About Us
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 ourcommunities. Since 2010 we have guided more than 60 groups from around the world throughthe Makalu, Arun, Kanchenjunga and Everest regions, always with licensed local guides and porters.
“Makalu Trekking for Social Impact”
Our founding slogan, 2010
Stronger communities
Our profits fund school supplies and food for the elderly in Sankhuwasabha
Education
We help disadvantaged local children go to school and get a good education
Fair income
Local guides, porters and tea-house families earn a fair wage from tourism.
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 Arunvalley directly.
MAST today
Today we run treks across eastern Nepal in the same spirit
- Licensed guides and porters hired from local villages, fairly paid and insured
- Nights in family-run tea houses and community homestays
- Our profits fund school supplies and food for the elderly
- Guests can volunteer in local schools during or after their trek
MAST Mission, Vision and Value
Our Mission
To create authentic, community-driven trekking experiences in Nepal that improve local livelihoods, protect Himalayan nature and culture, and inspire responsible travel.
Our Vision
To be Nepal's leading social trekking organization, connecting travellers with remote mountain communities in meaningful ways.
Our Value
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 local guides.
Meet the MAST Team
Mr. Tejanath Pokharel
Chairperson.
Founder Member of MAST
Khandbari
.
Mr.Bir Bahadur Rai
Treasurer
MAST, Khandbari
Mr.Yadu Mani Niraula
Founder Member of MASTKhandbari
Mr. Hom Kumar Dhungana
Secretary of MAST
Khandbari
Mr. Dinesh Pokharel
Member of MAST
Khandbari
Mrs.Tulasha Sharma
Office Assistant
MAST, Khandbari
Trek with us, or get involved
Plan a trek with a local team, volunteer in a village school, or support our community projects.