“Namaste, dear friends, and welcome to Nepal. My name is Milan Gurung, born in the beautiful Gorkha district, in the shadow of Majestic Mt. Manaslu.”
Early Life & Education
Growing up during the Maoist revolution of 2002–2003, schools in my village often remained closed. In 2004, at the age of 12, my parents sent me to Pokhara to continue my education. After two years there, I moved to Kathmandu in 2006, where I lived with my aunt and completed my schooling in 2008/9.
First steps into Trekking
After school, I began trekking to earn pocket money. During college, especially in the autumn festival season of Dashain and Tihar, I joined treks and quickly fell in love with the mountains and nature. At the age of 18 and 19, I attempted military training twice but did not succeed. Instead, I realized my true calling was guiding foreigners and sharing the beauty of the Himalayas.
Language & Professional Training
In 2011 and 2012, I studied French at Bishwa Bhasa Campus and Alliance Française in Kathmandu, completing Niveau 4 before financial challenges forced me to stop. As the only son of farming parents in rural Gorkha, I supported my family by sending money home from trekking work.
In 2012, I completed professional guide training at the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) and began working with trekking agencies as both an assistant and a licensed guide.
International Experience & Higher Studies
In 2014, German friends sponsored me to visit Germany, where I spent three months exploring European culture. After returning to Nepal, I studied German at the Goethe-Zentrum Kathmandu, completing level A2, and works for German trekking agency. At the same time, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, majoring in English, graduating from Tribhuvan University in 2017.
Resilience & Entrepreneurship
The devastating earthquake of 2015 disrupted Nepal’s tourism industry and cost me my job. During this difficult time, with the support of my international friends, I was able to provide my villagers with rice packets and zinc roofs for all 44 houses. I also supported the porters who had worked alongside me by offering financial assistance to help them purchase zinc roofs for their homes.
However, this challenge became a turning point. Reconnecting with my childhood friend and fellow guide, Suman Paneru, we began discussing the future of tourism in Nepal. The following year, we co-founded Himalayan Yatri Trekking, a company dedicated to offering personalized, authentic, and high-quality trekking experiences across the Himalayas.
Guiding Achievements
Over the years, I have had the privilege of guiding clients across Nepal’s most iconic and diverse trekking regions. My journeys have taken me through the legendary Everest region, including the spectacular Gokyo Valley, the classic trails of the Annapurna region, and the remote wilderness of Manaslu and Tsum Valley. I have also led treks in the culturally rich Langtang and Helambu region, the challenging routes of Kanchenjunga, and the hidden gems of Dolpa, Mustang, and the Far West of Nepal.
From the northern eastern Himalayas to the far western frontiers, I have guided travellers through landscapes ranging from high alpine passes to deep valleys, each offering unique cultural encounters and breathtaking scenery. Beyond Nepal, I also journeyed to the sacred Mount Kailash, where I completed the kora (parikrama) – a profound spiritual pilgrimage that remains one of the most meaningful experiences of my guiding career.
Legacy & Vision
My journey, from a boy in Gorkha facing disrupted schooling to a professional trekking guide and entrepreneur – reflects resilience, passion, and vision. Today, through Himalayan Yatri Trekking, I continue to welcome travellers from around the world, guiding them to discover Nepal’s natural and cultural treasures responsibly and meaningfully.
I look forward to sharing the beauty of Nepal with you.
Sincerely,
Milan Gurung
