Beyond the Gig Economy: A New Chapter for HAL In the guiding world, the guide is the heartbeat of every journey. They are the guardians of your safety and the architects of your experience. We believe that looking after the wellbeing of our guides is the only way to truly look after our clients. For too long, the adventure industry has relied on a “gig economy” model. It offers the […]
Fastpacking the Annapurna sanctuary
This November, we traded the long, traditional routes for a fastpacking adventure, tackling some of the most spectacular sections of the Annapurna and Mardi himal trails in nine days. Combining light gear, a focused pace, and a drive to immerse ourselves fully in the mountain culture, this trip was a blur of panoramic views, heartwarming local hospitality, and thrilling ascents. It was tiring, yes, but every friendly smile and stunning […]
Update on the recent political events in Nepal
We want to update you on the recent political events in Nepal and express our gratitude for your concern. Nepal has recently undergone a significant political change, which began with protests from young citizens. Unfortunately, this led to a difficult and sad period for the country. We are grieving the loss of lives and hope for a thorough investigation into the events that occurred. Nepal now has its first female […]
Dolpo, August 2025 – Trip report
Temo dhu-ka? (How are you?) It was a smooth flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, one of five major cities along the Terai, close to the Indian border and a gateway to the northwestern districts on the Great Himalayan Trail. Our destination was Dolpo. The plan was to connect Shey Phoksundo with Jomsom in the Mustang district, crossing five passes above 5,000m. We stayed overnight in Nepalgunj, and the next morning, […]
Pamir Fastpack – Trip Report July 2025
“The Fann Mountains are part of the western Pamir-Alay mountain system in Tajikistan’s Sughd Province, between the Zarafshan Range to the north and the Gissar Range to the south. In an east-west direction, they extend from the Fan Darya to the Archimaydan River.” A team member dropped out of the trip, visa delays, and a visa run to New Delhi for Srijan and me. We also faced a route change […]
GHT Immersion Expeditions 2026/27
Himalayan Adventure Labs (HAL) is thrilled to announce our most ambitious undertaking yet: an extraordinary two-year Himalayan expedition throughout 2026 and 2027. We’re not just offering trips; we’re inviting you to join us as we dedicate ourselves to unlocking the Himalayas’ most legendary trails and venturing deep into its seldom-seen hidden valleys (known as beyuls). This is your chance for a true immersion in the very heart of the world’s […]
HAL Newsletter: Spring into Adventure!
Namaste, adventurers! Spring’s bursting in the Himalayas, and the mountains are already buzzing with HAL action. Right now, Navindra’s pushing his limits on the Everest Three Passes, a solo fastpack that’s pure grit and glory. Meanwhile, Srijan, Tobias, and Jonas are in Langtang NP, linking the valley to the sacred Gosaikunda lakes. And me? I’m counting down the minutes till I escape Kathmandu for the Tsum and Nubri trek in […]
HAL Newsletter: End of season reflections
Namaste from the Himalayas! As the dust settles on another exciting season of adventures, we’re taking a moment to reflect on some of our recent trips. The Khopra Ridge and North Annapurna Base Camp trek offered stunning views and a deeper appreciation for community run lodges and the fragility of the mountain environment. Our Kanchenjunga to Kathmandu Valley Rim expedition presented its own set of challenges, from navigating unexpected changes […]
Khopra and North Annapurna Base Camp
Srijan and I recently led a group of friends (Anjan, Avash and Bimal) on the Khopra Ridge trek, located in the foothills of the Annapurna range. The trek began in the scenic village of Ghandruk. The weekend brought a lively atmosphere to Ghandruk, with music playing late into the night. Some of us woke up early, eager to escape the festivities and find some peace on the trails. As we […]
State of emergency evacuation in Nepal
Short answer – it is largely driven by profit motive, long answer below. In October, I was leading a camping trip in the Kanchenjunga region of eastern Nepal. During an acclimatisation trek near Ghunsa our client experienced a sudden onset of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Following consultations with two doctors, including HAL’s remote trip doctor, Dr. Pranav, we decided to urgently evacuate our client to a hospital in Kathmandu. I called […]