Marie Stissing Jensen
Coming from flat Denmark, with a passion for the outdoors, my travel priorities have always included mountains, forests, deserts or any kind of great nature. Norway and Swedish Lappland have been my preferred destinations while growing up, but after visiting Nepal I knew I was sold. Today I live in Kathmandu where I work for a pioneering adventure company. During my time here I have had the privilege of working closely together with the Tharu people of the Therai plains, exploring trekking routes in remote corners of the country, and hosting guests from all over the world.
For me Nepal is all about authentic and experiential travel. I find that a less-is-more philosophy is the best way to support this: Keep it simple yet comfortable, and slow down but stay excited.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Chitwan National Park: Ethical elephant encounters, conservation-based wildlife safaris, and bird-watching.
Bardia National Park: Conservation-based wildlife safaris and bird-watching.
Full support camping treks to remote regions in Nepal and any kind of tea-house trek in the well-established trekking areas like the Annapurnas, Langtang, and Solu Khumbu.
And anything in between, from cultural experiences and Buddhist pilgrimages to motorbike expeditions and spa and yoga retreats."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I first came to Nepal in 2012, and all I wanted to do was to go trekking. And that's what I did - Khumbu, Annapurna, and Langtang. During my travels I visited a family member who had settled in Nepal and married the owner of a travel agency/operator. They invited me on my first trek, and the sense of excitement I had when embarking on my first real adventure in Nepal still returns to me every time I leave the Kathmandu valley to go to other parts of Nepal. Two years later I returned on a small stipend from my University to do research for my master's thesis. I again met with my extended family, and left Nepal with a job offer I couldn't refuse: come back and explore the potential for new trekking routes in the North-Western corner of Nepal.
I was back two months later, and have stayed since. The company I work for is a family-run business, and the feeling of belonging to the family is very strong. Not just for me, but also for my colleagues of whom many have been with the company for decades. Since my initial "recces" in the Himalayas I have spent many months in the jungle working closely with my colleagues there to improve elephant welfare practices among other things. I am now settled in Kathmandu, but I grab any chance to go the mountains or the jungle. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Horse-trekking for two weeks in Mongolia! A most amazing but also painful travel experience (my knees did not agree with any angle that the stirrups could offer). One week into the trip, just after crossing a river where my friend and I literally had to swim with the horses, our only guide's horse gets spooked, throws him off and kicks him. For some 10 seconds our guide is not moving and my friend and I are both petrified, imagining having to navigate back to some sort of civilization carrying an unconscious (or, God forbid, dead) guide on a horse. Luckily, the guide gets up looking slightly disoriented and sends us a big smile, and we burst out in a somewhat nervous laughter. The rest of the trip runs smoothly and I will never forget the landscapes and thrilling remoteness of our camps. Definitely a memorable experience and it taught me that I prefer trekking on my own two legs!"
Marie Stissing's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Mixing outdoor and jungle activities with a healthy dash of comfort and service, this trip will take you through the best of Nepal—with time for both adrenaline rushes and...
Originally designed for the Prince of Wales, this easy trek takes you on quiet, off-the-beaten-path trails through the foothills of the Pokhara Valley. From the ridge lines and...
The Ghandruk Trek (sometimes also referred to as the Ghandrung Trek) is a great trekking option for those who are in Nepal for a shorter time or want to combine a relatively...
Recent trip reviews for Marie Stissing
Our experience in Nepal was magical.
Nepal
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Oct 24 - Nov 11, 2019
Dear Julie,
Thank you very much for taking the time to write a thorough review of the trip. I am very happy that you enjoyed the holiday and all the individual parts of the journey. I will convey your feedback to all the concerned guides and staff, as they will be pleased to hear from you. Thank you also for recommending our services, we hope to see you and your friends back here in Nepal.
All the best,
Marie
Trip to Nepal
Nepal
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Aug 14 - Aug 19, 2018
We had a great trek in Nepal- we did a 6 day comfort Poonhill trek- and as it was monsoon season we had the mountains more or less for ourselves! Marie was super helpful with advise and helping us choose our trek. Our guide Daewon and porter was also super sweet. Would totally recommend!
Dear Siri,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip. It was great meeting you both here in Kathmandu and I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the overall trip and the trek in particular.
Kind regards,
Marie
Ghandruk Trek - Scenic 3-4 day trek through the Annapurna Foothills
Nepal
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Mar 30 - Apr 6, 2018
Hi Richard,
Thank you very much for your kind words and a great review, I will pass your words on to our staff. I hope to see you and your family back here in Nepal in the future.
Kind regards,
Marie