Q&A with a Himalayan Trekking Guide

Question: Tell us more about yourself

Deepak: I was born on January 31 1998, as written down by my father. We are a family of four: my father, mother, sister and myself. I completed high school in 2015 and am in my second year of University with a major in International Business and Accountancy. I can speak English, Japanese, Hindi and am about to start learning Chinese.

How much trekking have you done?

Deepak: I have done many treks in Nepal. (As of May 2018) I have done: 

1. Annapurna Base Camp 7 times
2. Annapurna Circuit 10 times
3. Langtang-Gosainkunda trek 5 times
4. Manasulu Trek 3 times
5. Everest Base Camp Trek 3 times
6. Ghorepani-Ghandruk Trek 6 times
7. Lumbini Birth Place of the Lord Buddha Tour 3 times
8. Chitwan National Park 3 times

What do you like to do when you are not hiking?

Deepak: Normal stuff. I read novels, go to football games with friends, study my course books. My favorite thing to do is explore nearby areas.

What is required to become a guide? How does a guide differ from a porter?

Deepak: To become a guide, one must have at least 2-3 years experience as porter.

After completing their porter years, you can submit an application with relevant school and work experience to the Nepal Tourism Board. You will be contacted for a phone interview, and if you pass the interview, you are contacted to begin the guide program. The classes last for 40 days and cover various topics about the mountains, as well as physical training, rock climbing, and hiking. At the end of the course, you take exams and (if you pass) a certificate. The license is valid for five years. 

A guide differs from a porter in that a guide will look after you during the trek, help you plan your trek, will call ahead for lodge room reservations and pick out the best places to stop for lunch. A guide only carries his own bags. A porter does not plan your trek, may or may not speak English, but does carry your baggage. 

How do you pick which lodges to stop at for lunch/overnight?

Deepak: Most of the places we use are places we are familiar with so we know our guests will be treated well, and where we are treated well too. We know these places provide the best food and places for our guests to sleep.

What is your favorite part of the Annapurna Circuit?

Deepak: I have been on the Annapurna Circuit 10 times and my favorite part is Lake Tilicho, the blue water lake. The lake is highest lake in the world at 4919 meters.

After that, my favorite spot is after the Thorong La Pass in Muktinath- the Holy Temple and Center of Belief for Hindus. 

What is your contact information to learn more about trekking in Nepal?

Deepak: The following is my information and you can contact me whenever you want!

Facebook: deepakdhakal034

Email: guidenepal23@gmail.com

Whatsapp: 9843123542

Nepalese #: +977 9843123542

Instagram: trek_guide

To learn more about trekking in the Himalayas considering reading:

Beginner’s Guide to Hiking the Annapurna Circuit

My Annapurna Circuit Diary

My Packing List for the Annapurna Circuit

Deepak was truly an amazing guide. He is extremely knowledgeable about the trek but also Nepal in general, and taught us many things about Nepalese culture and customs. If you are considering doing the trek, please reach out to Deepak for more information about using a guide. (Additionally, this is not sponsored, I am writing this because it was a special experience and would call Deepak in second if I dared hike the Himalayas again)