Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki and the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) have agreed to jointly organize a professional training program aimed at enhancing the skills of trekking professionals in Gandaki Province.
The meeting took place at NATHM’s head office located in Ravi Bhawan, Kathmandu. Present in the session were TAAN Gandaki Executive Director Ms. Sangeeta Ojha, Department Head Mr. Ajay Dhakal, Deputy Head of Administration and Training Division Mr. Gyanendra Raj Pandit, and Training Coordinator and Officer Mr. Ratan Saud.
The central focus of the discussion was the joint organization of a trekking guide and trekking porter guide training program, targeted at aspiring guides and youth involved in the trekking industry under TAAN Gandaki’s member agencies. The initiative is set to launch in Pokhara during the last week of Jestha 2081 (early June 2025).
This collaborative training is specifically designed to equip trekking guides and porter-guides with professional knowledge, technical skills, safety awareness, and service excellence. It also aims to meet the growing demand for qualified personnel in Nepal’s trekking and tourism industry, particularly in the Gandaki Province, a hub for popular trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal, and Ghorepani-Poonhill.
TAAN
Speaking at the discussion, TAAN Gandaki President Krishna Prasad Acharya emphasized the urgent need to uplift the standard of guiding services to meet international expectations. “Pokhara being the gateway to numerous trekking destinations, it is crucial that our guides and support staff are well-trained, safety-conscious, and capable of providing quality experiences to both domestic and international trekkers,” he noted.
Similarly, NATHM Executive Director Sangita Ojha highlighted the institute’s commitment to supporting skill-based training that empowers youth and strengthens Nepal’s tourism infrastructure. “We are glad to collaborate with TAAN Gandaki to provide this much-needed training in Pokhara, which remains one of the most vital centers of trekking tourism in the country,” she said.
Training Director Ratan Saud and Department Head Ajaya Dhakal also reiterated their institution’s readiness in offering comprehensive modules that include route navigation, eco-tourism principles, first aid, crisis management, and communication skills all aligned with the government’s tourism development goals.
This program is expected to benefit a large number of youths who are directly or indirectly dependent on the trekking and mountaineering sector for their livelihoods. With increased formal training, the participants will be able to register as certified guides, thereby enhancing their employment opportunities both within Nepal and abroad.
TAAN Gandaki and NATHM also agreed to continue mutual dialogue and explore further collaborative projects in areas such as hospitality training, eco-tourism awareness, and sustainable trekking practices.
The discussion concluded with mutual commitments to begin preparation and outreach for participant enrollment, training logistics, and certification modalities in the weeks ahead. This joint training initiative stands as a promising example of institutional collaboration to uplift the quality and sustainability of Nepal’s adventure tourism sector.
