blog

Female Guides Turning the Tide on Trekking

Bal Kumari Mukhia
Bal Kumari Mukhia

Traditionally the trekking industry has been the domain of men. Guides, assistant guides, kitchen crew and porter roles have long been filled predominantly by men. But the tides are turning as more women look to the great outdoors to become female guides in preference to office jobs.

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2017 as the "International Year for Sustainable Tourism for Development". This was a call for the travel industry to advance the contribution it makes to the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environment. Paying attention to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Goal #8 "Decent Work and Economic Growth", World Expeditions supports our local partners to employ more females in their offices and in the field.

We interviewed two of our female guides in Nepal to ask them about their journey into the trekking industry and what it is about their job they love so much.

Bal Kumari Mukhia 1

Introducing Bal Kumari Mukhia 

Born: 16th April 1966 | Country of origin: Darjeeling, India

I was interested in the trekking field from a very young age. I’ve always been drawn to outdoor adventures. In my younger years, I did not have guidance or a clear pathway to join the industry, but finally made my way into the industry at the age of 28.

The trekking industry in Nepal is historically dominated by men, do you think more females are becoming interested in this field?

Yes, more women are interested in joining the trekking industry in Nepal in recent years. However, it is still challenging to become a trek leader because it is against social norms. Many women, if they are interested, will not give it priority over family. I believe also that some women do not have the courage to guide a trek with both male and female clients for long periods.

How long have you been a trek leader with World Expeditions?

I have been a trek leader with World Expeditions for 8 years in total. Originally for 4 years and then I took a break to explore Australia, New Zealand and Japan, returning to World Expeditions in 2013 where I have stayed.

 

 

What are the most enjoyable parts of your job?

I enjoy meeting the amazing, brave, adventurous and intelligent people from all over the world.  They exchange their experiences and knowledge. Most joy comes from sharing different parts of the country and feeling satisfied when they are happy. We exchange culture and I am very pleased when we see travellers return again and again. It was a real thrill when I have met an Australian lady who had summited Mount Everest and I realized that she had done her first trek in Nepal with me years before.

I encourage other women to join the trekking industry. It is a challenging but exciting path.

What qualifications did you complete to become a trek leader?

I completed High Altitude Training as well as Basic and Advanced Mountaineering Training. In 1997, I was a member of an All Women Rathong Peak Expedition in West Sikkim in India.

What field experience did you complete to become a trek leader?

I began as a co-leader for one year and completed my First Aid and Leadership training every year after that to become a trek leader.

Dawa Yangjin Sherpa 2

Introducing Dawa Yangjin Sherpa (Karki) 

Born: 30th September 1979 | Country of origin: Nepal Khumjung – 9/ Solu Khumbu

How long have you been a trek leader with World Expeditions?

I have been a trek leader with World Expeditions in Nepal for 5 years.

What field experience did you complete to become a trek leader?

Being from Portse village in the Everest region, trekking and adventure is in my blood. My father worked as a cook for trekking groups, and my brothers are Everest climbers. I used to hike with them from a very young age which was great experience for me to become a trek leader.

What qualifications did you complete to become a trek leader?

I have completed many qualifications including a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, English For Foreign Language Course (EFL) from United Kingdom (Barnet College), German Language Advanced Course, First Aid, Rescue training from Austria, and I have completed four Wilderness Medicine and Leadership Training courses operated by World Expeditions.

The trekking industry in Nepal is historically dominated by men, do you think more females are becoming interested in this field?

Although more women are interested in becoming a trekking guide in Nepal, it remains a challenge because it is hard to convince the family and society that a lady would work in trekking field.

I always encourage other women to join the trekking industry. It is very difficult for the new comers to get a chance without experience. Not everyone is able to come through the same steps into the industry as me.

What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

I love my job. I enjoy meeting new people from different countries and different backgrounds. I am getting more knowledge about the world through them as they share their stories, ideas, and knowledge. I love to show my clients my beautiful country, my Nepal. Most clients are spell bound by the multi dimensions of natural beauty and different types of people. I get much satisfaction sharing these things with my clients.

Women in adventure, Female guides

Comment (0)

Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips