Alex Buri
Growing up in the backcountry of north-western Canada, I gained a love for travel and the outdoors from an early age. I spent twelve years traveling throughout Asia, exploring the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Tibet, and more recently Croatia, Colombia, and Peru.
After founding TrekkingPartners in 2011, I started helping travelers find other like-minded people to adventure with. Now, with kimkim, we're excited to help travelers put together amazing travel experiences based around their own unique interests.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I can give advice and recommendations for anywhere in India and most regions in Nepal. I'm more familiar with the longer trekking routes, but have done many of the shorter, local treks around Nepal, Ladakh and Sikkim. Would be happy to help people looking to do the same. I'm also familiar with British Columbia's northern backcountry, if you're headed in that direction."
How did you get involved in travel?
"My first travel experience was volunteering in remote Cambodia during university. After that, I continued on to southeast Asia, Tibet, Nepal, and finally India where I spent 7 months wandering throughout the Indian subcontinent. Over time, it became clear that the most meaningful travel experiences were those that came about through the help and recommendations of others. In 2010, I started a website called 'Wandering India' to help facilitate such connections. In 2011, I started another site in Nepal for connecting like-minded travellers that didn't want to travel alone. Lately, I've connected with a great team in Palo Alto to continue helping people find a better way to travel."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"My memories of visiting a new country or culture for the first time are hard to forget. Otherwise, it tends to be the experiences that come about unexpected that are the most memorable. To pick one, it would be visiting Tibet in March of 2006 with my girlfriend, hiking to the northern flank of Mt. Everest together, and then hitch-hiking our way back to Kathmandu from Tingri (after a long day of watching jeeps fly by us, a friendly Germany couple forced their driver to stop and pick us up)."
Featured trips & expertise
Kongde & Ama Dablam Luxury Trek - 13 Days
This luxury trek takes you through the Khumbu region of Nepal, bringing you to the foot of the world’s highest mountains. Throughout the trek, you will have great views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, as well as great glaciers, snowfields, and ridges. At the end of each day, you'll retire to luxury accommodations, where you can enjoy a hot shower, sink into a cozy bed, and dine with phenomenal views of the Himalaya just beyond. Along the way, you'll also learn the history and traditions of the Kathmandu Valley, experience the culture of amazing Sherpa villages, and have the opportunity to visit famous Buddhist monasteries.
Pikey Peak to Lukla Trek in the Lower Everest Region - 13 Days
Sir Edmund Hillary claimed that the view of the lower Everest region from Pikey Peak is the best in all of Nepal, and we're inclined to agree. This trek has the advantage of being slightly farther away from the big peaks, meaning views from the trail encompass much more of the Himalaya. You'll also visit Thupten Choling Monastery, where you can meditate with the resident nuns and monks. Enjoy the extraordinary scenery, get acquainted with Sherpa culture, and explore Kathmandu on this gorgeous route.
Khopra Danda Trek - 13 Days
Also known as the Khopra Ridge, this moderate, off-the-beaten-track adventure is a peaceful alternative to more popular treks in the region. For nine days you'll climb your way through local villages, terraced farmland, and dense bamboo, oak, pine, and rhododendron forests with rewarding vistas of snow-capped Annapurnas. There are plenty of chances to observe and participate in traditional Nepali lifestyle rituals, including staying in teahouses and taking a day-hike to Kaire, a sacred lake that Hindus believe will help you achieve Nirvana.
Kongde Luxury Trek: Phakding, Namache Bazaar, Kongde - 12 Days
This deluxe trek is great option if you're short on time yet keen to see the Everest region — and do so in style! You'll spend your nights relaxing in a beautiful, luxury Himalayan lodge and your days either trekking or flying through the Everest region by helicopter. The highlight of the trek is Kongde, a village perched high on a ridgeline with incredible panoramic views that few trekkers get to see.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 12 Days
This is a there-and-back trek to the awe-inspiring Annapurna Sanctuary, Nepal’s second most popular trek after Everest Base Camp. From Annapurna Base Camp (12,795 feet / 3,900 m), you'll wake up to truly once-in-a-lifetime views. The trek begins at Phedi, after a short drive from Pokhara, and passes through Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, and stunning river valleys set against the backdrop of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks.
Mountains, River, and Jungle: Kathmandu, Pokhara, & Chitwan - 12 Days
This trip connects the three main regions of Nepal and moves at a relaxed yet steady pace to help you get the most out of your time. You'll go from the bazaars and temples of Kathmandu to traditional villages, and then onto Pokhara and Phewa Lake, after which you'll take a short trek in the Annapurna foothills with unforgettable views of the Himalaya. Round out your journey in Chitwan National Park, where you'll see elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat, before heading back to Kathmandu.
Recent trip reviews for Alex
Best of croatia in 5 days, Croatia - Oct 18 - Oct 23, 2018
My trip to Croatia went smoothly as planned with the help of Alex. Zero hiccups on all arrangements made. He exactly knew how to select perfect locations and comfortable places to stay. I liked the flexibility of setting the itinerary to fit my preferences or recommendations from Alex. As a solo traveler, the open line between us during the entire trip was definitely a plus! Looking forward to more trips with kimkim's services. 😁
Hi Hilbert, glad we were able to help with your trip and was great getting to know you. Hope to see you again for your next holiday!
Family trip to hawaii, Hawaii - Jan 13 - Jan 19, 2016
I used kimkim for a family trip to Hawaii. Kimkim was particularly useful to help me cut through the noise and get the information I needed. Most importantly, they saved me a lot time in my planning process.
Was a pleasure working with you, Edouard! Hope to have the chance again :)