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Ambar Tamang, hailing from the picturesque village of Khijidemba-1 in Okhaldhunga, Nepal, finds himself embraced by the awe-inspiring beauty of the surrounding mountains. With his sights set on the tourism industry, his immediate objective is to secure a job that aligns with his passion.
However, he envisions a future where he not only achieves personal growth but also plays a significant role in the advancement of the organization he serves. Ambar's journey began as a humble porter diligently carrying loads, but his unwavering determination and relentless efforts propelled him to ascend the ranks and evolve into a seasoned trekking guide.
How would like to introduce yourself?
I am Ambar Tamang, a resident of the scenic village of Khijidemba-1, Okhaldhunga, in eastern Nepal, surrounded by majestic mountains. Recently, I returned from Kapan, Kathmandu, where I had the chance to experience the vibrant city life.
In my family, we are a close-knit group of five members: my beloved wife, two sons, and a cherished daughter. After completing my high school education at Chandeshwori Higher Secondary School in Okhaldhunga, I pursued certification courses in the tourism industry. I possess strengths such as quick learning ability, adaptability to new technologies, self-motivation, and unwavering determination in my work.
My short-term goal is to secure a job in the tourism industry, while my long-term aspiration is to attain a significant position that contributes to my personal growth and the success of the organization. I initially started as a porter, and through hard work, I have now become an experienced trekking guide.
What makes trekking fun?
Trekking improves our physical health. Spending multiple hours on the trail, climbing around boulders, rock hopping, and ascending hills gives our whole body a workout, improving our strength, agility, and cardio fitness. When we go trekking, we get to explore places in nature that the road cannot reach. And the most important things that make trekking more fun are the situation of the weather, team members having fun, and reading books in peace, which leaves us without worries about time and reawakens our sense of wonder. Because of this, it is a wonderful motivator to enhance our physical fitness. That’s why, from my side, we have fun.
What was the most dangerous Trek you have ever done?
In my opinion, trekking can indeed be dangerous, as adventure comes with inherent risks influenced by factors like weather conditions. However, not every trek is consistently perilous. Despite encountering difficulties during my Chhorolpa and Dhaulagiri treks, I realized that perceived dangers often prove to be less severe than they appear. Instances of heavy snowfall, rock falls, and challenging terrain like kharpas posed significant obstacles along the way. The heavy snowfall obscured our path, making navigation difficult, and progressing towards our destination within the allotted time became arduous. Nonetheless, by supporting and assisting each other, we overcame these obstacles, eventually reaching our hotel. Reflecting on my experiences, this particular trek stands out as the most perilous adventure I have embarked upon.
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What inspired you to become a Trekking guide?
Honestly, first of all, I am a hardworking and friendly person, born in a village, and belong to a poor family. Everyone knows what kind of lifestyle people live in a village. Many times I heard about the tourism from different people in my village, and I thought I should also go and work. After all, I decided to choose the tourism sector to work for a better future for me and my family.
And one day, one of my friends took me to the trekking company. I went to Jiri to Everest Base Camp for the first time in my life as a porter. For the next six years, I continued to work as a porter during the trekking season, and I will continue it in the future. Then I participated in the guide training for 45 days in 2007, which was conducted by the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management to produce more guides in Nepal. I’ve been working as a professional trekking guide in Nepal since then.
Trekking is the only profession where we get to meet people from different parts of the world. The best thing about being a guide is having friends from many countries where you’ve never been. Making more friends and having treks in different places was so fun, and I enjoyed it a lot. From that day on, it became my dream. I cannot forget that day, when I started my struggle, and my supportive friends. At last, my friends and this beautiful nature helped me inspire myself in this field.
What is the most memorable experience you have had while trekking?
Nature's allure and its ability to refresh our spirits are universally cherished, yet not everyone has the opportunity to immerse themselves in its splendor. Throughout my career as a trekking guide, I had the privilege of accompanying a Spanish client, Jauma, on a remarkable 10-day journey to Helambu Gosaikunda.
