Arjun Kumar Rai

About Arjun

Arjun “Cholochha” Mantherbu is an expert trekking guide providing authentic Nepal experiences for English speaking clients from around the world. Having grown up in the remote village of Chhekma, in the Everest Region of Nepal, Cholochha’s first life experiences were in farming as the eldest son of 8 surviving children. He speaks Kulu-Ring, his mother tongue, and learned Nepali in grade school. Having completed grade 10 in the village, Cholochha moved to Kathmandu to continue his education. He is fluent in English, Nepali and Kulung languages. He holds an undergraduate degree in environmental science from Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus and a master’s degree in Anthropology from Tribuvan University. He has worked as an organizer, guide and translator for the documentary film, Carrying Everest, as well as a translator and guide for academic research. He has contributed ethnographic writings and short documentary films for the Association of Nepal Kirat Kulung Language Culture Development (ANKKLCD) and has volunteered as a board member for ANKKLCD with the aim of increasing Kulung recognition from the Nepal government as well as from the international community. Cholochha has received mountain leadership and wilderness first aid training and is a licensed and government certified trekking guide and trip organizer. Trips and treks offered include the full spectrum of Nepal experiences ranging from city tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara to safari tours in Chitwan, home stays, tea house trekking, camping treks, rafting, and mountaineering. He also specializes in planning and translating for research projects and documentary film making. Cholochha brings a unique combination of traditional village and academic knowledge to create original and culturally immersive travel experiences.