and meets Nima in Nepal to climb Island Peak. During this expedition the concept of Mountain Quests is born. After the climb the two of them start working on the company

2011

Mountain Quests is officially launched in Kathmandu and Dubai. We take our first clients to Poon Hill and to Everest Base Camp

2012

We take our first large groups to Annapurna Base Camp. Ryan (our film maker) makes his first trip to Nepal.

2013

We run our first school trips to Nepal and we lead multiple groups to Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp. Madan joins us as our lead guide.

2014

We make it official that we do not support orphanage tourism or elephant back safaris for ethical and animal welfare reasons

2015

Dawa joins the team and leads school groups as well as our Everest Base Camp teams. We run our first trip to India, in Spiti Valley.

2016

We run our first carbon neutral trek to Mohare Danda - our India trips begin to increase in popularity

Adventures

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