Dan Keys (DK) started with Active in 2011 with a season in New Zealand before heading to Nepal to begin guiding our Himalayan adventures. He has since led dozens of treks through the Everest and Annapurna regions. Sharing the beauty of the mountains and the friendly Nepali culture is why DK returns every season. During his spare time DK works on his side project the 'Active Hearts Foundation' which is a charity he created early 2015. The mission of the charity is to build and facilitate small rural projects in Nepal prioritizing education and health outcomes, specifically for our local guides and porter's villages. You can read more and donate to the 'Active Hearts Foundation' here.
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” - Henry Miller
"I'm a Kiwi with a long standing love affair with the New Zealand mountains and oceans. I began guiding in 2005 and now lead treks around New Zealand, Australia and Nepal. I enjoy exploring the world off the beaten track and really getting immersed in the local culture. A competent Spanish and Nepali speaker, I have a passion for surfing, music, trekking and seeing the world first hand. " - DK
“For sure! It wouldn't have been the trip it was without DK. He's a wonderful human being. People gravitate towards him because of his kindness, easy-going nature, good humor, and ability to make everything fun. He was an epic story teller and knew the answer to every cultural, ecological, or musical question I had. DK is one-of-a-kind and we were all incredibly fortunate that he was our guide on this trip!”
- Whitney W.-Corfield (Montpelier, Virginia, United States), Winter Rimu June 2018
“D.K went above and beyond to make sure everyone had an incredible trip. He spent time getting to know each of us and us about him. His knowledge and love of the people and the country made a big difference in the trip as I felt I was able to touch the culture not just look at it. He is an amazing person and I consider myself very fortunate to have him as my guide”
- Anna F. (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, United States), AST April 2017
“DK is top notch! I understand why he's a bit of a legend on the trail! ”
- Jamie S. (North Saanich, British Columbia, Canada), EBC November 2016