A free training program for women trekking guides has officially begun in Garma, Solukhumbu, under the coordination of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP) implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The 15-day residential training, which started on Tuesday, aims to enhance women’s participation in the tourism sector while supporting sustainable tourism development in the Himalayan region.
Fifteen-Day Residential Training Begins
A total of 28 women, selected from different parts of Nepal, are taking part in the training. The program has been launched with a strong focus on women’s empowerment, skill enhancement, and inclusive tourism development. The Nepal Mountain Academy, in collaboration with NTB, is conducting the training sessions.
According to the academy, the curriculum is designed to provide participants with technical skills and essential knowledge necessary for working as trekking guides. The training includes:
- Understanding trekking routes
- Safety and risk management
- Basic first aid
- Professional behavior in the Himalayan region
- Practical field skills for guiding
- Techniques for ensuring high-quality service
Officials believe that the training will help prepare a new generation of capable and confident women trekking guides who can play a stronger role in Nepal’s mountain tourism industry.
Officials Highlight Importance of Women’s Participation
The opening ceremony was attended by several local government officials and tourism stakeholders, including:
- Chandra Singh Shrestha, Solukhumbu District Coordination Officer
- Tukti Sherpa, Chief Administrative Officer of Solu Dudhkunda Municipality
- Sonam Sherpa, Chairperson of Ward No. 7
- Balakaji Karki, Ward Member
- Lakpa Rinjee Sherpa, Principal of the No. 1 Vocational Training Center
During the inaugural program, the speakers expressed that the increasing interest of women in the tourism sector is a positive development for Nepal’s mountain tourism. They stated that a larger number of trained women guides will help make Himalayan tourism safer, more reliable, and more inclusive.
Officials also emphasized that capacity-building initiatives led by the Nepal Tourism Board are creating a strong foundation for promoting sustainable tourism from local to national levels. According to them, these programs not only support skill development but also empower communities to participate directly in tourism-related opportunities.
Boosting Inclusion and Professionalism in Trekking
The Nepal Tourism Board believes that expanding women’s participation in the trekking sector is crucial for the inclusive growth of Nepal’s tourism industry. Women trekking guides bring unique strengths, such as strong communication abilities, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement, which can significantly enhance the trekking experience for both domestic and international tourists.
Through programs like this, NTB aims to ensure that women are not only involved in tourism but also professionally recognized, financially empowered, and equipped with high-quality guiding skills. The board is confident that this training will help establish more women as competent trekking guides capable of leading groups across Nepal’s Himalayan trails.
Commitment to Expand Opportunities
Looking forward, the Nepal Tourism Board has affirmed its commitment to expanding similar skill development programs in the coming years. The board aims to offer more training opportunities, particularly those that support:
- Community-based tourism
- Women’s economic empowerment
- Sustainable and responsible tourism practices
- Local job creation in remote mountain areas
NTB officials stated that empowering women through such initiatives contributes not only to gender equality but also to the overall advancement of Nepal’s tourism industry. As more women enter the field as trained professionals, it will help diversify the workforce and make tourism more accessible and equitable.
