Hira Dhamala has been Managing Director of Karnali Excursions since the company was established in 1997. Prior to this, Hira and several friends started working together to lead treks, and this group of friends formed the basis of what is now Karnali Excursions.

Hira was born in the Himalayan village of Khanigaun, in the Langtang region, and to this day maintains a deep connection with the Himalaya Mountains. When he was twelve years old his family relocated to the jungle area of Chitwan, and the mountains became a distant memory, and no longer a daily presence in his life. When he decided on a career in tourism, Hira was drawn back to the mountains of his early childhood, and he began his intensive explorations of Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.

Hira has led treks for over seventeen years now, and even when he is not personally guiding guests on Himalayan adventures, he often explores the outer reaches of the Himalayas to learn more about bird watching and Himalayan nature photography. Having successfully lead more than 2,000 people to the Mount Kailash Pilgrimage, has earned the great admiration and affection of these many pilgrims. Hira has led uncountable groups to Everest, Manaslu, Annapurna, Gasaburam and K2. Amongst his many clients are groups belonging to veteran mountaineer associations and the Royal Geographical Society.

When leading treks, Hira can always be counted on to relay the traditional stories of the region. Often he will quote from the ancient books of the Hindu and Buddhist traditions that relate to the areas being explored. He loves to tell the old stories of the mountains, especially those based on these ancient books.

Hira also contributes his time, efforts and financial support for social work in Nepal. In 2004 he helped build the Ratna Nagar Community Library in Chitwan where students, local farmers and the business community of Chitwan have access to over 10,000 books. He also focuses much of his free time promoting education for the handicapped and disadvantaged rural youth.

When he is not personally leading treks, Hira welcomes each guest and attends to all the details of their, ‘Journey of a Lifetime’. Over the years he has gathered a uniquely kind, capable and experienced staff who work in close co-operation, handling every aspect of the treks and tours organized by Karnali Excursions.