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Nepal’s majestic landscapes draw thousands of trekkers annually, but a notable shift is occurring beneath the towering Himalayas. In a male-dominated industry, a group of women is reshaping the narrative. This is the inspiring tale of female trekking guides in Nepal, breaking barriers, empowering each other, and transforming the trekking experience for travelers seeking more than just mountain vistas.
A Quest for Female Guides:
Marine Annic, a 35-year-old singer from France, embarked on a quest for a unique trekking experience in Nepal. Her online search for female guides unveiled a scarcity. “As a woman, I felt hiring a woman guide would bring me a nice experience, interesting conversations about Nepali culture and traditions,” Annic shares.
Rising Enrollment of Women:
While the majority of trekking expeditions are led by men, officials report a surge in the enrollment of women in trekking courses at national academies in Nepal. This shift is gradually challenging the traditional gender norms prevalent in the trekking industry.
Safety and Comfort: The Woman’s Perspective:
Veronika Jacenkova from the Czech Republic echoes Annic’s sentiments. Seeking safety and comfort, she opted for a woman-led trekking company when venturing into the Langtang National Park. Duluwa Outdoors, an all-women tour company, is at the forefront of providing a safer and more comfortable trekking experience for women.
Duluwa Outdoors: Breaking Gender Bias:
Duluwa Outdoors, not just a tour company but a community project, aims to combat gender bias and bridge the pay gap. Co-founder Menuka Gurung highlights the discrepancy, stating, “While on trails, we see women in tea houses, working, but not leading those trails.” The company aspires to redefine outdoor activities as a viable and well-paying career for Nepali women.
From Podcast to Expedition:
United by a love for travel, the founders of Duluwa—Gurung, Shanti Rai, Binita Jirel, Rejina Tamang, and Juliana Shrestha—launched Duluwa Talks as a podcast in 2019. The podcast evolved into a platform fostering collaboration and support among women interested in travel and outdoor pursuits, eventually leading to the establishment of Duluwa Outdoors in 2021.
Bespoke Experiences and Empowerment:
Duluwa’s mission is twofold: empower women as leaders and craft tailor-made experiences for trekking enthusiasts. Shanti Rai emphasizes, “We want to create opportunities for Nepali women and instill the belief that outdoor activities are not exclusive to men.” The company offers short, open-to-all itineraries lasting a few hours, and exclusive overnight or extended treks exclusively for women.
The Impact on Travelers:
Annic’s encounter with Duluwa through a Facebook group for French tourists resulted in a transformative trek in Upper Mustang in 2023. “Hiring female guides also promotes opportunities for Nepali women, creating financial independence and respect from men in the society,” Annic reflects. Jacenkova, who has trekked across the globe, emphasizes the comfort of sharing unique concerns with a female guide, stating, “It’s more comfortable if the guide knows what you are going through.”
Overcoming Stereotypes:
Rai acknowledges that female-led treks often surprise tourists not due to doubt in women’s capabilities but due to the novelty of such setups. Duluwa actively challenges stereotypes by organizing meet-ups where guides share their perspectives, hurdles, and successes, fostering mutual support and growth.
Empowering Female Guides:
Santoshi Magar, a freelance guide who led Annic’s trek, sheds light on the challenges faced by female guides in the industry. She criticizes many trekking companies for offering low pay and insufficient support. Magar found solace in Duluwa, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment.
Cultural Immersion:
Duluwa’s unique business model extends beyond trekking—it includes cultural immersion. Gurung explains, “Exposure to Nepal’s diverse traditions deepens trekkers’ understanding of cultural diversity.” Trekkers, through Duluwa, gain a heightened awareness and appreciation for different ways of life, creating a more enriching experience.
The Real Vacation:
For Jacenkova, the trek through Langtang was “a real vacation,” feeling incredibly cared for. Annic, recalling her trek in Upper Mustang, describes it as “a reset experience, and an anchor to remember what really matters.” What matters to Duluwa Outdoors is the elevation of women, aligned with global trends indicating a rise in female employment in the travel and tourism sector.
Conclusion:
In the heart of the Himalayas, Duluwa Outdoors stands as a beacon, guiding not just trekkers but a movement towards equality and empowerment. The trails echo with the laughter and camaraderie of women breaking free from stereotypes, leading the way for a new era of trekking in Nepal. As the sun sets over the peaks, it’s not just the mountains casting shadows but the empowered footsteps of women on a transformative journey.
