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From Porter to Trekking Company Founder in Nepal – Harka Gurung’s Story
Born in the remote Himalayan village of Ruby Valley in Dhading, Nepal, my journey began with long walks through mountain trails, simple village life, and dreams beyond the Himalayas. Starting as a trekking porter in 2004, I gradually became a professional trekking guide and later founded Himalaya Trip, one of Nepal’s trusted local trekking companies. This is my story of struggle, education, hard work, and passion for the mountains.
Early Life in Ruby Valley, Dhading
My name is Harka Gurung, and I was born in Ruby Valley Rural Municipality-4, Dhading, in the remote Nepalese Himalayas. At that time, reaching the district headquarters, Dhading Besi, took two days on foot, and Kathmandu required another three days of travel.
I studied up to Grade 3 at Shree Kanya Devi School in Chalish village, where our team later supported rebuilding the school after the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015.
After that, I continued my studies at Shree Chyamra Devi School in Sertung village until Grade 5, walking nearly an hour every day. For secondary education, I attended Shree Mukrap Secondary School in Borang from Grade 6 to Grade 10. At the age of 11, I walked almost four hours daily through steep mountain trails just to attend school. Looking back now, those difficult walks became part of my physical and mental preparation for life in the trekking industry.
During my school years, many trekking groups visited our region for the Ganesh Himal Camping Trek. Watching trekkers explore our mountains inspired me deeply and motivated me to become a trekking guide one day.
After completing my SLC (School Leaving Certificate), I had to leave my village for further studies and work opportunities. With my parents’ support, I moved to Kathmandu in August 2003.
My First Trekking Experience – Annapurna Circuit Trek (2004)
After spending six months in Kathmandu, I got my first opportunity as a trekking porter in March 2004 on the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek. My clients were a couple from Germany, and the trek lasted 17 days.
The journey started from Besishahar and passed through Bahundanda, Chamje, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi.
At Thorong Phedi, our clients became unwell because of altitude sickness. We arranged horses to help them cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. This was the first time in my life that I reached such a high altitude.
The clients continued toward Muktinath but were still struggling physically. From there, we arranged a horse ride to Jomsom before flying to Pokhara. Unfortunately, our clients’ flight was canceled due to weather conditions, and they had to fly the next day.
This first trekking experience taught me valuable lessons about mountain travel, responsibility, and client care in the Himalayas.
Everest Base Camp Trek Experience (2004)
Soon after Annapurna, I received another opportunity in April 2004 to work as a porter on the classic Everest Base Camp Trek with a Spanish couple.
At that time, the trek started from Jiri and involved continuous uphill and downhill walking through Duerali, Lamjura Pass, Taksindu Pass, and Thamdanda before reaching Lukla and entering the Everest region.
From there, we trekked through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep.
Finally, I reached Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters and Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters during only my second trekking job.
This experience gave me confidence, motivation, and a stronger connection to the Himalayas.
Balancing Trekking and Education
After returning from trekking, I continued my studies during the monsoon season while also attending English language classes.
My family came from a lower economic background, and my parents could not afford my education, accommodation, and food expenses in Kathmandu. Because of this, I had to work and study at the same time.
I joined Public Youth Campus for my intermediate studies in Management in 2003. Since I could not attend regular classes due to trekking work, I completed the two-year course in three years by studying independently and attending tuition classes before examinations.
Later, I enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) program while continuing trekking as a part-time profession. I followed the same pattern of balancing work and education.
My father always motivated me to continue studying. He often told me that he never had the opportunity to receive an education because he had to work on farms and care for livestock in the village.
You must study for a better future.
Those words stayed with me throughout my life.
Becoming a Professional Trekking Guide
After working as a porter for around one and a half years, I joined Trekking Guide Training in July 2005. The course lasted about six weeks and officially began my journey as a professional trekking guide.
From 2005 to 2012, I guided trekkers across Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, including Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Tamang Heritage Trail Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Upper Mustang Trek.
Leading treks allowed me to meet people from different countries, cultures, and professions. Every
trek became a new learning experience.
At that time, trekking in Nepal was very different from today. Mobile phones were rare, internet access was unavailable in the mountains, and getting a SIM card required waiting for months. We used film cameras instead of smartphones, so I still have only a few old trekking photos shared by clients. Those memories remain very special to me.
Master’s Degree and Personal Growth
I later joined Shanker Dev Campus to pursue a Master of Business Studies (MBS).
During this period, I reduced trekking activities and focused more seriously on education. Completing my master’s degree was challenging because balancing studies, work, and finances was never easy.
Still, after years of dedication, I successfully completed my master’s degree.
This educational journey gave me confidence not only as a trekking guide but also as a business owner and leader.
Tourist Guide Training in Nepal
In 2019, I joined a Tourist Guide Training program to expand my knowledge beyond trekking. The course focused on Nepal’s cultural heritage, historical sites, and major travel destinations, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Chitwan, Lumbini, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, and Namo Buddha.
This training helped me better understand Nepal’s tourism industry and allowed me to organize both trekking and cultural tours for travelers visiting Nepal.
Founding Himalaya Trip in 2012
After completing my master’s degree, I faced an important life decision. Like many young Nepalese people, I considered searching for a government job or going abroad for work opportunities. However, trekking had already become a major part of my life.
Because of my years of experience as both a porter and trekking guide, I decided to start my own trekking company.
I had already registered the domain himalayatrip.com in 2008. Finally, on March 14, 2012, I officially established my trekking company.
At first, the company operated under the name Nepal Hidden Treks and Expedition. However, for branding purposes, I later rebranded the company as Himalaya Trip Pvt. Ltd. to match the website domain.
Today, I am proud of the decision I made.
My Vision for Responsible Tourism in Nepal
At Himalaya Trip, our goal is not only to organize trekking holidays but also to create meaningful travel experiences while supporting local communities and responsible tourism in Nepal.
Having started my journey from the porter level, I understand the importance of fair treatment, safety, teamwork, and respect for local culture. I also feel proud to create employment opportunities for guides, porters, and tourism staff across Nepal.
With more than 20 years of trekking experience in Nepal, I continue to help travelers explore the Himalayas safely and authentically.
You can also learn more about our commitment to responsible tourism here: Himalaya Trip Responsible Tourism.
From carrying backpacks as a porter to leading trekking adventures across the Himalayas, my journey has taught me that hard work, honesty, education, and passion can truly change lives.
Today, I proudly lead Himalaya Trip with a dedicated local team committed to creating safe, authentic, and memorable trekking experiences in Nepal.
I look forward to welcoming you to Nepal and sharing the beauty of the Himalayas with you.
Thank you.
Harka Gurung
Founder & Team Leader
Himalaya Trip Pvt. Ltd.
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