Experience: Tourism, 30+ Years
Expertise: Trekking & Mountaineering Guiding, Expedition Leadership, Itinerary Planning, Field Operations Management, Guest Communication, High-Altitude Pressure Handling
Education: Basic Education
Certifications:
- Trekking Guide Training Certificate (Government of Nepal)
- Leadership & Trekking Guide Certification (Government of Nepal)
- First Aid Certificate
- English Language Training
Coming from the far eastern region of Nepal near the majestic third-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Kangchenjunga, Moti Bhattarai brings over three decades of profound experience and unwavering dedication to Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal. Serving as Senior Company Advisor and Field In-charge since October 30, 2012, he remains one of the company’s most respected and reliable field leaders.
Moti co-founded the partner company Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal, laying the foundation for what would later grow into one of Nepal’s respected trekking and expedition operators. With more than 30 years of experience in trekking and mountaineering, Moti has built his career through perseverance, discipline, and deep knowledge of Himalayan terrain and expedition logistics.
Early Life & First Steps into Tourism
Born in Hangdewa, the eldest of eight children in a farming family, Moti grew up in a remote mountain village where survival was often uncertain. His family once lost everything in an earthquake, and formal schooling was inconsistent: classes of nearly 90 mixed-age students, a school over 60 minutes’ walk away, and teachers who frequently did not arrive. As a result, Moti barely learned to read and write during his childhood.
At just 14 years old, he was entrusted with the family’s only remaining asset: a single buffalo! When it tragically fell off a mountain edge while he was not paying attention, he was devastated. Unable to face returning home, he made the life-altering decision to leave the village. He began walking toward Kathmandu, surviving on scraps and discarded food along the way.
Seeing friends engaged in trekking work, he chose to enter the tourism field. His journey began in 1992 as a porter. This role gave him unparalleled exposure to the Himalayan trails and the operational realities of trekking expeditions.
Over time, he worked as a sub-cook, cook, local guide, mountain guide, and eventually expedition leader, steadily building his expertise across every level of Himalayan operations.
Through firsthand experience, he developed a deep understanding of logistics, teamwork, and the physical and mental demands of high-altitude environments. Before joining Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal, he worked as a trekking guide for numerous agencies, steadily building credibility and respect within the tourism industry.
After eventually reconnecting with his family, Moti took on the responsibility of supporting them. One by one, he brought his brothers to Kathmandu so they could receive an education and better opportunities. This shows a reflection of his deep commitment to family unity and progress.
Professional Journey & Field Leadership
Over the years, Moti has safely and successfully led numerous wilderness treks and mountaineering expeditions across Nepal, India, and Tibet. He has also worked as a pilgrim guide for various companies, leading spiritual journeys to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet.
Widely regarded as a key figure in ensuring the success and enjoyment of every trip, Moti not only prioritizes client satisfaction but also deeply cares for the welfare of the portersand support staff he works alongside.
His primary strengths include:
- Detailed itinerary planning
- Effective communication between guests and company operations while in the field
- Calm and capable handling of high-pressure situations in remote mountain environments
Having spent his entire professional life in trekking and mountaineering, Moti considers tourism not merely a career, but his true area of expertise and lifelong commitment.
His decades of hands-on experience directly strengthen Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal’s operational reliability, field safety standards, and service consistency. He ensures trust and confidence among both clients and team members!
Philanthropy & Community Contribution
Driven by his own childhood experience of limited educational opportunities, Moti has long carried a heartfelt dream to contribute to education in rural Nepal.
In 2007, while serving as a trekking guide, Moti met Lesley Warburton during one of her treks. He shared his dream of building a quality school in his village so children would receive the education he never had. Later that year, they visited Hangdewa together, marking the beginning of a long-term educational partnership.
In collaboration with Ms. Lesley from the U.K., he helped establish the Big Hills Q Learning Community School in a rural village of Taplejung in 2009. The school was founded with the vision of expanding educational access to underserved communities.
In addition, Moti serves as Chairman of the Q Learning Trust, an initiative dedicated to supporting underprivileged children in Taplejung by providing educational resources and long-term academic opportunities.
His involvement reflects a deep understanding of education’s transformative power and a strong commitment to giving back to his roots.
Legacy & Impact
From beginning hisjourney as a porter in 1992 to becoming a trusted Senior Company Advisor and Field In-charge with over 30 years of guiding and mountaineering experience, Moti Bhattarai stands as a pillar of strength within Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal.
His vast experience, disciplined leadership, and enduring commitment to both tourism excellence and educational development remain cornerstones of the unparalleled service and integrity that define the company today.
Beyond Travel Industry
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Moti remains actively engaged in social work and community development initiatives.
His compassionate leadership, humility, and dedication to service continue to shape both the field operations of Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal and the broader community he serves.