our PEOPLE
Hobnail Trekking Co. works only with the most experienced guides and destination management professionals in each of our destination countries. These folks are the best of the best! Each of our staff members is local to the area and extremely knowledgeable about the trails, flora and fauna, history, and culture of his or her region. They are also great people. Here are a few, but not all, of our Hobnail staff. Get to know a little about them by clicking the toggles below!
Nima Sherpa
Hobnail Nepal
Read about Nima
Nima Sherpa, our director of Hobnail Nepal, was born and raised in Kathmandu. Because his father, Mingma, was also a part of the trekking industry, Nima grew up hanging out with trekking guides, playing inside the trekking tents that were sun dried in the backyard, and occasionally sitting among the trekkers during welcome dinners at the family’s house.
“At the young age of 12, I remember trekking to the Gorkha, which is historically linked to the formation of modern Nepal,” Nima recalls. “It has traditionally been renowned as the land of valiant warriors and the birthplace of Nepal’s unifier, King Prithvi Narayan Shah.”
After many years — and finishing up his education in the U.S. — Nima returned to his home country of Nepal.
“I was able to instantly join my father in the trekking industry and, in no time, I was leading trips for REI Adventures from 2004 until 2014,” he says. “I was recognized by REI as one of their best guide in the year 2012. During those guiding years, I led trek to Everest Base Camp numerous times and to the Annapurna Base Camp occasionally.”
Nima says his years of guiding gave him an appreciation of his country and its landscapes.
“It always feels great to introduce Nepal to other travelers from around the world.”
Raul Ccolque
Hobnail Peru
read About Raul
Raul Ccolque Ccolque, the owner and director of Alpaca Expeditions, was born in a small village near the Sacred Valley. He was raised speaking Quechua — the local language — and attended elementary and high school in the same village and joined the army after graduation, hoping to one day become a police officer.
Along the way to fulfilling this goal, however, a friend from his village invited him to be a porter on the Inca Trail. He fell in love with the sounds of the tourists – their language, their habits, and their love for the country he calls home. He decided to change his future prospects and enrolled in the University, studying tourism and English, while continuing to work as a porter.
Once he graduated from college, Raul worked for a couple of local tourism companies before finally becoming a licensed tour guide. His experience in these companies, and in several different capacities within the tourism business, made him see that there was too great a focus on money and too little on the people doing most of the work. Because he wanted to change this, he founded Alpaca Expeditions and has been director of Hobnail Peru since 2021.
Christian Valencia
Hobnail Ecuador
Read about Christian
Born and raised in the Andean city of Quito, Ecuador, Hobnail Ecuador Director Christian Valencia is a seasoned adventurer and a passionate advocate for ecotourism and the preservation of indigenous communities. With 18 years of experience as a guide, Christian has become a trusted and respected figure in the tourism industry, renowned for his extensive knowledge and deep connection to the diverse regions of Ecuador.
Trekking through breathtaking landscapes, kayaking along winding rivers, braving thrilling rapids, and conquering rugged mountain biking trails are just a few of the exhilarating activities that Christian is passionate about. His adventurous spirit and unwavering dedication to outdoor exploration have allowed him to provide unforgettable experiences to countless travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.
However, it is Christian’s commitment to promoting ecotourism and preserving the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities that truly sets him apart. Recognizing the vital importance of protecting nature and preserving traditional ways of life, he actively works to promote sustainable practices and support the development of local communities.
As part of Hobnail’s focus on responsible travel, Christian believes that travelers can not only experience the beauty of a destination but also contribute to its preservation. He actively collaborates with indigenous communities, integrating their customs, artistry, and vast knowledge of the land into his tours.
Seema Shah
Hobnail Tanzania
read About Seema
Hobnail is proud to partner with Seemah Shah of Moshi, Tanzania, on our Mt. Kilimanjaro adventures.
Armed with a dream, a background in community development, and a whole lot of love and passion for Tanzania, Seema launched her career as an adventure travel entreprenuer way back in 2005. Her operations focus on sharing varied and in-depth experiences of Tanzania, and responsible travel and sustainability are a core pillar of everything she does.
A mother of two brilliant teenage daughters, Seema is an avid traveller and adventurer, and jumps at any opportunity to connect with new people and cultures from around the world.
TJ & Becky Jambrovic
Hobnail Croatia
Read about TJ & Becky
Tihomir (TJ) and Becky Jambrovic have been running trips in Croatia since 2018. TJ was born in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city, and has always been drawn to the outdoors. From climbing mountains to sailing on the Adriatic Sea, TJ enjoys exploring the region’s stunning natural areas. As Hobnail Croatia’s lead guide, TJ loves showing travelers around his home and making sure each person leaves with unforgettable memories of Croatia. Becky was born in the US but relocated to Croatia in 2017. From embarking on camping and canoe trips as a kid, she’s always been passionate about the outdoors. Becky handles the logistics and trip planning at Hobnail Croatia to ensure that all tours run smoothly and that travelers can just sit back and enjoy exploring.
