I have now had the privilege of traveling to Mount Kailash with Earthbound Expeditions two years in a row, and after experiencing both itineraries, I can say with complete confidence that I would not undertake this sacred journey with anyone else.

Last year, I traveled to Kailash through Nepal, and this year I traveled through Lhasa, Tibet. Although the routes and logistics were very different, one thing remained exactly the same: the exceptional level of professionalism, hospitality, compassion, and personal care that Earthbound Expeditions brings to every aspect of the yatra.

This year’s journey was especially memorable because Rajan ji, President of Earthbound Expeditions, accompanied us throughout the trip personally. He and his entire team created an environment in which we never felt like customers or tourists. We felt like members of a family undertaking a sacred journey together.

There are three things I would especially like to highlight.

1. Operational Excellence

The operational execution of this pilgrimage was nothing short of remarkable.

A Mount Kailash yatra involves extraordinarily complicated logistics, multiple destinations, high-altitude environments, changing weather, border and transportation considerations, luggage movement, hotel arrangements, meals, permits, vehicles, pickups and drop-offs, and the physical well-being of a large group. Earthbound handled all of this with meticulous planning and extraordinary attention to detail.

Luggage was handled seamlessly. Pickups and drop-offs were coordinated efficiently. Transportation was organized beautifully. Most importantly, whenever circumstances made Plan A impossible, the team swiftly and seamlessly pivoted to Plan B without creating anxiety or confusion for the yatris.

That is the mark of an outstanding tour operator: the travelers often don’t even realize how many problems are being solved behind the scenes.

Earthbound’s operational excellence allowed us to forget about the complexities of travel and focus on what really mattered; our pilgrimage, our spiritual experience, our health, and each other.

1. Service, Hospitality and Compassionate Care

This is where Earthbound truly distinguishes itself.

The team took care of us with a level of warmth and personal attention that I have rarely experienced anywhere in the world.

We were served freshly prepared, nourishing meals three times a day, along with tea, coffee, and snacks throughout the day. There was an abundant supply of both hot and cold drinking water, available whenever we needed it.

But it wasn’t simply about providing food and water. It was the way everything was provided with genuine care.

When people experienced altitude headaches or discomfort, members of the team would apply Tiger Balm and massage their heads and temples to provide relief. They did it naturally and compassionately, without making anyone feel that they were imposing or asking for special attention.

And no matter what time of day it was, the team served with a smile, patience, and genuine warmth.

At times, the care was so personal that it felt as though we were being looked after at home by our own loved ones.

What impressed me even more was that this culture of service extended to everyone; the cooking team, cleaning team, transportation team, guides, and support staff. Every person seemed equally invested in making sure that every yatri was comfortable, safe, heard, and cared for.

There was no distinction between the “front office” and the people working behind the scenes. Everyone carried the same spirit of hospitality.

3. Leadership Through Service

The third and perhaps most important factor is leadership.

Rajan ji has created what I would describe as a true servant-leadership culture.

There is no sense that anyone is above anyone else.

Rajan ji may be at the helm of the organization, but he is also right there in the trenches, working alongside his team and making sure every yatri is cared for.

He listens. He observes. He checks in. He solves problems. And most importantly, he sets the example.

That leadership philosophy clearly permeates the entire organization. Everyone understands that their role is ultimately about serving the yatri.

Earthbound also does an excellent job of keeping the group aligned. Each day begins with a prayer, setting the right tone for a spiritual journey, followed by regular briefings that ensure everyone understands what is happening, what to expect, and what they need to do.

That communication, combined with their attention to detail, creates an incredible sense of confidence and security.

A Hospitality Experience That Has No Comparison

I traveled with several repeat yatris on this journey who had previously undertaken Kailash with other tour operators. Their comparison was striking and consistent: they felt there was simply no match for Earthbound’s hospitality and care.

And I completely understand why.

A Kailash pilgrimage is physically and mentally demanding. Altitude, fatigue, long travel days, changing conditions, and the challenges of the kora can test even the most prepared traveler.

