Kathmandu . In a landmark step toward making Nepal’s tourism sector more inclusive, accessible, and opportunity-driven for all, the first-ever trekking guide training program for deaf individuals has officially commenced. The training is jointly organized by the National Deaf Federation Nepal (NDFN) and the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), with support from the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP) implemented by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Touted as a ‘turning point’ in the development of inclusive tourism in Nepal, the first phase of the seven-week training has enrolled 25 deaf youths from across the country—18 men and 7 women. The initiative aims to empower participants with professional trekking guide skills, enhance their employment opportunities, strengthen self-reliance, and promote inclusive tourism practices across the nation.
The course provides both theoretical and practical knowledge on mountain safety, first aid, trekking route management, guest handling, cultural interpretation, environmental responsibility, wildlife, crisis management, and Nepal’s geographic and cultural diversity. The entire training is being conducted in sign language to ensure smooth, accessible, and effective learning for all participants.
The initiative is expected to pave the way for a long-term inclusive tourism strategy in Nepal. STP Project Manager, Dharmaraj Dawadi, emphasized that tourism must serve as a platform for equal opportunities and social inclusion.
“Tourism is not just an economic sector—it is a medium for social equality and expanding opportunities. Every citizen should benefit from tourism for Nepal’s sustainable development,” he said.
Citing World Health Organization (WHO) data, Dawadi noted that around 430 million people worldwide have significant hearing loss, with more than 70 million using sign language for communication.
“This initiative has the potential to set a global example of inclusive tourism. It will open doors for individuals with hearing disabilities to contribute to Nepal’s tourism development and help make the sector more inclusive,” he added.
Speakers at the opening event described the program as the beginning of a new era in Nepal’s tourism history. They also stressed the need to expand similar skill-development programs for individuals with visual impairments, physical disabilities, and others with special needs.
NATHM Department Head, Gyanendra Raj Pandit, highlighted the importance of the initiative:
“This collaboration between NATHM and the Sustainable Tourism Project has established an inclusive approach to tourism education in Nepal.”
President of NDFN, Santosh KC, expressed confidence that deaf youths will make meaningful contributions to the tourism sector.
“This training opens a new window of possibilities for deaf individuals in Nepal. We plan to continue such programs and turn inclusive tourism into a nationwide movement,” he said.
NATHM Professor Ajay Kumar Dhakal remarked that inclusivity must lie at the core of tourism.
“This training represents an excellent example of human-centered and inclusive development. Nepal has taken a significant step toward ensuring equal access and opportunity in tourism,” he said.
NATHM Executive Director, Divya Raj Pokharel, encouraged participants to embrace discipline and transformation:
“This training will reshape your skills and mindset. Your positive energy will inject new dynamism into Nepal’s tourism sector. This batch is set to become a pioneering group and inspire self-reliance across the nation.”
The program is expected not only to enable deaf individuals to serve as professional trekking guides across Nepal’s top trekking destinations but also to drive the tourism sector toward a future rooted in social justice, equality, and human-centered development.
