Sagar Pandey is a renowned name in the field of tourism. Pandey, who has been in the tourism sector since around the age of 22, has spent nearly 30 years in this field, where the business people in the tourism sector recognize him as a good, honest and successful businessman with great leadership skills.
Pandey was born in Bir Hospital, Kathmandu in 2028 B.S. His father worked in the Attorney General’s Office, which facilitated a happy childhood. He lived in Kaldhara, Kathmandu until around the age of 6 and started his schooling there from G.P High School. Reminiscing about his childhood, Pandey states, “I still remember swimming in the Bishnumati river, fishing there and cycling on the road.”
He moved to his village in Gorkha with his mother to take care of the family back home. He started studying in the seventh grade in Gorkha and eventually passed his SLC in 2044 B.S with 73%. He says, “You were expected to study Science and become a doctor or an engineer. Moreover, it was said that boys shouldn’t study commerce and girls shouldn’t study nursing. Eventually, I got admitted to Amrit Science Campus in Kathmandu. I studied physics. After completing my I. Sc I didn’t want to pursue engineering. After which, I joined the Geology department at Trichandra College and graduated.” And then, Pandey didn’t continue his studies. He adds, “ I wanted to pursue mining engineering but coincidentally, I reached the tourism sector.”
Pandey, who started with a feeling of doing something from a young age, established Hard Rock Treks and Expedition in a partnership with his friends. With this he promoted mountain trekking tourism in Nepal. Pandey, who gained experience in the tourism sector while working with a friend, founded Himalayan Glacier Trekking on his own in 1998 which is still in business.
Along with trekking, Pandey also entered the hospitality field in 2003 A.D. after he established Hotel Encounter at Galkopakha, Thamel in Kathmandu. Currently, Pandey’s Hotel Moonlight, Yatri Suites and Spa, Hotel Norbulingka, Avataar Kathmandu Hotel, Kathmandu Grill Restaurant and Wine Bar are in operation. He’s been providing employment to over 500 people through his businesses.
Pandey, who has made a good name in the field of trekking and mountain climbing, is a person who raises issues and rights of workers and businessmen.
It’s been 3 decades since Pandey’s been in the tourism business. He says, “I was not planning to enter the tourism sector but came here accidentally. The tourism sector is an ocean. I am enjoying this sector and I am happy in every way. I got to become a part of this huge industry. I found myself floating in the middle of an ocean in terms of business.”
Pandey, who has been active in TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal) since the founding of the trekking company, played an efficient role as TAAN’s secretary from 2013 to 2015 A.D. During his time as a general secretary, he played a key role in the development and expansion of the mountain trekking business. He says, “ There was a time of crisis in our office. We did a lot of good things at that time. We raised our voice against the tourism board which increased TAAN’s national identity. Now the importance of TAAN is increasing internationally.”
Pandey, who has worked for a long time in TAAN’s working committee, has been actively involved in Nepal’s mountain tourism sector since 2049 B.S.
A social campaigner, philanthropist, big-hearted Pandey has been helping the underprivileged. He is also the president of Child Environment Nepal and has been associated with many social organizations.