Yet Earthbound’s attention to detail and compassionate service allowed us to put those concerns aside as much as possible. They took care of the logistics, the meals, the water, the transportation, the luggage, the daily coordination, and countless small details that we otherwise would have had to worry about.

That gave us something incredibly valuable: the ability to rest, recover, and immerse ourselves in the journey.

Two Journeys, One Unforgettable Standard

Having experienced Earthbound through two consecutive years and through two very different routes Nepal one year and Lhasa, Tibet the next, I can say that their excellence is not dependent on a particular itinerary. It is embedded in their culture.

The routes may change. The circumstances may change. The challenges may change.

But the commitment to the yatri does not.

That consistency is what impressed me most.

I am deeply grateful to Rajan ji and the entire Earthbound Expeditions family for making this year’s journey so special. Leading a pilgrimage is itself a responsibility, but having a team like Earthbound behind you gives you tremendous confidence that every member of the group will be cared for.

After traveling with Earthbound twice, my conclusion is very simple:

I would not do Mount Kailash with anyone else.

For anyone considering a Kailash pilgrimage, I would recommend Earthbound Expeditions without hesitation. Their combination of operational excellence, compassionate hospitality, meticulous attention to detail, and servant leadership sets them apart.

Five stars do not fully capture the experience.

Thank you, Rajan ji, and thank you to the entire Earthbound family for taking care of us, not merely as travelers, but as fellow yatris and members of your family. 🙏

We went to Nepal / Tibet / China for Mukthinath, Mt Kailash- Manasarovar pilgrimage & Mt Everest Base camp, with Earthbound Expedition. Rajan Simhkhada & the entire Earthbound Expedition team transformed our holy pilgrimage into an unforgettable spiritual journey. From start to finish, every staff member who accompanied us demonstrated exceptional excellence in service, combined with genuine humility and heartfelt warmth that made us feel valued throughout. Their meticulous attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the experience. The schedule was thoughtfully organized, preparation meetings were conducted to address our questions comprehensively and set realistic expectations, and communication remained clear and transparent at every stage. This level of care gave us confidence and peace of mind.

What truly set this team apart was their understanding of the physical and emotional demands of such a challenging pilgrimage. We felt completely safe and genuinely cared for at all times. The team consistently monitored our wellbeing, anticipated potential discomfort, and proactively offered support—whether physical assistance, encouragement, or practical help. No concern went unaddressed. The cuisine deserves special mention: meals were thoughtfully curated to provide proper nutrition and energy suited to the physical rigors of pilgrimage travel, ensuring we remained energized and healthy throughout.

In every measurable way—from logistics to physical/emotional support to nourishment—the Earthbound Expedition team exceeded expectations. With their tour operating experience over a quarter decade with their continuous improvements, we couldn’t have asked for a more fulfilling, safe, and spiritually enriching experience. Their dedication and excellence have left an indelible mark on our journey. We highly recommend Earthbound Expedition for the tours.

This was my first trip with Earthbound Expedition Ltd (EE), as recommended to me by my sister who had previously done several other trips with Badri. I was simply blown away by the meticulous planning and exceptional care and attention given to one and all in the group. No doubt a group of 20+ comes with various challenges, needs and requirements, and yet Badri somehow managed to accommodate everyone.

There is plentiful food in supply… at all times… and in accordance with ones dietary needs !!!

The Inca trail is no simple feat and Badri and his team of porters and guides made an extremely difficult trek achievable with the constant encouragement and physical help where needed and got everyone to the finishing line in sickness and in health. That first glimpse of the Machu Pichu Inca ruins from the Sun gate followed by a full guided tour of the site itself made every painful step getting to it, and even the camping part, Well Worth It!!!

The whole trip was well organised with a full itinerary including other amazing sights to the breathtaking Rainbow Mt, the incredible Uyuni Salt flats (Bolivia), the beautiful landscapes of Colca Canyon and majestic Condors in flight!

Badri gives a truly unique and personal experience, which is lacking in so many other tour companies. His sunny disposition and charming personality is infectious and he has a lot of trekking experience. Basing on my personal experience, I would highly recommend Earthbound Expedition to those seeking adventure, group comradery and personal experience. I certainly hope to join in on other expeditions with this company.

