My journey as a professional trekking guide in Nepal’s Himalayas began after several years of working as a porter on some of the country’s most famous trekking routes. Like the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and some of the most beautiful trekking routes of Nepal.
Those experiences taught me to gain extensive knowledge of the Himalayan trails, trekking logistics, and mountain culture. In 2009, I completed my Trekking Guide License Course and officially started my career as a licensed trekking guide in Nepal.
Before receiving my license, I had already worked as an assistant guide several times. However, my first official guiding experience was on the Annapurna Hardway Trek, a challenging camping trek that starts from Kalikasthan near Pokhara and ends in Jomsom, Mustang.
From Porter to Professional Trekking Guide
Having previously completed the Annapurna Region Treks multiple times as a porter and assistant guide, I was familiar with the trail. However, working as a trekking guide for the first time was a completely different level of responsibility. I felt both excited and nervous as I know I have a group to lead and prepare to lead and support trekkers in the Annapurna Himalayas.
My first trek to Annapurna Hardway Trek began with a bus ride from Kathmandu to Kalikasthan near Pokhara. During our bus drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, we encountered an unexpected challenge when the bus suffered a flat tire. After waiting nearly two hours for repairs, we continued our journey to our final destination and successfully arrived there.
Managing a Large Camping Trek in the Annapurna Region
This was a challenging camping trek with a large trekking team consisting of trekkers, guides, kitchen staff, and porters. As a guide, I was responsible for organizing everything, helping set up camps, assisting guests, managing porters, and ensuring the smooth operation of daily trekking activities.
Our guiding team consisted of one lead guide, me, and two other very experienced assistant guides. Every morning, before starting the trek, we carefully checked the equipment and balanced the loads carried by the porters to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the trek.
Working as a guide for the first time gave me a greater appreciation for the importance of leadership, organization, and guest care during high-altitude trekking adventures in Nepal.
Emergency Helicopter Rescues in the Himalayas
One of the most valuable lessons I learnt from my first trek was learning how to handle emergencies in the mountains.
On the fourth day of the trek, a group member fell and twisted her ankle. Due to the injury, we arranged a helicopter rescue, and she returned to Kathmandu with her husband.
A few days later, at an altitude of approximately 3,200 meters, another trekker decided he could not continue the journey. Although physically fit and working as a fitness trainer, he chose to descend and was evacuated by helicopter.
Just before crossing Namrung La Pass, one of the first high passes of this trek, I had to organize a third helicopter rescue for an elderly trekker who was unable to continue the trek due to a health issue.
These situations all taught me the importance of quick decision-making, risk management, and prioritizing client safety while trekking in the Himalayas.
Lessons Learned from My First Trekking Guide Experience
Despite all those challenges, the Annapurna Hardway Trek was successfully completed. The experience provided me with many valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, trekking logistics, client care, and mountain safety.
My first trek as a guide became the solid foundation of my professional guiding career. It taught me how to manage trekking groups, coordinate with all the support staff, handle emergencies, and create memorable experiences for travelers exploring Nepal’s breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
A Lifelong Passion for Trekking in Nepal
Today, after many years of guiding career in the Himalayas, I still go back on my first trekking experience with pride, joy, and a path to success. That challenging trek was the beginning of a rewarding journey that allowed me to share the beauty of my nation’s mountains with people from around the globe.
A trekking guide is more than just a job for me; it is my passion. I love guiding trekkers and adventure seekers through the stunning landscapes of Nepal’s Himalayas, ensuring their safety, and helping them create once-in-a-lifetime memories in the world’s most spectacular mountain region.
