Raju was fantastic company, knowledgable, thoughtful, and added a bit more poetry to the abundantly-poetic landscape. 

We went for 10 days to Poon Hill and Annapurna Base camp in March 2016 and we were blessed with the company of our guide Raju since we meet him the day before we start our trek. He told us everything we need to know to make a decision about what seems possible in our scheduled time in the Annapurna region. He is the best guide you can ask for- experienced, knowledgeable, trustworthy, patient, and very friendly. His English is just excellent and he has a remarkable knowledge about his country and its nature. We had so many great experiences about Nepal people and landscape through him. If you decide to go with a guide like Raju it is worth it, it turns out the best way to trek, feeling safe and less like a stranger in a foreign country. We both hugely enjoyed his company and have no hesitation in recommending him very highlyfor everybody who plans to trek. You will definitely find a friend in Raju.

Don't hesitate to contact him. Also on https://www.facebook.com/hem.bastola?fref=nf

Franziska Deimling, Niedererbach, Germany

I found out about Raju through a trekking blog (Auszweit) and I don't regret that I followed their recommendation. Raju is friendly, kind, intelligent, caring, honest and much more. We went to together to Annapurna Base Camp and he offered everything I expected of a good guide: Anwers to my quenstions in advance (trekking gear, weather, routers, permits), informations on the way (about mountains, villages, ethnic groups, history), caring (asking how I feel, looking out for me, checking for the weather to see upcoming 'dangers'), excellent English skills (haven't heard anyone in Nepal so far speaking such a perfect English). But most importantly he's just a very nice and cool guy I enjoyed hanging around with. I must say that even though I could have made the ABC by my own it made the days much more enjoyable and worth having Raju around as my guide!

Hem has organized our trip to Muktinath and took great care of our small group. We got delayed by weather conditions, so Hem provided all support required to update accommodation bookings, air plane tickets, etc. A rather quick hike and thorough planning was required to reach Muktinath and get back in time - so this was achieved flawlessly. Hem local Pokhara and hindu traditions expertise has made our short pilgrimage trip truly inspiring. He is a very nice person. It is a pleasure to communicate with Hem. We would certainly recommend Hem for western pilgrims.

With touroperator Shoestring from Holland we travelled with a group to Nepal. Hem Raj Bastola was the guide who together with a lot of sherpa's accompanied us for a three day trek to Poon Hill and return. Hem obviously liked to share his knowledge of Nepal's history, it's inhabitants, flora and fauna with us. He was always aware of everyone's whereabouts, looked after the group, but also took an interest in individuals who needed attention. As soon as whe arrived in a guesthouse Hem turned from guide into a "butler", helping out with serving meals, providing extra blankets when needed. Everything with a smile and a lot of humour. We felt really at ease with him. We hope you will find him "vacant" in Pokhara if you are looking for a guide to accompany you!"