A three-day training program was conducted for 90 trekking guides to make trekking safer and more effective. The training was organized by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki, in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board and the United Nations Development Programme’s sustainable tourism project for livelihood recovery.
According to TAAN Gandaki Chairman Dharmaraj Panthi, the training covered various topics, including wildlife, first aid, trail map reading, and rescue operations. He mentioned that the participants were experienced trekking guides who have been active in the trekking sector for a long time.
The training provided guidelines on handling encounters with wildlife, methods to protect oneself during an attack, administering first aid in case of injuries to oneself or tourists, conducting rescues for those injured by accidents or wildlife attacks, and using maps to identify trekking destinations. Experts delivered these sessions, ensuring the guides received comprehensive and practical knowledge.
The training included sessions on map reading by Prem Gurung, wildlife safety by Rabin Kadariya, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), rescue operations by Arun Sharma, Superintendent of Armed Police Force Kalika Battalion Pokhara, first aid by Navaraj Sharma from the Provincial Health Directorate, and high-altitude safety and weather precautions by Jagan Timilsina and Sheshakanta Sharma.
TAAN Gandaki has stated that such training programs are regularly conducted to target trekking guides and porters active in the trekking industry, aiming to enhance their skills and ensure the safety and satisfaction of trekkers.
