Message from the Founder

Founder’s Story

Nord Extreme Himalaya was founded by Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa, a highly experienced mountain professional with more than three decades of dedication to Nepal’s tourism and adventure travel industry. Born and raised in the Himalayan region of Nepal, Sonam developed a deep connection with the mountains, local culture, and the traditions that have shaped Himalayan life for generations.

His journey in tourism began in 1996, when he started working as a porter in the Everest region. Through determination, hard work, and an unwavering passion for the mountains, he steadily advanced in his career and obtained his Trekking Guide License in 1998. Over the years, he gained extensive experience as a trekking guide, mountain guide, expedition support professional, and travel manager, leading and assisting trekking, climbing, and cultural groups throughout Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.

Throughout his distinguished career, Sonam has guided travelers across many of Nepal’s most renowned trekking and mountaineering destinations, including the Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Mustang, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu regions, as well as numerous remote Himalayan valleys and high-altitude wilderness areas. He has also successfully guided tours and trekking programs in Bhutan and Tibet, further expanding his expertise in Himalayan tourism.
His professional experience extends well beyond the Himalayas. Sonam has traveled extensively and visited numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Finland, Qatar, Oman, Turkey, Hong Kong, India, Bhutan, Tibet, and Alaska. Through these international experiences, he developed a strong understanding of global tourism standards, customer expectations, cultural diversity, safety management, and sustainable travel practices.

In addition to his achievements in tourism, Sonam has played an active leadership role in various tourism, social, and community organizations. He has served as General Secretary of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), President of the Society of Tourism Entrepreneurs Association Nepal (STEAN), President of the National Indigenous Tourism Federation Nepal (NITFN), President of the Juving Sherpa Society, and President of the Smile for Hope Foundation. Through these leadership roles, he has contributed significantly to the promotion of sustainable tourism, indigenous culture, community development, and social welfare initiatives across Nepal.
Driven by a vision to create meaningful travel experiences while supporting local communities, Sonam established Nord Extreme Himalaya Pvt. Ltd. in 2014 in Kathmandu, Nepal. His goal was simple yet powerful: to provide authentic, safe, and professionally organized Himalayan adventures that connect travelers with nature, culture, and the people who call these mountains home.

Under his leadership, Nord Extreme Himalaya has grown into a trusted adventure travel company offering trekking, peak climbing, mountaineering expeditions, cultural tours, and customized Himalayan journeys throughout Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. The company is built on the core values of safety, integrity, environmental responsibility, personalized service, and respect for local cultures.

Sonam strongly believes that tourism should create positive impacts for both travelers and local communities. For this reason, Nord Extreme Himalaya actively promotes responsible and sustainable tourism, supports local employment opportunities, and contributes to the preservation of Himalayan culture, traditions, and natural heritage.

Today, Sonam continues to lead the company with the same passion that inspired its creation. His commitment to excellence, genuine Sherpa hospitality, and deep respect for the Himalayas remain at the heart of every journey organized by Nord Extreme Himalaya.