Experience: Tourism & Hospitality, 15+ Years
Expertise: Tourism Business Development, Office Operations, Hotel Investment & Expansion, Trekking Operations Management
Education: Master’s Degree in Sociology, Tribhuvan University
Certifications:
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Professional Trekking Guide License
Sujan Bhattarai, affectionately known as Kuber, is the visionary Founder and Managing Director of Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
Born in Hangdeva (now Phungling-9), Taplejung, at the foot of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga, Sujan’s life has always been closely tied to the mountains. Growing up in a remote village in a family of seven children, financial hardship was a reality. Even borrowing one thousand rupees during difficult times was challenging!
Yet, from these humble beginnings, Sujan built a thriving tourism and hospitality empire in Kathmandu. His journey is defined by resilience, sharp intellect, family unity, and unwavering dedication to both business and community development.
Over the years, he has also broadened his global perspective by visiting Canada, USA, U.K., Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and China, studying international tourism trends and hospitality standards.
Early Life & First Steps into Tourism
Sujan’s dream of Kathmandu began in 2044 BS when his elder brother, Moti, left the village carrying loads for foreign tourists. Kathmandu became a dream city for Sujan!
After passing his SLC, he moved to Kathmandu to pursue higher education at Saraswati Multiple Campus. Inspired by his elder brothers, Moti, Balkrishna, and Anil Bhattarai who were already working as trekking guides, Sujan gradually developed an interest in tourism.
While building his tourism career, he continued his academic journey and later completed his Master’s Degree in Sociology from Tribhuvan University, demonstrating his strong belief in education alongside practical experience.
He began his career humbly as a kitchen boy, and later as a porter, undertaking a 35-day journey to Dolpa during the Maoist conflict in 2056 BS.
That first trek was life-changing. Facing hardship, uncooperative behaviour from a guide, and the realities of conflict-affected rural Nepal, Sujan decided he would one day build something of his own so that no one could look down on him again!
A 45-day journey from Baglung through Manang, Mustang, Dolpa, and Surkhet with two Australian trekkers and his elder brother Moti further shaped his determination. Witnessing extreme rural hardship made him realize his own life was better than he had thought. And that is what strengthened his resolve to succeed!
Building Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal
His brother, Anil, along with Purna Sherpa had established Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal in Thamel in 2007. Initially, the company was struggling.
After learning typewriting and understanding office operations, Sujan joined the company and began strengthening its foundation. His meticulous approach and business acumen helped transform the organization it is today.
During this period, Sujan dedicated himself to thoroughly understanding the core dynamics of the tourism business, gaining first-hand experience in trekking operations, client handling, logistics coordination, and overall expedition management.
His direct engagement with trekkers and mountain expeditions during his early years as a licensed guide played a crucial role in shaping his leadership approach.
Within two years of its launch, the company was recommended by the Lonely Planet Nepal Travel Guide book. The following year, it ranked #7 among Nepal’s top 10 agencies. From 2012 to 2014, it held the #1 position continuously.
The company grew steadily with the support of family members, experts, mentors, employees, relatives, and friends. Today, Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal stands as a respected name in trekking and expedition services.
Two of Sujan’s brothers have summited Mount Everest:
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Anil Bhattarai (2005, Tibet side), the first Brahmin in the Hindu community to summit Everest
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Roshan Bhattarai (2008, Nepal side), who has climbed five 8,000-meter peaks and now resides in the United States
While Moti, Anil, and Balkrishna focused on guiding, Sujan managed operations and office leadership from the very start.
Expansion into Hospitality: Hotel Thamel Park & Beyond
Sujan and his partners expanded into hospitality by investing in Hotel Thamel Park in Thamel, Kathmandu. Initially, six investors collectively invested approximately NPR 60 million, later adding NPR 5 million to operations.
The original 40-room hotel quickly became insufficient. Two years later, they purchased adjacent land and expanded the structure.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, after purchasing land in Thamel for NPR 90 million, many businesses halted. However, Sujan saw an opportunity in a crisis!
With roads empty and construction easier during lockdown, they accelerated development. The result? A nine-storey, 88-room four-star hotel today sits at the heart of Thamel!
The total investment exceeded NPR 60 crore, with nearly 100 jobs created! Though the pandemic increased costs unexpectedly, they persevered.
The family also operated Kailash Kuti Hotel, which ran for three years, and are now preparing a resort project on the Bhotekoshi River, “Little River Camp Bhotekoshi”.
Sujan and team even own a hotel in Sarangkot. They have a master tourism development plan exceeding NPR 50 to 60+ crore, with over 50 to 60% investment already secured!
Moreover, Sujan actively encourages Nepalis working abroad to invest in Nepal, believing this will help create opportunities for their return.
Philanthropy & Community Development
Despite business success, Sujan remains deeply committed to his roots.
With the support of Lesley Gosling from the UK, the family established Q Learning Primary School in Taplejung in 2009, based on the Montessori concept. The school now provides education up to grade 8 and serves approximately 500 children.
Having grown up witnessing the challenges of limited healthcare and educational access in remote regions, Sujan envisions long-term improvements in both sectors.
He continues working toward sustainable systems that ensure better medical outreach and quality education for future generations.
Furthermore, Sujan has spearheaded medical campaigns in rural areas, earthquake-relief efforts after the 2015 earthquake, and long-term initiatives for education and healthcare access.
His VISION is clear: uplift his birthplace and create sustainable opportunities for rural communities.
Family, Values & Personal Life
Sujan attributes his success to family unity. He proudly says that even today, the extended family (including 16 sons of their father’s five brothers) move forward together with the same spirit. Their mother, who raised them with strong moral values, remains their greatest inspiration.
His wife, Krishnadevi Bhattarai, supports the business through accounting and office management. Together, they are raising their son, Shreyansh and daughter, Supriya.
He believes integrity, perseverance, and strategic investment are the pillars of sustainable success. He often says to his Himalayan Ecstasy team, “Many people now recognize the man who came from the village empty-handed. Business is good. What more could you want?”
Beyond Business
Beyond entrepreneurship, Sujan remains deeply connected to the mountains, his village, and community service. His story, from porter during conflict to leading a tourism and hospitality empire, stands as a powerful example of determination, unity, and long-term vision.
Today, Sujan Bhattarai is recognized not only as a successful tourism entrepreneur but also as a community buildershaping Nepal’s tourism and education sectors for generations to come.
His journey from a kitchen boy and porter during Nepal’s conflict years to leading a multi-sector tourism and hospitality enterprise leaves an indelible mark on both the industry and his community.