Born in a remote Everest village, Pilot BK’s journey from porter to founder of Bonny Himalaya is a true story of passion, resilience, and inspiration.

Humble Beginnings in the Shadow of Everest

Mr. Bhai Kaji Tamang, also known as Pilot BK, was born in Phalate Sukepokhari, a small village in the Lower Everest region, in January 1982. He came from a hardworking farming family and is the eighth child among nine siblings — seven brothers and two sisters.

As a child, education was not easy. The nearest school was an hour’s walk away, and there was no high school nearby. To continue his education, he had to walk three days to reach Khumjung High School, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to summit Mount Everest.

While studying in Khumjung, BK became curious about the many foreign tourists visiting the Everest Khumbu region. Many of his classmates’ family members worked as trekking guides and porters. Inspired by them, BK joined his first Everest Base Camp trek at the age of 14, carrying supplies for a group of 40 tourists. This experience changed his life.

Early Trekking Experience and Passion for the Trails

After joining several treks during school breaks, BK became familiar with the entire Khumbu region, including famous trails like Chola Pass, Renjo La Pass, Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Island Peak, and Thame.

After completing high school, he moved to Kathmandu for higher education. During his college breaks, he continued working in trekking. He started as an assistant guide for the American Sierra Club. His dedication, work ethic, and love for the mountains impressed his team leaders, and they recommended him for treks across Nepal — Annapurna, Everest, Manaslu, Langtang, Mustang, and Dolpo.

However, his journey faced a setback during the Maoist civil war. Due to safety concerns, foreign trekkers stopped visiting, and many guides and porters, including BK, lost their jobs.

A New Beginning and the Birth of Bonny Himalaya

In 2008, after peace talks between the government and Maoists, BK returned to trekking. He guided a group of four to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo and Chola Pass. That trek opened the door to new opportunities.

In 2010, BK guided multiple international groups, including clients from Switzerland, who later recommended him to others. This marked a turning point in his life.

That same year, he established his own trekking company — Bonny Himalaya. “Bonny” means smart and beautiful, and “BM” connects with Himalayan spiritual traditions. He received a government license to operate legally across Nepal.

He also traveled to Switzerland for marketing and returned with a clear goal: to provide quality service, understand Western culture, and meet every client’s needs.

Leading with Purpose: People, Mountains, and Responsibility

Since founding Bonny Himalaya, Pilot BK has taken responsibility for over 20 staff members, his family, and his community. He is also deeply committed to protecting the mountains, glaciers, and Himalayan culture.

BK has witnessed dramatic changes in the landscape — melting glaciers, disappearing snow, and declining trekking trails. “Without mountains and nature,” he says, “there is no BK, no Bonny Himalaya.”

His message is clear:

“I believe there were yetis, dinosaurs, beautiful mountains, and lakes — but now they are disappearing. We must preserve our nature and culture and share them with the world.”

I believe there were yetis, dinosaurs, beautiful mountains, and lakes — but now they are disappearing. We must preserve our nature and culture and share them with the world.

BK – A Trusted and Inspiring Guide in Nepal

Since December 1999, BK has been guiding travelers from around the world with professionalism, trust, and heartfelt hospitality. One of his first remarkable journeys was with Nick from Australia, trekking the Annapurna Circuit starting from Beshishahar. That memorable 21-day trek ended in Pokhara in early 2000 and became the start of a lifelong friendship. Nick has since returned to Nepal more than three times to trek with BK again.

BK’s reputation for reliability and warmth has brought many visitors back, often multiple times. Among them:

  • Heidi Nissle from Switzerland – visited more than 12 times.
  • Mathias Studer from Switzerland – more than 3 times.
  • Beatrice from Switzerland – more than 4 times.
  • Andreas from Switzerland – more than 6 times.
  • Christop from Switzerland – more than 3 times.
  • Ursula Mariya – more than 8 times.
  • Cy Englert from the USA – more than 3 times.
  • Dr. William Long – more than 3 times.
  • Heidi Altweger from Austria – twice.

Many other friends from around the globe have also returned repeatedly. They come back not just for the beauty of Nepal, but because BK offers something truly special: humbleness, humanity, kindness, responsiveness, punctuality, quality service, and complete trustworthiness.

BK is known for always being ready to help, guiding with care, and inspiring travelers to discover new paths and hidden treasures of the Himalayas. His deep knowledge of the trails, his service-oriented approach, and his genuine connection with people make every journey unforgettable.