The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki, in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with support from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), successfully concluded a two-day refresher training program targeting trekking guides and support staff actively working in trekking regions. The training was held on Poush 12 and 13, 2082 (Nepali calendar) at Bar Peepal Resort, Lakeside, Pokhara. A total of 92 trekking guides and assistants participated in the training, aimed at strengthening professionalism, safety awareness, and service quality in Nepal’s trekking tourism sector.
Addressing Challenges in Trekking Tourism
Presiding over the program, TAAN Gandaki President Mr. Krishna Prasad Acharya highlighted key challenges faced by trekking professionals, including limited employment opportunities, lack of quality food services along trekking routes, and the need for life insurance and social security coverage. He also emphasized the importance of identifying new trekking destinations, preventing unethical practices, and informed participants that TAAN has been providing life insurance policies to 185 member companies as part of its welfare initiatives.
Focus on Connectivity, Safety and Sustainable Tourism
The Chief Guest, Mr. Taranath Pahari, President of Pokhara Tourism Council, commended TAAN Gandaki for continuously empowering trekking professionals through various capacity-building programs.
Similarly, Mr. Maniram Lamichhane, Senior Director of Nepal Tourism Board and Chief of Gandaki Province Office, stressed the importance of making the Pokhara International Airport fully operational to attract more tourists from India and Bangladesh. He also highlighted tourist safety and the effective implementation of the TIMS system, noting that NTB has been consistently urging the government to strengthen these mechanisms.
Recognition of Guides as Tourism Ambassadors
Mr. Sudip Aryal, Head of Field Office for Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces, UNDP, praised trekking guides and assistants for their critical role in trekking tourism and encouraged them to serve as responsible ambassadors of Nepal, promoting sustainable tourism practices.
TAAN Gandaki Advisor Mr. Jibanraj Sapkota emphasized that trekking guides play a decisive role in ensuring repeat tourism. He also appreciated TAAN Gandaki’s ongoing efforts, including advocating for professional rights, monitoring unethical practices, promoting the slogan “No Trekking Without Guide,” and conducting regular training and monitoring activities.
Honor and Program Proceedings
During the event, newly appointed Tourist Police Chief, Police Inspector Ms. Harimaya Thapa, was formally welcomed and honored. The program featured a welcome address by TAAN Gandaki First Vice President Mr. Tirtharaj Subedi, while participants Mr. Shalikram Timilsina and Ms. Chitra Tripathi shared their reflections on behalf of the trainees. The program was conducted by TAAN Gandaki Secretary Mr. Gopal Krishna Sangraula.
