About Us

How It Started

Hello everyone, Namaste! I am Ghanshyam Sharma, CEO of Tiger Encounter. Trekkers Paradise and Tiger Encounter are an entrepreneur’s dream come true after my decade-long expertise in the tourism of Nepal.

I want to share how I came up with a tour specialized in wildlife safaris in Nepal. Back in 2016, I joined a camera-trapping documentary project about wildlife in Bardia National Park. Our team spent almost three months there. During this time, we became familiar with park officials, hotel owners, nature guides, and local people. Together, we made a collective effort to track an exceptional amount of wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tigers!

I have been working in the field for over a decade. Over the years, I have successfully handled a diversity of tourism expeditions. These include high-altitude trekking, filming expeditions, and, of course, wildlife safaris. In addition, I am an excellent guide with a plethora of knowledge and experience. Furthermore, I specialize in the countries of Nepal, India, Bhutan, Tibet, and Africa.

I successfully organized multiple reality shows in the protected areas of Nepal. I gained valuable insights into the best habitats of various animals. Moreover, my extensive travels have brought me close to different species. These experiences have given me a unique understanding of their needs and behaviors. With this knowledge, I have designed safaris that offer guests the best chances to see and interact with wildlife in their natural habitats.

Finally, whether you’re interested in big game, animals, birds, or primates, my expertise will ensure that you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the great outdoors.

Nima Sange Sherpa is an experienced red panda tracker and local guide in Ilam Dobate, eastern Nepal, an important habitat for the endangered red pandas. He helps wildlife enthusiasts and photographers find red pandas in their natural habitat. He knows the local forests and wildlife well. He also shares his knowledge of red panda conservation.

With Nima, visitors can enjoy red panda tracking, wildlife photography, Himalayan forests, local culture, and beautiful landscapes. As a member of the Tiger Encounter team, he creates responsible and memorable wildlife experiences.

Sabina Khanal is a young travel and wildlife enthusiast. She has an ever-smiling, friendly personality and infinite love for animals. Her compassionate nature and extraordinary eye for detail make her the mama tiger of the Tiger Encounter team.

Her commitment to responsible tourism and her deep understanding of the challenges facing wildlife and their habitats have earned her recognition as a leader in the industry. Under her leadership, the company is making a positive impact on the world and providing unforgettable wildlife experiences for visitors from all over the globe.

Mr. Lhakpa Gyalbu Sherpa is a knowledgeable and talented professional with a deep interest in, and extensive experience in, travel and photography. He brings a unique perspective to every adventure. With a passion for nature and a keen eye for photography, he leads guests on memorable and educational journeys through the wilderness. He is a valuable member of our team and an important part of every safari experience. He works as a content writer, office operator, photographer, and guide, making him a true all-rounder.

He is also a highly skilled red panda tracker. He grew up in Langtang National Park and spent his early years herding yaks through its temperate forests. This experience helped him build a deep connection with the land and its wildlife. His field experience and ecological knowledge help him navigate red panda habitats with confidence. He increases the chances of sightings while promoting responsible wildlife observation.

Tashi R. Ghale is our professional wildlife photographer and nature guide for snow leopard tracking expeditions in Manang. He is a native of the region. He has spent over 20 years documenting these elusive big cats, with more than 60 sightings-more than anyone else in Nepal.

International journals, travel magazines, and calendars both in Nepal and abroad have featured his snow leopard images. Tashi has also exhibited his landscape and wildlife photography in Austria and Nepal.

His dedication to protecting snow leopards and their mountain habitat has earned him several prestigious honors, including the Abraham Conservation Award (2016) from WWF Nepal, the Disney Conservation Hero Award (2018) from the Disney Conservation Fund, and the Bob and Zhang/Xavier Conservation Award (2024) from the United States.

Sushila Mahatara is a senior female safari guide with a passion for wildlife and nature. Often known as one of the “queens of the jungle,” she has earned recognition for her outstanding Bengal tiger tracking skills and for breaking gender barriers in the traditionally male-dominated wildlife field.

With years of experience in leading safaris and providing an unforgettable experience to visitors, Sushila is knowledgeable and skilled in guiding visitors through various natural habitats and spotting wildlife in their natural surroundings.

Manju Mahatara is a senior female safari guide. She has a passion for wildlife and nature. With years of experience in leading safaris and providing an unforgettable experience to visitors, Manju is knowledgeable and skilled in guiding visitors through various natural habitats and spotting wildlife in their natural surroundings.

With her highest number of tiger sightings recorded in the park, her knowledge and sharp tracking skills offer you one of the best chances to spot a tiger in the wild.

From Teen Spirit to Trailblazing Star in Nepal’s trail and ultrarunning world, Rashila Tamang became the first Nepali Ultra-runner to win the Asia Trail Master (ATM) women’s champion 2023 held in Indonesia. She is also the overall winner in the Mount Popa Jungle Trail Run 2025 held in Myanmar. Winning even the male in the time gap of 1:10 hours.

Besides her achievements in the world of trail running, she is our expert red panda tracker. She is a silent observer and sharp tracker with intimate knowledge of the forest trails where the red pandas live.

Aashish Mishra, with years of experience leading safaris and wildlife tours, possesses a keen eye for capturing the magic of the natural world, particularly in his role as a leading guide for Red Panda expeditions and trail running, as evidenced by his exceptional photographs.

Ram Raj Dhakal, also known as Lila/Nana in Bardia, is our skilled private jeep driver, seasoned field technician, and passionate nature guide — a true all-rounder when it comes to wilderness adventures in Bardia National Park.

Lila sets up camera traps and maintains water pumps in the water holes. He also repairs equipment on the go. Moreover, he expertly drives and navigates remote jungle trails. Lila does it all. His deep knowledge of the park’s terrain, wildlife behavior, and tracking techniques makes every journey smooth and safe. It also creates unforgettable encounters.

Lila has an unmatched ability to spot and identify wildlife. His sharp eyes never miss a thing. His engaging and informative presence turns every safari into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A safari in Bardia simply would not be the same without him.