Only one observation, the group was 100% Indian and many of them had done one or various previous trips with ‘EE’. Of course, this also speaks volumes for customer satisfaction…

My personal big thanks to Badri and his whole team for making this such a memorable trip for me

I’ve completed the Everest Base Camp trek three times, twice with Earthbound and once with a company recommended by Earthbound for my Mount Everest expedition.

For me, Earthbound is synonymous with its founder, Rajan. His commitment to his clients is exceptional. While his organizational and logistical skills are outstanding, what truly sets him apart is the way he makes every trekker feel comfortable, confident, and valued. His warm, approachable personality creates an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie, making you feel less like a customer and more like a member of the Earthbound family.

Rajan’s leadership extends far beyond what clients see. Behind the scenes, he works tirelessly to manage every detail. He coordinates staff, monitors weather conditions, solves unexpected challenges, and ensures that food, equipment, and accommodations are exactly as they should be. Because of his meticulous planning and constant attention, the trek feels effortless, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience.

I had heard countless glowing reviews about Rajan before joining my first Earthbound trek, and my own experiences have exceeded those expectations. Whether you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp or pursuing an even bigger mountaineering goal, his calm presence and sound judgment inspire confidence every step of the way.

What impressed me most is that Rajan’s values and work ethic aren’t limited to him alone. They are reflected in every member of the Earthbound team. Their professionalism, genuine care, and unwavering commitment to clients make Earthbound a company I would recommend without hesitation.

We traveled as a family and part of a bigger friends group to trek to Everest Base Camp. Earthbound Expeditions took care of every aspect of our trip. The quality and care of service provided through this multiday trip was incredible. Rajan ji has an amazing set of people working for him and everyone of them tried to make the trip extra special for each and everyone of us. We are very thankful to have found such a reliable enterprise for our trekking adventure and would heartily recommend the to all comers. We are all already thinking about the next trip we can plan with Earthbound Expeditions.

If you are considering trekking to Everest Base Camp, look no further than Earthbound Expeditions. We just completed a massive 9-day trek with a group of 47 trekkers, and the logistics required to pull this off were absolutely mind-boggling. Rajan ji and his team handled everything flawlessly. When our fixed-wing flights from Kathmandu to Lukla were canceled last minute due to weather, Rajan miraculously found 12 choppers from 8 different charter companies in just a couple of hours. He moved all 47 of us and kept our entire trip perfectly on track. We also had a seamlessly planned return chopper ride straight from Gorakshep back to Kathmandu after the summit.

​What truly sets Earthbound Expeditions apart is their people. The Nepali guides and our 24+ porters are absolute superhumans. They woke up before us every single day, carried our gear, and served us warm food at every stop with the biggest smiles. They are genuinely some of the nicest, most down-to-earth people you will ever meet.

​The level of care, attention, and encouragement we received from the guides throughout the journey was incredible. Even when dealing with the unpredictable weather and the sheer physical toll of the altitude, the entire team ensured we all safely made it to Base Camp at 17,598 feet and back down without any major hurdles.

​Their incredible hospitality didn’t stop at the mountain, either. Earthbound also organized wonderful sightseeing tours for us around Kathmandu, including visits to Chandragiri Hills, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and the Monkey Temple. To top it all off, they threw a grand success party for our entire group when we returned to the city so we could all celebrate the achievement together!

​Earthbound Expeditions didn’t just give us a trek – they kept us safe, sane, and gave us a once-in-a-lifetime experience from start to finish. Five stars is not enough!

Once in a lifetime experience that my father and I shared! Had an absolutely great time and enjoyed the guide and porters that we had in our trek. The route we took had is trekking for 15 days, and it was 15 days I will never forget. I expected it to be tougher than it was, but it does take some amount of training to not be completely exhausted every day. The average day of hiking was maybe 5-8 miles, and the views that you see with clear weather are breathtaking. The trail does have limited infrastructure, so don’t expect the Himalaya Hilton or some other type of fancy resort to stay in on the trail, but the tea houses were fine lodging accommodations in my opinion. Be prepared for hot, sunny days, as well cold rainy days…it’s the Himalayas so the weather can go any direction. I recommend this trip for anyone wanting a great experience.

