My name is Durga Rawal, and I was born and raised in a remote area of Western Nepal called Bham Bada, Mugu District. Nepal's largest lake, Rara Lake, lies in this district. I grew up there in a typical Hindu family.

In my generation, the custom was that school was only for boys and not for girls. For economic reasons, girls were kept out of school to work in the farming fields. I attended government school when I was 6 years old for a few years, and I learned some basics. But then, I was removed from school to help my family farm the fields until I was a teenager. My village was very traditional, and I followed these traditions wearing traditional dress and working in the fields and in the home.

But in my heart, I always knew I wanted to pursue another path. I wanted to do something new, meet new people, have adventures, and learn about the world. I wanted a chance to change not only the societal and familial expectations for me, but for future generations of young women.

After my farming life, I was fortunate to receive opportunities to complete my education and training with different NGOs. I heard about the job of being a Himalayan trekking guide leading groups of trekkers up mountains, and because of my passion for the mountains, my love of nature, my love of meeting new people and adventure, I knew this would be the perfect job for me.

However, at that time, it was a job only for males and for those who spoke English. I spoke to my older sister, and she helped me get to Pokhara, where all the trekking companies were based, and I managed to get a job as a porter. This meant carrying bags and supplies for the trekkers up and down the mountains. It was a tough job, but I used the job to learn English, learn about the mountains, and learn about interacting with different cultures.

I was determined to become a trekking guide! At the beginning, I struggled. I came from a very remote area and was uneducated and sometimes encountered discrimination, but this made me stronger and more determined — and eventually, I achieved my dream of becoming a Himalayan trekking guide.

Now, I have been a Registered Himalayan Trekking Guide for 18 years, and I'm very happy and successful in my guiding work. After many years of gaining experience working as a guide for established trekking companies, I started my own trekking company, Durga Female Trek Nepal pvt.ltd, in 2021. I have completed extensive trekking training, guide licence training, rock climbing since 2008, ice climbing since 2013, 70-kilometre marathon since 2009, and leadership exchange training in California.

I love my job and leading my clients safely through the most beautiful mountain routes and teaching them about our beautiful mountains. I lead groups, couples, and solo travelers on many different and diverse mountain routes throughout Nepal. My vast experience allows you to relax and enjoy your experience, knowing you are in safe hands.

I have many satisfied clients who are all happy to act as references

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