Meet Our Team
8+
Year Experience
6+
Khumbu climbing center facilitator
Ngima Gyalzen Sherpa (sherpagrapher)
Founder and Managing Director
Rooted in the majestic Himalayas, Ngima was born and raised in the tranquil village of Thame, Solukhumbu a place where mountains are more than landscapes; they are teachers, guardians, and home. Ngima spent seven transformative years as a monk at Thame Monastery, immersing himself in Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and the spiritual rhythms of the high mountains. This foundation continues to shape how he see the world and how ngima tell stories through my camera.
Ngima journey behind the lens truly began in 2019, at the age of 21, during Ngima first summit of Mount Everest. Standing at the highest point on Earth, ngima understood the power of a single image—a moment that can hold the silence, vastness, and spirit of the Himalayas. Since then, photography has been my way of sharing the mountains with the world. Today, as a freelance adventure photographer and experienced trekking/climbing guide, ngima aim dedicated to capturing the soul of the Himalayas—its dramatic landscapes, rich Sherpa culture, ancient monasteries, and the resilience of mountain communities his work blends spiritual depth with raw adventure, offering viewers a chance to feel the mountains rather than just see them.
At Adventure Pathways, he bring his vision, experience, and storytelling to inspire travelers to explore with curiosity and respect. Whether documenting remote expeditions, guiding trekkers across high passes, or photographing cultural life in the Khumbu, Ngimas goal is to connect people with the mountains in a meaningful and authentic way.
In addition to expedition leadership, Ngima has also been actively involved in mountain education and skills development in Nepal. Since 2022, he has served as a Facilitator at the Khumbu Climbing Center (KCC), supporting training programs for aspiring Nepali climbers and mountain workers. Through this role, he contributes to strengthening technical climbing skills, safety awareness, and professional development within the Himalayan mountaineering community.
Kunga Gyaju Sherpa
Executive Director
Born and raised in Pangboche, a historic Sherpa village in Nepal’s Khumbu region, Kunga Gyaju Sherpa is an accomplished mountaineer, expedition leader, climbing instructor, outdoor educator, and mountain safety trainer with extensive experience across Nepal’s Himalayas. Growing up in the shadow of the world’s highest mountains inspired a lifelong passion for mountaineering, exploration, and sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Sherpa people.
Over the years, Kunga has successfully summited numerous Himalayan peaks, including Ama Dablam and Cholatse, while achieving more than 10 ascents of Mera Peak, 50+ ascents of Island Peak, 50+ ascents of Lobuche Peak, 10+ ascents of Pokalde Peak, 2 ascents of Yalung Ri, and 3 ascents of Phachhermo Peak as a Climbing Guide. Demonstrating exceptional endurance and technical ability, he completed the challenging Three Peaks Challenge (Island Peak, Pokalde Peak, and Lobuche Peak) within just 23 hours, an outstanding achievement in Nepalese mountaineering.
A major milestone in his climbing career came in 2025, when he served as the Fixing Leader for the First Ascent of Mount Pathibhara (6,868m). Leading the route-fixing team, Kunga played a pivotal role in the success of this historic expedition, further establishing his reputation as a skilled and dependable mountain professional. Kunga has worked as both Climbing Sirdar and Trekking Guide for internationally respected expedition operators, leading and supporting a wide range of trekking and climbing adventures throughout Nepal. His experience includes Everest Base Camp Treks, Luxury Everest Base Camp Treks, Khumbu expeditions, and numerous peak-climbing programs. Widely respected for his professionalism, leadership, positive attitude, strong communication skills, and commitment to client safety, he has guided adventurers from around the world through some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.
In addition to expedition leadership, Kunga is an Instructor at the Khumbu Climbing Center (KCC), where he helps train the next generation of Nepali climbers and mountain workers. In 2026, he served as an Instructor for the Advanced Training Course for Everest Icefall Doctors, contributing to the development of specialized technical skills and mountain safety standards in the Everest region. Beyond his guiding and instructional work, Kunga is committed to community development and education.
15
Yeas of experience
10+
Khumbu climbing center facilitator
Jon Gangdal
Co-Founder
Originally from Norway, Jon is a highly experienced Himalayan expedition leader with more than three decades of mountaineering experience across Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan, and Peru. His lifelong passion for the mountains has led him to some of the world’s most iconic and challenging peaks.
Jon has led and participated in expeditions on legendary mountains including Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, Shishapangma, and Ama Dablam. His extensive background includes both technical alpine climbing and leading high-altitude expeditions with safety, professionalism, and deep mountain knowledge.
Beyond climbing, Jon is passionate about sharing the culture, traditions, and spirit of the Himalayas with others. His experience, leadership, and respect for mountain communities make him an important part of Adventure Pathway’s vision.
At Adventure Pathway, Jon helps create authentic journeys that combine adventure, cultural connection, and unforgettable Himalayan experiences.
Mattias Karlsson
Co-Founder
Mathias Karlsson is a Swedish lawyer, passionate skier, and high-altitude climber with decades of experience exploring mountains across Scandinavia, the Alps, Central Asia, and the Himalayas. Drawn to long ski tours, demanding climbs, and remote trekking routes, Mathias brings a deep respect for mountains, culture, and endurance-based adventure.
His journey in the high mountains began with treks and climbs in Bhutan in 1999 and has since taken him to some of the world’s most iconic peaks. He has climbed to 6,850 meters on Khan Tengri in Kyrgyzstan, summited Imja Tse (Island Peak), and reached the top of Mount Everest via the Northeast Ridge from Tibet. In Nepal, he has also attempted Kangchenjunga and Ama Dablam, demonstrating long-term commitment, resilience, and a true expedition mindset.
Alongside Himalayan expeditions, Mathias has spent many years ski touring and trekking across Kyrgyzstan, returning repeatedly between 2007 and 2015. His wide-ranging experience, calm decision-making, and love for self-powered adventure make him a valuable part of the Adventure Pathways team, contributing strategic insight and a strong ethical approach to mountain exploration.
