Dr. David X. Balaic

To whom it may concern
Reference for Thakur Timalsima, Trekking guide

In September 2000 together with a group of three friends from Melbourne, Australia, I engaged Thakur Timalsima as a trekking guide for a circular trek around the Khumbu (Everest) region over a planned 14 day period, allowing for weather delays. Thakur was recommended to us as an experienced guide who was also (importantly) familiar with the bizarre customs and habits of Australians, including "Brekky". He selected and organized two bearers and our gear onto the plane and was quickly able to recognise the capabilities and shortcomings of our group over the first days trek. His amiable personality and ability to work with the bearers without ever being overbearing showed experience with people beyond his years. He saw us up to Namche and beyond, correctly acclimatized but not pampered or patronised, however grumpy we may have become as the altitude and effort increased. With his agreement that we were ready, and that the weather was favourable, we continued from Everest over Cho-La pass to complete the Khumbu circuit trek. His experience even extended to opening an unattended lodge for us and
settling with the owner after our departure, as well as finding new footwear for one of our bearers after their loss in one of the lodges during the trek.

I can wholeheartedly recommend Thakur to anyone contemplating a trek anywhere in Nepal. I would certainly seek his services again should I be lucky enough to join another trek group in Nepal.

Best of luck (and weather) on your trek
Dr. David X. Balaic
Melbourne, Australia
dxb@axco.com.au