Guide Training

In 1993 the Nepal Department of Tourism offerered a special course for hiking guides to qualify for official certification for the profession. Since the first class in 1985 the course was only offered roughly every 5 years and it was clear that Himalayan hiking was a very popular and lucrative tourist attraction. The number of guides who offered their services had boomed, but the government recognized that the level of experience and professional expertise was very inconsistent, so the courses and certification could give credibility. In 1993 almost 500 individuals registered for the class, and many of these applicants had cancelled their tour groups for the season to attend the course. However, there was really only space for 180 students, and the school made cuts by administering a pre-test over a few days involving interviews, indoor and outdoor evaluations. The top 180 were allowed to stay for the rest of the program and the rest were let go without a refund.

Pema Dorje Sherpa placed #61 and was very happy to continue the class. There were many experienced Sherpas among the students, but there were others there as well. The class was given in the official Nepalese Hindi language and the training lasted over six weeks, with a few days outside learning rock climbing techniques. The classroom instruction covered some Nepalese history, background information on the National Park system, ways of relating well to clients and taking good care of special needs, trekking and expedition planning, locations and information about the best routes and camping areas, diagnosis and treatment of altitude sickness, operation of a Gamow bag, and conservation. The course helped to ensure that the certified guides would apply wisdom, common sense and professional integrity to be good stewards on behalf of Nepal. The class was led by a very experienced trekking guide and there really was no final exam. It wasn't necessary because the participants had proven themselves along the way, and it could be said the initial exam was their final exam. Now the certification is a great asset to a guide and clients do check for the badge. It is a real plus for those companies that maintain certified staff, and for Pema it has been much more valuable for him instead of taking an expedition during that season.