Meet Your Local Nepal Guide – Santosh Gauli
Independent Trekking & Tour Operator | Licensed Mountain Guide | Lisence No: 5968
Namaste & Welcome to Nepal!
My name is Santosh Gauli, and I am a licensed Nepali trekking and tour guide with more than 20 years of experience leading travelers through the Himalayas, cultural cities, villages, and natural landscapes of Nepal.
Since 2002, I have worked with established trekking and travel companies in Kathmandu, gaining extensive experience in trekking, tours, mountain environments, local culture, travel planning, and looking after travelers from around the world.
Today, I work independently as both a trekking and tour operator and your personal local guide. This means that when you plan a trip with me, you can communicate directly with the person who will help design your journey—and, whenever possible, personally guide you along the way.
More Than a Guide – Your Local Connection to Nepal
I believe the best way to experience Nepal is not simply to follow a fixed itinerary. It is to meet the people, understand the culture, taste local food, walk through villages, explore the mountains, and experience Nepal at your own pace.
Whether you are an experienced trekker looking for a challenging Himalayan adventure or a first-time visitor who simply wants to discover Nepal, I can help create a trip around your interests, time, comfort level, and budget.
I enjoy taking travelers beyond the usual tourist routes when conditions and local access allow. Along the way, I can introduce you to local communities, traditions, landscapes, and everyday life that you might otherwise miss.
My goal is simple: to help you experience the real Nepal and return home with wonderful memories.
Experienced, Trained & Safety-Minded
Over the years, I have guided travelers of different ages, nationalities, interests, and levels of trekking experience.
I have also completed high-altitude medical training through NATHAM under Nepal’s tourism training system, giving me additional knowledge relevant to trekking at altitude and caring for travelers in mountain environments.
Mountain safety is something I take seriously. Before and during a trek, I pay attention to altitude, weather, walking conditions, the health and fitness of my guests, and the overall pace of the journey.
My clients’ experiences and feedback are also an important part of my work. References and testimonials from travelers I have guided are available on my website.
Why Travel With an Independent Local Guide?
When you book directly with an independent local guide and operator, you have direct communication from the planning stage to the end of your journey.
I can personally help you:
- Choose a trekking route that suits your time and experience
- Design a private or customized itinerary
- Arrange transportation, accommodation and local logistics
- Explain Nepal’s culture, history and traditions
- Introduce you to authentic local food and places
- Adjust the itinerary when circumstances require it
- Guide you personally on your trek or tour whenever possible
- Connect you with trusted local people and services
Rather than offering the same itinerary to everyone, I prefer to first understand what you want from your trip and then build the journey around you.
Trekking, Tours & Adventures in Nepal
I can help organize a wide range of experiences throughout Nepal, including:
- Himalayan trekking
- Cultural and heritage tours
- Village and community experiences
- Mountain adventures
- Wildlife and jungle safaris
- River rafting
- Bird watching
- Photography trips
- Historical and cultural sightseeing
- Short trips around Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Customized private tours and treks
- Easy walks to challenging Himalayan adventures
Whether you have one week, two weeks, a month, or just a few days, I can help you make the most of your time in Nepal.
Not sure where to go? That’s perfectly fine. Tell me what you enjoy, how much time you have, and what kind of experience you are looking for. I can suggest an itinerary and explain the options honestly.
Discover Nepal Beyond the Itinerary
One of the things I enjoy most about guiding is sharing the Nepal that I know personally.
I can introduce you to local traditions, everyday village life, Nepali food, festivals, landscapes, and the stories behind the places we visit. If you are interested, I can also arrange opportunities to meet local communities or learn about community projects.
I also believe travel should benefit local people whenever possible. I support local community initiatives and have personally been involved in volunteering with a centre supporting children with disabilities.
For me, guiding is not only about showing you a destination. It is about sharing a part of my home with you.
Your Trip, Your Way
Perhaps you already know exactly what you want:
Everest? Annapurna? Langtang? A cultural tour? Wildlife? Rafting? A village experience?
Or perhaps you are coming to Nepal for the first time and have no idea where to begin.
Either way, I am happy to help.
Tell me:
- Where would you like to go?
- How long do you have?
- What would you like to see and experience?
- Do you prefer adventure, culture, nature, or a combination?
- Would you like a comfortable journey or a more adventurous experience?
From there, we can create a trip that feels right for you.
My Promise as Your Guide
I do not want you to feel like just another name on a booking list. I want you to feel that you have a local guide who knows Nepal, listens to you, and genuinely cares about your journey.
When you travel with me, my commitment is to:
- Put your safety first – I will carefully consider the conditions, itinerary, altitude, weather, and your individual needs throughout the journey.
- Listen to you – I take time to understand your interests, expectations, pace, and travel preferences.
- Share the real Nepal – Beyond the famous trails and attractions, I enjoy introducing travelers to Nepal’s local culture, traditions, food, history, people, and everyday life.
- Provide personal attention – I believe every traveler and every journey is different. I do my best to offer personal service rather than treating every trip as a standard package.
- Be honest and responsible – I believe good guiding is built on trust, clear communication, and responsible decisions.
- Be there from beginning to end – From your first inquiry to the final day of your journey, I will do my best to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, safe, and memorable.
- Help you experience Nepal, not simply visit it – My goal is for you to return home with more than photographs: meaningful memories and a genuine connection with Nepal.
I am proud to call Nepal my home, and after many years working in the trekking and tourism field, I still enjoy sharing this beautiful country with travelers from around the world.
If you are planning to visit Nepal, I would be delighted to help you discover it—on the trail, in the villages, and through the people and culture that make Nepal so special.
Welcome to Nepal. I hope to meet you on the trail.
Santosh Gauli
Independent Trekking & Tour Operator | Licensed Mountain Guide
Nepal