RAJAN at Nepal Luxury tour was extremely helpful, set up everything so that we could maximize the use of our time, was very helpful to make sure he did some extra things for us that he didn’t have to do and also refunded us for a rafting trip we couldn’t take.  We did Nepal and Bhutan Luxury trip of about 10 days. I was always concerned that when I wired money that you may never see it again, but I can assure you that RAJAN and Earthbound are quality and value combined!

Before Covid, I longed to travel to the Himalayas and happened upon Earthbound’s website. The Nepal/Tibet/Bhutan trip sounded wonderful and I reached out to Rajan, it’s owner. We planned a customized private trip for my wife and I along the basic lines of the itinerary. Well, due to the pandemic we were forced to delay the trip multiple times and as availability and geo politics required changes and adjustments, Rajan worked continuosly with us to design the best possible experience. We probably emailed each other over 200 times and his responsiveness, professionalism and very friendly manner was the same on the last one as on the first. We just returned, and we will need time to fully appreciate the cultural richness, visual wonder and excitement of this extraordinary trip (so many remarkable moments.) We are experienced travellers and have worked with several very highly regarded travel outfits. None of them came close to the level of concern, flexibility and oversight that Rajan provided us throughout. If this region of the world interests you, call him.

We did a trip combining Nepal and Bhutan organized by Earthbound Expeditions. From our very first email contact with Rajan at the Kathmandu office, he was helpful and professional, always responding promptly and with just the information we needed. The trip was well planned, the drivers and guides were excellent, and everything could not have gone better. We would highly recommend Earthbound Expeditions!

We allowed for a day in ‘luxury’ ok arrival to Kathmandu (stayed in the Hyatt) before our adventure began! The trip was incredible. There is nothing I repeat nothing like staying in the hills of the Himalayas, in simple cabins, huddled in your sleeping bags and blankets, bed at 8 or 9 pm, simple but lovely lovely food made by the house owner (what he give for more dhal bat, momos and those Nepalese fried breads!). Nothing like knowing how far you’ve trekked that day and that you’ve finally arrived in your destination for the day.

Nothing like seeing rolling hills 2000metres below, or the sunset over the mighty peaks across the way. Our guide was amazing. He took care if us like a brother or father, and I never doubted him. Of all the groups (there were three in our ‘trip’) I was glad. Nepal felt safe, fun, wonderful people, good value, and most beautiful scenery.  Nepal was rising as a traveller destination. I would love to go back again.

Book with Nepal Luxury Tours today, you’ll be glad you did. From the moment I contacted Rajan he was 100% professionalism. Our itinerary was complicated, with friends arriving from all over the world at different times, doing different things, including helicopters and luxury accommodations along the EBC, and Rajan handled all of it perfectly. The highlight of the journey was the hike to Everest Base Camp, which is 100% open for business after the pandemic, and is alive with legendary views from the top of the world. We wish we’d taken more time in Kathmandu, which is vibrant if not chaotic, but has a wealth of things to see and experience. When my travel brings me back to Nepal and the Himalaya, I will definitely work with Rajan and Nepal Luxury Tours again.

We linked up with Nepal Luxury Tours through email after reading about it on trip advisor. Rajan was extremely prompt with replies and we soon had an itinerary mapped out. When we arrived at the airport, we were picked up by a driver and taken to our hotel. There, we spoke with Rajan over the phone and the following morning Rajan met us and escorted us to the domestic airport in Kathmandu where we took a flight to Pokhara. We met our guide and porter upon arrival and began our trek after lunch. The accommodation throughout the trek is simple and rustic. The rooms are fairly clean, basic and the food was excellent. They took good care of us throughout the trek. We enjoyed our trek tremendously and will definitely engage Nepal Luxury Tours when we return.