In November of 2001, my wife and I took a twenty-three day trek in Nepal led by Dave McNally and Mountain Odyssey. At 65, I have had a long list of wonderful, exciting and challenging experiences but none can compare to our trek with Dave. He didnšt control the wonderful weather we experienced but he influenced every other aspect of the trip and it was absolutely perfect. I have never had a trip that was better organized or managed.

The logistics of the porters, Sherpas, yaks, cooks, equipment and schedule is one thing, but having a process of acclimatization in order to keep us healthy and happy is another thing entirely and he did all of that masterfully. And he achieved all of this with a low key, calm but forthright manner. We all couldnšt have asked for a better guide than Dave.
Bruce Hawtin, Jackson, WY

I sincerely and enthusiastically offer my recommendation of Dave McNally as an excellent professional mountain guide. Dave was the guide and trip leader for a four week trekking and climbing trip I made to the Khumbu region of Nepal and my experience was greatly enhanced by his leadership. In addition to being well organized, patient, and knowledgeable, Dave exhibited a true love of the mountains, culture, and people of the region. This attitude was refreshing and infectious within our group and was a large part of the success of our trip.

Dave has extensive knowledge of all aspects of mountain travel and gives the high peaks the respect they deserve. I never questioned his judgement and was impressed by his lack of ego and fairness in dealing with all levels of climbers. He knows what it takes to succeed in all areas of the sport ­ training, organization, avalanche evaluation, altitude acclimatization, equipment use, etc. ­ to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for his clients. As a novice climber I learned valuable lessons climbing with Dave and found him easy to be around and a very good-humored person. These are important qualities when spending extended periods of time in small groups in the frequently tough conditions found in the mountains.
Rich Graves, Jackson, WY

Over the last three years I have had the opportunity to take three, month long, treks to Nepal with Dave McNally and Mountain Odyssey. I have climbed in the Alps, Alaska, South America, Canada and many areas in the United States for the last fifty plus years. Over the years I have seen many climbers as well as guides and was able to observe them in the mountain environment.

Dave McNally is an absolutely outstanding mountain guide and leader. Not only is he technically very strong in all mountain environments, including rock, ice and mixed climbing, he also has abundant experience on some of the worldšs biggest peaks. Dave is even tempered and inspires great confidence.

Davešs leadership qualities are truly outstanding and his concern for the safety of his clients is of utmost importance to him. It is my pleasure and indeed an honor for me to recommend Dave McNally.
Roland Fleck, M.D., Jackson, WY

So How About Them Maoists? (April, 2002)
Returned from 22,000 feet on Chulu West in the Annapurna trekking area, (I would have made it to the top but Dave spiked my porridge on summit day) on my second trip with Dave and Pemba, I find myself besieged back home with questions about my personal safety, political turmoil, and the wisdom of international travel to the far east post 9/11. My response to all these fearful inquiries is balderdash and rot! Go for it!

Nepal is as beautiful as ever. The Nepalese people are as friendly to Americans and as gentle, open and peaceful as ever and, best of all, Pemba, Narayan, Gopal and the rest of Davešs Nepalese staff, are ever more dedicated to making your trip a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Reports of violence and disruption in Nepal are vastly overblown in the US media. Over the course of a month of travel in both remote and populated areas we did not encounter a single angry exchange, see a single political demonstration, or witness a single sign of violence, towards us or anyone else. Quite the contrary: Nepalese shop owners, and innkeepers welcomed us warmly and enthusiastically, and expressed deep sympathy and understanding toward us as Americans, based on their own national experience, for the terrible effects of terrorism.

Nepal depends on tourism, and it continues to welcome tourists in the heartiest manner. Even Maoist press statements take pains to emphasize the importance of tourism to Nepalšs economy, and continue to pledge non-violence toward foreigners.

This is a sad and difficult time for Nepal and its gentle people. Yet the unhappiness and turmoil is a purely domestic matter. Please do not let it dissuade you from visiting this extraordinary country, and meeting its wonderful people. They will teach you that living a full and meaningful life in the 21st century has little to do with material wealth, even in times of turmoil.

As a sometime South American mountaineer, I never intended to visit Nepal. Yet I find myself drawn like a magnet, even today, to revisit this very special part of the world and to respond to the generosity and wisdom of itšs extraordinary people. If you feel the same tug, I hope youšll trust that inner voice, and go. I guarantee you wonšt be disappointed. Namaste.
Chris Dame, Boston, MA