Birkha Bahadur Gurung, known as Bryan Gurung (Birkha), is a licensed professional trekking guide (License No. 29) at Nepal Alternative Treks from Nepal with years of experience leading treks across the Himalayas. He is passionate about sharing the natural beauty, culture, and adventure of Nepal with travelers from around the world while ensuring safe, enjoyable, and memorable trekking experiences.
Early Life & Background
Bryan was born and raised in Pas Gaun, Kolhashowthor Municipality, Lamjung District, Gandaki Province, a beautiful hilly village in western Nepal, approximately 160–170 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Growing up surrounded by mountains and nature inspired his deep connection with trekking and outdoor life from an early age.
Education
Bryan completed class 5 at Bhujung Secondary High School in Lamjung. He did not pursue further formal education beyond this level.
Trekking Career Journey
Bryan began his trekking career in 2016 as a porter. His very first trekking experience was a teahouse trek on the Annapurna Circuit Trek in the Annapurna region. Working as a porter taught him valuable lessons about mountain life, responsibility, teamwork, and endurance.
After two seasons carrying loads on teahouse treks along the Annapurna Circuit, Bryan stepped up as a trekking guide in 2017 on selected routes across Nepal. During 2018 and 2019, he continued working both as a porter and guide, long days on familiar trails near his Lamjung homeland, gradually growing into a steady, dependable professional on the mountain.
COVID-19 brought trekking to a halt in 2020 and 2021, but Bryan was back guiding in 2022. In 2023, he earned his official professional trekking guide license after completing guide training through the Tourism and Industry Office under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, confirming a career that began in 2016 on the Annapurna Circuit routes close to Besisahar, where he has lived since childhood.
Professional Training & Certifications
Bryan successfully completed the full Trekking Guide Training conducted by the Tourism and Industry Office under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. For general trekking preparation, see our Travel Information page.
Languages
Bryan can communicate fluently in:
- Nepali (Native Language)
- English
- Hindi
- Gurung
- Marathi
Trekking Regions
Bryan has experience guiding trekkers across most of Nepal’s popular trekking regions. Some of the major regions he frequently guides include: Annapurna Region, Everest Region, Manaslu Region, Langtang Region, Upper Mustang Region, Kanchenjunga Region …and many other trekking destinations throughout Nepal.
Favorite Trekking Route
Bryan’s favourite trekking route is the Annapurna region, as he is originally from Besisahar and has been living there since childhood. Besisahar is the traditional starting point for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the same route where he began his trekking career as a porter in 2016.
