Bashing her way through boundaries, WE ASK Kopila what it takes to be a female trekking guide in the male-dominated mountaineering industry, what fuels her, how she overcomes roadblocks and her hopes for young females treading the same path.

A fully-geared female hiker climbing up a long flight of stairs and doing peace signs with her hands. — *Kopila Tamang leads the way in the Himalayas.*

WE ASK: Kopila Tamang

Born into a family of mountain guides, Papila Tamang also known as Kopila Tamang has been leading hikes into the deepest and wildest parts of Nepal’s Himalayas since 2008. As one of very few female guides in Nepal, she has been quietly carving a path of her own in a male-dominated industry. She brings her personal touch and applies her academic training to enhance her treks.

At the moment, she primarily leads women groups through some of the toughest and most gorgeous terrains in Nepal, including the Everest Base Camp, Gokyo trek, Langtang Helambu trek and Manaslu circuit trek.

Trekking the Himalayas is not for the faint-hearted. And trekking guide Kopila knows this better than anyone else. In between braving the chilly snow peaks of the Himalayas lined with prayer flags and nursing a cup of hot tea while battling the thin air of the high altitude with other hikers, Kopila took some time to share her story – one of passion, purpose with a dash of persistence.

Curious about what goes on in the mountains? Take a peek into the life of a female trekking guide in Nepal.

Why do you travel?

The call of nature. I’m in love with travelling, learning about new cultures and having new experiences in life.

What do you love most about being a trekking guide in Nepal?

As a trekking guide in Nepal, I lead groups from all around the world, learning about their cultures along the way. Nowadays I have been building camaraderie with groups based in Canada and the USA.

I love each and every trail around Nepal as each has its own beauty.

A group of female hikers with hiking poles standing before a misty mountain. — *Leading groups of females along Nepal’s varied trails counts as one of Kopila’s greatest rewards.*

Have you ever considered a corporate job upon graduation from the university?

Contrary to popular belief, my Masters degree in Business Studies is not wasted. My academic knowledge has come in handy in the mountaineering field.

Best times to hike in Nepal: Seasons and trail tips

How often do you lead tours and what’s the duration?

There are two main seasons for trekking in Nepal. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) bring the best temperatures and flowers in bloom. Treks range from a minimum of 5 to 7 days, or 19 to 30 days.

Most of the trekking trails can be done in both seasons. The Upper Mustang Trail can be done even during the monsoon season as that region is a no-rain zone in Nepal.

Prayer flags lined up a brick building with a backdrop of mountains and a blue sky. — *The Lower Mustang is one of the no-rain zone in Nepal which allows trekkers to hike any time of the year.*

Life as a female mountain guide in Nepal

Do you face any roadblocks working as a female guide in a traditionally male-dominated field?

Even though our society is male-dominated, I have yet to face any problems as a female guide. Most of the guides and hotel owners are already well-acquainted with my father who is also a trekking guide. That’s a plus point for me when it comes to communicating and interacting with them. They are also more than willing to share their wealth of experiences with me.

A group of female hikers posing with a big imposing mountain as backdrop. — *The Gokyo Trek.*

Trails in Nepal

Do you have a favourite trail and what makes it special to you?

I love each and every trail around Nepal as each has its own beauty.

How do you prepare for the physical demands and unforeseen circumstances during treks?

I do not specifically train for hikes. Even during the off-season, you will find me hiking around Kathmandu valley to keep myself physically fit. In my perception, trekking is both a physical and mental task.

‘Wow, if he/she can complete the trail, then nothing is impossible in life. We just need to give it a try, and never give up.’

What are some of the biggest mental and physical challenges you have encountered during your trails?

Since I started leading groups, I have met lots of people all around the world. There are indeed a few who leave deep impressions on me. They inspire me with their fierce determination. There were times when I thought to myself, ‘Wow, if he/she can complete the trail, then nothing is impossible in life. We just need to give it a try, and never give up.’

The back view of a group of hikers in a lush green mountain. — *Manaslu Circuit trek.*

Essential trekking gear for Nepal hikes

What are the top essential items to bring on a trek?

Trekking gear such boots, socks, pants, shirts, head lamp, water bottle, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen are most essentials for hiking in Nepal.

Besides being physically fit, what are the most important aspects of being a hiking guide?

Besides being physically fit, a trekking guide should possess leadership qualities, decision-making capabilities and communication skills.

Hike responsibly: Respecting Nepal’s mountains

If you could leave a message for hikers, what would it be?

I would say to hikers, “Keep on hiking and enjoy nature. Leave your footprints, not the trash. Preserve the environment for other hikers.”

A group of hikers hugging and congratulating one another on scaling the peak of a mountain. — *One of the shortest trek for hikers who are starved for time is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.*

Off-work fun

Do you ever miss home during your treks?

It’s not that I never miss my home. I do enjoy the comforts of home when I’m not trekking. However, being in the embrace of nature remains my first love, so no regrets.

Keep on hiking and enjoy nature. Leave your footprints, not the trash. Preserve the environment for other hikers.

Empowering women in Nepal’s hiking industry

What advice would you give to young Nepali women considering a career as a trekking guide?

Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see young girls take up guiding as a career. This is great. I would like to share with them, ‘Keep going, girls. You can do it!’

As Kopila continues to chart new paths in the Himalayas, she’s not merely guiding, but leading the way for the new generation of women to boldly take on the mountains and answer the innate call to explore, discovering new trails and themselves at the same time.

A group of hikers overlooking the beautiful Himalayan mountains. — *The incredibly scenic Everest Base Camp trek.*

Inspired to trek in Nepal? Get in touch with Kopila @tamongnii_kopila24 on her Instagram and stay tuned to Our Travel Footprints for more travel stories from different corners of the world.

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All photos are courtesy of Kopila Tamang.