Subash Rai has been working in the Himalayas since 2008. He began his career as a porter, carrying loads along Nepal’s mountain trails before becoming a professional trekking guide in 2013. Those early years gave him a firsthand understanding of mountain life, changing trail conditions, high-altitude travel, and the challenges trekkers may encounter along the way.
Today, with more than 18 years of experience in the Himalayas and over 13 years as a trekking guide, Subash has guided trekkers across many of Nepal’s major mountain regions, including Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, and Mustang.
His experience also extends beyond Nepal. Between 2015 and 2018, Subash lived and worked in Norway, where he led hiking and mountain trips and worked in hospitality at a lodge in the Rondane Mountains. He has also guided on the Mount Kailash pilgrimage route in Tibet. These experiences have given him an understanding of different mountain environments, cultures, and approaches to guest service.
Guiding Experience & Approach
Subash believes good guiding is about more than following a trail or reaching a destination. It is about understanding the people he guides, adapting to the conditions of the mountains, and making thoughtful decisions throughout the journey.
He places particular importance on steady pacing, proper acclimatization, safety, and guest comfort, adjusting his approach to the needs, experience, and abilities of each trekker.
18+ years working in the Himalayas
13+ years as a professional trekking guide
Extensive experience across Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, and Mustang
Guiding experience in Nepal, Norway, and Tibet
First-aid trained, with practical experience responding to altitude-related symptoms, injuries, and difficult weather conditions
Particularly attentive to first-time trekkers and individual trekking pace
Calm and adaptable when weather, trail conditions, or mountain circumstances require changes to the plan
Fluent in Nepali, English, and Hindi
Experience Beyond Nepal
Subash’s years in Norway added an international dimension to his mountain and hospitality experience. From 2015 to 2018, he worked around the Rondane mountain region, leading hiking and mountain trips while also working in lodge hospitality.
Living and working in a different mountain environment broadened his understanding of guest expectations, mountain conditions, and the importance of thoughtful hospitality. He brings that experience back to his work in Nepal, combining it with the practical knowledge he developed through years on Himalayan trails.
A Guide You Can Rely On
For Subash, guiding is not simply about reaching the next destination. It is about helping trekkers understand the mountains, adapting to the realities of the journey, and making sure they feel comfortable and supported along the way.
His goal is simple: to help every guest experience the Himalayas with confidence, safety, and peace of mind.