About MAST
About Makalu Arun Social Trek
A local, non-profit-distributing trekking agency in Khandbari, eastern Nepal, connecting great mountain adventures with real help for local people since 2010.
Who we are
Social Impact Trekking in Nepal, Run by Local People
Makalu Arun Social Trek (MAST) was founded in Khandbari in 2010 by the SESF Foundation. We are a government-registered, licensed, TAAN-member trekking agency that distributes no profit to owners: what we earn goes back into our communities. Since 2010 we have guided more than 60 groups from around the world through the Makalu, Arun, Kanchenjunga and Everest regions, always with licensed guides and local porters.
“Makalu Trekking for Social Impact”
Social trekking
Every Trek Gives Back
-
01
You trek with licensed guides and local porters
Guides, porters and tea-house owners from these trails and villages earn a fair income.
-
02
Our profits stay local
MAST pays no profit to its owners. What your trek earns goes back to Sankhuwasabha.
-
03
Schools and elders benefit
It pays for school places for local children and food for elderly people in the region.
Our story
From a Village Idea to a Social Trekking Agency
How MAST began
In 2010, the SESF Foundation committee in Khandbari saw that most trekking income never reached the villages that trekkers walked through. They created MAST to change that, so tourism would help the people of the Makalu Arun valley directly.
MAST today
Today we run treks across eastern Nepal in the same spirit.
What drives us
Our Mission, Vision and Values
Mission
To create authentic, community-driven trekking experiences in Nepal that improve local livelihoods, protect Himalayan nature and culture, and inspire responsible travel.
Vision
To be Nepal's leading social trekking organization, connecting travellers with remote mountain communities in meaningful ways.
Values
- Community first
- Tourism income should stay with local people.
- Honesty
- Clear, service-based pricing with no hidden costs.
- Respect
- For local culture, traditions and the environment.
- Safety
- Small groups and experienced licensed guides.
Our people
Meet the Makalu Arun Social Trek Team
-
Tejanath Pokharel
Chairperson and founder member -
Hom Kumar Dhungana
Secretary
-
Bir Bahadur Rai
Treasurer -
Yadu Mani Niraula
Founder member -
Dinesh Pokharel
Member -
Tulasha Sharma
Office assistant
Trek with us, or Get Involved
Plan a trek with a local team, volunteer in a village school, or support our community projects.
Registered, licensed and trusted
