Nepal’s Himalayan trekking trails are witnessing a new form of communication, one that goes beyond spoken words. The growing participation of deaf trekking guides in the country’s tourism industry is opening a new chapter in inclusive tourism and creating opportunities for differently-abled communities in adventure travel.
Among the inspiring faces leading this transformation are Chop Prasad Paudel from Kalika Rural Municipality–5 in Rasuwa and Chiri Sherpa from Solukhumbu. Their journeys are becoming symbols of courage, confidence, and inclusion in Nepal’s trekking sector.
Trekking in the Himalayas demands not only physical endurance but also determination, resilience, and opportunity. Both Chop Prasad and Chiri Sherpa have proven that hearing impairment is not a barrier to becoming capable trekking professionals in Nepal’s challenging mountain environment.
From Porter and Cook to Trekking Guide
For several years, Chop Prasad Paudel struggled in the tourism industry, working as a porter and hotel cook. Recently, however, he completed the world-renowned Manaslu Circuit Trek, marking an important milestone in Nepal’s inclusive tourism journey.
The 15-day trek, which reaches elevations of up to 5,106 meters, is considered one of Nepal’s most difficult trekking routes. His successful completion of the trail has become not only a personal achievement but also an inspiration for people with disabilities across the country.
According to Chop Prasad, his confidence grew significantly after participating in a trekking guide training program designed for deaf youths. The program was jointly operated under the Sustainable Tourism Project supported by the Nepal Tourism Board and the United Nations Development Initiative. “I experienced a huge difference before and after the training,” he said. “The learning process increased my confidence and taught me how to manage difficult situations in the mountains.”
After completing the training, he connected with two French tourists through social media. Following the necessary preparations, he guided them successfully through the Manaslu Circuit Trek with the support of an assistant guide.
He said the knowledge gained during the training, including mountain safety, first aid, trekking management, guest hospitality, environmental responsibility, crisis management, and cultural interpretation, helped make the journey successful. “This trek has given me even greater confidence. Now I want to explore and guide in other trekking routes across Nepal as well,” he shared.
Sign Language Building Trust on the Trails
Another remarkable example of inclusive tourism is Chiri Sherpa from Solukhumbu, who has been guiding foreign trekkers in Nepal’s Himalayan region for years through sign language communication. From planning trekking itineraries through video calls to guiding travelers on mountain trails, Chiri independently manages the entire trekking experience for his clients. Recently, he successfully guided an American tourist and his deaf Nepali wife through the Gokyo region, Cho La Pass at 5,375 meters, Everest Base Camp, and Lukla.
According to Chiri Sherpa, sign language creates a different level of trust and emotional connection during trekking journeys. “Throughout the journey, we communicated through signs. More than words, understanding and behavior became important,” he said.
Inclusive Tourism Gaining Momentum in Nepal
Tourism stakeholders have described the trekking guide training program for deaf youths as a significant initiative in promoting inclusive tourism development in Nepal. Santosh KC, President of the National Federation of the Deaf Nepal, said deaf youths are equally capable of contributing meaningfully to Nepal’s tourism industry if given opportunities and proper training.
According to the World Health Organization, around 430 million people worldwide are affected by hearing loss, while more than 70 million people use sign language globally. Tourism experts believe Nepal’s latest initiative can become a model for inclusive tourism practices in mountain destinations.
Dharmaraj Dawadi, Manager of the Sustainable Tourism Project, said Nepal’s tourism industry is no longer limited only to mountains and natural beauty. “Inclusivity and equal opportunities are making tourism more humane and broader in scope,” he stated.
The experiences of Chop Prasad Paudel and Chiri Sherpa demonstrate that with proper training, support, and opportunity, deaf individuals can become skilled trekking guides and ambassadors of Nepal’s tourism industry. Both have urged the government and tourism stakeholders to create more employment opportunities and inclusive programs for differently-abled youths in the tourism sector.