Jauma's sheer excitement upon reaching our destination was infectious. His profound love for nature set him apart, radiating joy that surpassed even our collective happiness. As we ventured further towards Gosaikunda Lauri Binayek, the majestic peaks of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu Himal revealed themselves, nestled beneath the vibrant Bir Rasuwali Tamang village.
That moment was etched in my memory forever. We reveled in the awe-inspiring beauty, exchanging glances of pure appreciation. This trek remains the pinnacle of my experiences and an indelible testament to the profound impact that nature can have on our lives.
What do you count as your major achievement?
In my career, I have done many treks with different people from different countries. What I count as my major achievement is that they got to learn about our country and our culture. I managed to make them happy. In my life, I am happy that I have successfully escorted every trekking guest to their destination safely.
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What are the challenges you have personally faced in your job?
In my opinion, life is a kind of challenge. A person who does not challenge can do no less in life. In my working days, I had faced many challenges, such as waiting for the weather to change and making the right decisions along the way. If any guest gets sick at the post, take them to the place of treatment; it is also a challenge for us. In today's time, life does not go on without challenges. So, in my job, these are the challenges that I personally faced.
How do you keep yourself motivated? What do you say to yourself? Any motivational quotes, line, motto, slogan or core belief?
As my word, till 60 to 65 years I am a young man. I need to do anything, so we have to think about life and do something positive, and I think I am doing that very well. But work is not only knowing but also learning. All these things are easy to understand after learning and experiencing them. This is my motto for all of you: "If you fall down three times, you should be able to get up four times".
What is the best response you have got from your guest?
In my whole career, since I started working in the tourism industry,I have worked with many people and met people from different countries. I always had a good working experience with my guests, and I always got a good review from them. I always remember all my guests with whom I worked, and I miss them very much. I have gotten the best response from all of my guests, but I always remember my two guests, Mahlon Banda and Stevan Chee, who were from the USA and Singapore. All my guests were the same for me, and I respected all of them and missed them, but these two were the ones for whom I got the best response in my life.
If you had to trek just for fun where would you trek?
One of the benefits of trekking is that it improves our health immensely. Spending multiple hours on the trail, climbing around boulders, rock hopping, and ascending hills gives our whole body a workout, improving our strength, agility, and cardio fitness. Trekking far and wide has various energizing advantages. Being on a trek can simply be defined as an otherworldly experience that can leave you stunned forever. Once a person feels the rush of adrenaline pumping through their veins while they trek up and down the exquisite terrain, they are bound to fall in love with nature more and more. To be precise, trekking can easily be one of the least harmful things a traveller can do in nature. So, I always want to trek for fun and for my health, and if I had to trek just for fun, I would like to trek at Manaslu Circuit.
Which is the easiest and toughest trekking destination in Nepal according to you?
In my opinion, the easiest destinations in Nepal are Gorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal, while the toughest ones are Round Dhaulagiri and Rolwaling Trek. Gorepani Pun Hill and Mardi Himal offer convenient facilities such as hotels, easy road access, and various comforts. On the other hand, the Round Dhaulagiri and Rolwaling Trek pose challenges as they lack accommodation options, medical facilities, and food availability. Moreover, in these locations, one must carry all necessary supplies and even break ice for drinking water. These factors contribute to my perception of Round Dhaulagiri and Rolwaling Trek as the toughest places.
What is your advice to our readers?
I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have taken the time to read this article. My advice to you is to read it attentively, approach your endeavors with confidence, and put in diligent effort. By doing so, you will pave the way for success. For aspiring trekking guides, the insights I have shared can prove valuable. It is essential to acquire knowledge in first aid and basic navigation, as this will not only benefit you but also enable you to assist others during the journey. Maintaining a friendly demeanor towards everyone you encounter will make your trek more enjoyable. When embarking on a trek, always adhere to the principles of respecting nature and following its rules. This is crucial, as unforeseen challenges may arise, and being prepared and mindful is essential. Ultimately, embrace a friendly attitude in all circumstances and revel in the joy of trekking.
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