Dhan Bahadur Gurung is an experienced mountain guide from Nepal with more than 35 years in the trekking industry. Born and raised in the Ruby Valley of Dhading, he has witnessed firsthand how Nepal’s trails, communities, and tourism have evolved over the decades. He enjoys meeting trekkers from around the world, sharing his knowledge of the mountains, local culture, history, and traditions—and learning from every group he leads. That exchange is what keeps him passionate about guiding today.
Early Life & Background
Dhan was born in Chalish village, Ruby Valley Municipality, Dhading District, Bagmati Province. Ruby Valley is a growing trekking destination in central Nepal, about 135 km northwest of Kathmandu.
Growing up in a remote mountain village, he began carrying loads for trekkers not out of choice, but out of necessity—to support his family. What started as seasonal work gradually became a lifelong calling. Leading groups across Nepal’s most beautiful trekking regions inspired him to build a career in the mountains.
In the early years, he worked seasonally and returned home during the off-season. Later, he moved his family to Kathmandu and began guiding year-round.
Education & Language
Formal schooling was limited in his village. As a child, he learned basic reading and writing from a merchant from Patan, Kathmandu, who lived in Chalish for trade.
When he entered tourism as a porter and set his sights on becoming a guide, he enrolled in an English language institute to improve his communication skills. He refined his English further on the trail—starting with simple phrases and building confidence through everyday conversations with clients from around the world.
Trekking Career
Dhan began his trekking career in 1991 as a porter. His first trek was a camping journey on the classic Hillary route from Jiri to Everest Base Camp.
More than a decade as a porter taught him discipline, teamwork, endurance, and responsibility—qualities that shaped him as a guide. After years of steady experience, he progressed from porter to guide-porter, and eventually became a full-time professional trekking guide. In August 2023, he completed formal guide training and has continued guiding with renewed focus on safety, service, and professional standards.
Training & Certifications
Dhan successfully completed the full Trekking Guide Training program conducted by the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, from 11–24 August 2023.
He has also completed:
- English Language Course
- Basic First Aid Training (2 weeks)
These qualifications have strengthened his guiding skills, safety awareness, communication, and understanding of modern tourism practices.
Languages
- Nepali — native
- English — fluent
- Hindi — fluent
Trekking Regions
Dhan has guided trekkers across many of Nepal’s popular routes, including: Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Mohare Danda Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Helambu Trek and Mardi Himal Trek.
Favourite Route
His favourite trek is Annapurna Base Camp—one of Nepal’s most beloved trails, rich in nature, culture, and mountain views. As a Gurung guide from a Gurung heartland, he takes special pride in sharing insights into local history, beliefs, traditions, and daily life in the Annapurna region.
