world horizons
operations team
Matthew Swait
Founder & General Manager
Matthew’s career began with private climbing trips and expeditions across Southeast and Southern Asia, sparking a lifelong interest in the region. He went on to lead commercial trekking and climbing expeditions throughout the Indian Subcontinent, where he developed a deep understanding of expedition logistics. This passion led to the founding of World Horizons in 1998. His connection to South Asia runs deep — he has explored the region for decades and studied South Asian politics at university in the 1980s.
Jigme Tshering
Tour Director India & Nepal
Jigme, ‘the language master’ is fluent in English and four other languages, thanks to his education in Darjeeling. Jigme has been working in Nepal since 1991, having received professional training at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling. With over 150 Himalayan expeditions under his belt, Jigme is a true adventurer! He’s also a stickler for detail, which has earned him our complete trust. When you’re with Jigme, you know you’re in safe hands and he’ll go above and beyond to ensure your welfare and security.
Balaram Neupane
Operations - Nepal
Meet Balaram — a highly respected trekking expert whose deep industry knowledge makes him a trusted source of advice. In 1991, he was instrumental in the successful rescue of James Scott, who survived 40 days lost in the remote Langtang region. Balaram also played a key role in coordinating relief efforts after the 2015 earthquake. With strong ties across both government and the trekking sector, he remains a vital asset to World Horizons.
Gagan Neupane
Admin & Farmhouse Manager - Nepal
Gagan began joining his father on treks at just nine years old — and 25 years later, he’s now at the helm of our Kathmandu office. He has led countless treks, manages the Farmhouse, and thrives on juggling his many roles within the company. What excites him most, though, is exploring new trails around his home in Nepal’s Rasuwa District. With his warm, cheerful nature, Gagan is the ideal travel companion.
Dr Buddhi Bhandari
Expedition Dr & Consultant - Nepal
Dr. Buddhi Bhandari, an experienced orthopaedic surgeon with over ten years of medical expertise, skillfully manages all our medical logistics in Nepal. As a consultant at the renowned CIWEC hospital in Kathmandu, specializing in travel-related illnesses and tropical diseases, Dr. Buddhi is an invaluable member of our team. He also happens to bowl a mean leg break!
Bal Krishna
Farmhouse Assitant Manager - Nepal
Bal Krishna, the man in charge of keeping things running smoothly at the Farmhouse! He lives there with his wife Santi and their two kids. Krishna is the go-to guy for any and all of your needs, and he’s always happy to lend a hand. When he’s not busy taking care of the Farmhouse, he’s out leading our incredible treks nearby.
Lama Tamang
Guide - Nepal
Lama may be ‘semi-retired’, but he’s still a valuable member of our team. He still guides on our school programmes and even hosts our groups at his Monastery in Bhitang, where he’s the head Lama. One of the biggest highlights of any trip to Nepal is experiencing a traditional Puja ceremony led by Lama in his hometown.
Farmhouse Team
Rasuwa District - Nepal
Depending on the group’s size, our farmhouse staff can include up to 12 highly skilled individuals. We feel privileged to have an exceptional team of dedicated colleagues, many of whom have been with us for years. Our admiration for them goes beyond their unwavering work ethic; it also encompasses their vibrant and optimistic outlook on life.
SB Gurung
Operations - Ladakh/India
The man behind the magic of our trekking operations in Ladakh! He’s been with World Horizons for years and is an absolute pro at making sure every trek runs smoothly. In fact, he’s been a driving force in developing the trekking industry in Ladakh and his attention to detail is legendary. You can trust that with SB at the helm, your trek will be safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Plus, his exacting standards mean you can rest assured that everything will be taken care of down to the tiniest detail.
Sonam Richen
Guide - Ladakh/India
Sonam, one of our superstar trekking guides! With his wealth of experience, he knows the ins and outs of our treks in Ladakh like the back of his hand, and he’s always up for leading our groups through the stunning scenery. Hailing from the beautiful Nubra Valley to the East of Leh, Sonam takes immense pride in showing our guests his beloved homeland. Get ready to be swept away by his infectious enthusiasm and adventurous spirit!
Ladakh Team
Leh - Ladakh/India
Our crew in Ladakh are an amazing bunch! We can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard from our guests about how incredible their experience was with them. Not only do they make sure everyone is having a blast, but they take the safety and well-being of our guests as their top priority. We are truly fortunate to have them on our team and to be able to share their expertise with our guests.
Gem Tsering
Lead Guide - Bhutan
Gem is like a breath of fresh mountain air! He’s one of the many well-educated, polite, and caring young people you’ll meet in Bhutan, but with a twist: he’s also an expert on Bhutanese history, culture, religion, flora, and fauna. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s also an amazing guitar player and singer! He’s definitely one of our guests’ and staff’s favorite companions.
Testimonials
