A four-day specialized training program focused on essential skills for professional trekking guides concluded successfully on June 14, 2025, with a practical field session in map reading and trail navigation held in Sundarijal, Kathmandu. The training was jointly organized by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to strengthen the capacity of trekking professionals in key areas such as map and weather reading, navigation, first aid, and safety management.
Strengthening Trekking Safety and Professionalism
This hands-on training was designed to enhance the technical competencies of licensed trekking guides, ensuring they are better prepared to navigate Nepal’s challenging terrains and unpredictable mountain weather conditions. Emphasizing safety-first tourism, the program delivered focused sessions on topographical map reading, GPS use, emergency first aid techniques, communication protocols in high-altitude emergencies, and route planning with respect to weather updates.
The training concluded with a field exercise in Sundarijal, where participants applied their learned skills in a real-world trail setting. This final practical module tested their ability to interpret maps, navigate unfamiliar terrain, and manage hypothetical emergency situations, all essential competencies for responsible and well-equipped trekking leaders.
Participation and Certification Ceremony
A total of 50 licensed trekking guides from various regions of Nepal participated in the training and successfully completed the program. To acknowledge their achievement, a Training Completion Certificate was awarded during a formal closing ceremony held in Sundarijal.
The certification event was graced by TAAN President Mr. Sagar Pandey, General Secretary Mr. Sonam G. Sherpa, Training Department Coordinator Mr. Raju Gurung, and Joint-Coordinator Mr. Ambir Bahadur Gurung, who jointly distributed certificates to the trainees. In their remarks, the officials emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for trekking guides, especially in light of growing tourism expectations and the evolving nature of adventure travel in Nepal.
Focus on Responsible and Knowledge-Based Tourism
TAAN President Mr. Sagar Pandey highlighted the significance of such training programs in maintaining Nepal’s global reputation as a safe and desirable trekking destination. He noted that well-trained guides not only ensure tourist safety but also enhance the overall experience, fostering trust and credibility in Nepal’s tourism sector.
Similarly, General Secretary Mr. Sonam G. Sherpa emphasized the need for trekking professionals to stay updated with navigation technology, weather interpretation skills, and first responder capabilities, particularly in remote and high-altitude trekking routes. He further added that TAAN will continue to collaborate with NTB and other tourism stakeholders to organize more such capacity-building initiatives.
Supporting Sustainable Tourism Goals
This training aligns with Nepal’s broader tourism development strategy, which emphasizes sustainable, safe, and knowledge-driven tourism practices. As adventure tourism continues to grow, the need for competent, confident, and certified guides becomes crucial, not only for traveler safety but also for preserving the country’s reputation as the world’s premier trekking destination. NTB’s partnership in this initiative reflects its commitment to supporting the professional growth of tourism manpower, while promoting Nepal as a destination that values quality, service excellence, and sustainability.
Looking Ahead
TAAN’s Training Department, under the leadership of Mr. Raju Gurung and Mr. Ambir Bdr. Gurung, reaffirmed their commitment to expanding specialized training across different regions of Nepal. They plan to tailor future programs to include high-altitude survival, wilderness rescue, eco-tourism practices, and digital navigation tools.
With over five dozen guides newly equipped with advanced trail and safety skills, this training has added a fresh layer of professionalism to Nepal’s trekking sector. As Nepal prepares for increased tourism activities in the upcoming seasons, such skill-building efforts are expected to significantly enhance tourist satisfaction and ensure safer mountain experiences for all.
