KATHMANDU: Twenty-eight aspiring female guides from nine districts across Nepal have enrolled in a 15-day residential training programme launched Tuesday by Nepal Mountain Academy in Garma, Solukhumbu. 

The initiative, conducted in partnership with the Sustainable Tourism Project, a joint effort of the Nepal Tourism Board and UNDP, aims to build capacity in Nepal's outdoor tourism sector.

Participants, drawn from both mountain communities and lowland regions, will receive instruction in guiding skills, safety practices, leadership and mountain tourism fundamentals. 

The training responds to persistent gender gaps in trekking, where female representation remains limited despite growing seasonal demand.

Nepal Mountain Academy coordinator Dolma Lama said the programme seeks to increase women's participation in adventure travel. "This course helps build confidence and opens doors for women who dream of guiding in Nepal's mountains," she stated.

The opening ceremony was attended by Solukhumbu District Coordination Officer Chandra Singh Shrestha, Solududhkunda Municipality Administrative Head Tukti Sherpa, Ward-7 Chairperson Sonam Sherpa, ward member Balakaji Karki and Lakpa Rinji Sherpa, principal of the Number Vocational Training Centre.

Academy Executive Director Anil Kirati noted that the organisation operates diverse programmes ranging from mountaineering degrees to specialised training in ski guiding, climbing support and mountain biking. Initial plans to recruit only local women were expanded to include applicants from other districts due to lower-than-expected local interest.