Ray Rodney

Ray Rodney has explored and trekked in some of the most remote parts of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, India, Mongolia, and other far-flung regions of that continent. Now Wilderness Travel’s Special Projects Manager, Ray spends much of the year organizing our popular educational “special events,” including our archaeology, natural history, eclipse, and other theme programs. Ray has an extensive knowledge of Asian history, ecology, and religion, and is particularly knowledgeable about Tibetan Buddhism and Asia’s diverse nomadic cultures. “I think of myself as a citizen of the planet, and my role as a guide to open the pathways to an understanding and appreciation of the unique cultures and environments that we are fortunate to visit.” Ray resided in Kathmandu, Nepal, for over 10 years, where he directed academic study programs, taught English, consulted in development projects, and joined the adventure travel world as a Wilderness Travel trekking guide. Ray holds a BA in Philosophy and Religion from Antioch College in Ohio and is also an experienced birdwatcher. He is one of our most popular and knowledgeable Trip Leaders, having led numerous WT trips in Asia in addition to our many special events, including our very first trips to Tibet and to remote Mt. Kailas. Ray speaks fluent Nepali as well as conversational Tibetan.

Upcoming Trips:

Total Solar Eclipse In Tahiti, July 6-13, 2010
Wonders of Ancient Egypt, January 10-21, 2011
Ancient Kingdoms Of Peru, July 2011

Client Testimonials:


Ray’s knowledge of Nepal and the personal relationships he’s built over the years there were amazing. His willingness to share that with us was very special. I hope I can be honored with another Ray-led trip sometime somewhere. B. Henig, Palo Alto CA Ray is very perceptive and also very conscientious with trip members. Annette Kitchen
Mongolia, Tuva & Lake Baikal Ray is a superb trip leader--professional, organized, and patient. He provided us with a wealth of information on Nepal, the mountains, Buddhism, Hinduism, and the Nepalese way of life. Sheryl Davies, Annapurna Sanctuary
Ray was terrific! His knowledge of Nepal and fluency in the language was wonderful. He could answer every question put to him. Margie Conroy, Everest Adventure I enjoyed Ray immensely. Professional on all levels. Unperturbable, generous, and good humored. Our staff seemed to enjoy and respect Ray too. Vinnie McKinney, Humla to Kailas Ray was simply masterful! His dedication, sense of purpose, meticulous caring for all of us, and organization were just some of the attributes he called upon to make this experience as meaningful as possible for everyone. I would actually consider a trip to "hell" if Ray were leading it. Dr. Peter Janney, Humla to Kailas