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ABOUT US
Namkha Journeys is a travel company registered in the United States (license n. 2488356) specializing in tours and treks to the Himalayas. Founded in 2005 by Soenam Dorjee and Jetsun Deleplanque, the company strives to facilitate meaningful encounters between the Himalayan peoples and their visitors through responsible and sustainable tourism. Since its inception, Namkha Journeys has become a leading specialist in travel to Bhutan, Ladakh and Nepal.
The Name
Namkha means ‘sky’ or ‘space’ in Tibetan. It is frequently used in Buddhist scriptures to refer to the spaciousness of phenomena. The Himalayas were home to countless yogis or meditation practitioners whom, perched high in their mountain caves or hermitages, contemplated the nature of mind being equal to the vastness of space. It is our endeavor to welcome you to such lands where after a challenging ascent to a high altitude mountain pass or temple, we can sit together and admire the space that stretches far into the horizon.
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Expertise in the Himalayas and Responsible Tourism
As experts in the Himalayan regions of Bhutan, Ladakh, and Nepal, we are backed by an in-depth and ever growing knowledge of not only the geography and topography but also the languages, cultures, traditions, history and religions of these areas. It is because of our appreciation and understanding of the sensitivities of the local people with whom we work that we have become well-known and respected across these regions.
Grounded in the belief that a meaningful encounter can happen through the travel experience, Namkha Journeys has for its mission to facilitate and accommodate such an exchange through responsible and sustainable tourism. We are strongly committed to organizing travel which is socially, environmentally and culturally sound. Besides striving to provide travel services that are as environmentally sustainable as possible, leaving the smallest footprint we can in the places we visit, it is of crucial importance for us that our services also serve to benefit and empower local communities.
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Specialized Tours
In addition to the various featured itineraries on this website, we specialize in tailor-made itineraries to the Himalayan region. Since its inception, Namkha Journeys has acted as a resource and travel facilitator for first-time visitors, scholars, Buddhist practitioners, environmentalists, and mountaineers amongst others. From exclusive Buddhist pilgrimages to specialist botanical excursions, we are passionate about fulfilling the special aspirations of our clients.
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The Team:
We are a small yet mighty group of enthusiastic travel operators who share deep friendships and a passion for Himalayan travel. Behind the faces of our Operation Managers are countless guides, drivers, horsemen, porters, cooks and helpers that together create one big Namkha Journeys family.
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Jetsun Deleplanque
Co-founder and Global Operations
Jetsun, a native of France, has spent over fifteen years living in the Himalayas. From growing up in the Indian Himalayan foothills as a child to living in the Kingdom of Bhutan more recently, he has a deep connection to Himalayan culture, customs, and landscapes. Jetsun has organized and lead countless tours and treks across the Himalayan belt. In addition to his work with Namkha Journeys, he is currently completing his Ph.D. in Tibetan Buddhist history at the University of Chicago.
Soenam Dorjee
Co-Founder and Bhutan Operations
Born in Thimphu, Soenam has been organizing and guiding travelers through his homeland since a young age, leading him to eventually co-establish Namkha Journeys. His breadth and depth of knowledge and experience makes him one of the most sought after travel operators in Bhutan.
Norboo Tundup
Ladakh Operations
Norboo has been in the travel industry for over 20 years, having organized countless cultural tours, treks, and full-fledged expeditions in Ladakh and Zanskar. Born in the Zanskar valley, Norboo welcomes the opportunity to share his knowledge and love of the region with travelers.
Nabin Prasai
Nepal Operations
Nabin has been in the travel and hospitality industry for over 15 years. Originally from Eastern Nepal, he is passionate about sharing the rich and diverse heritage of his country to visitors.
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