Deaf Guides Lead New Era of Inclusive Tourism in Nepal

Kathmandu. Examples of silent dialogue are now being seen on Nepal's trekking routes. That dialogue is not of words, but of sign language. The increasing participation of deaf trekking guides marks the beginning of a new chapter of inclusive practice in Nepal's tourism sector.

Choprasad Poudel of Kalika Rural Municipality-5, Rasuwa district, and Chhiri Sherpa of Solukhumbu are representative figures of this new chapter of change. The ascents on the Himalayan trekking routes are not only overcome by physical endurance, but also require confidence, courage, and opportunity.

Choprasad and Chhiri Sherpa are examples of this courage and confidence. Choprasad, who has been struggling as a porter and hotel cook in the tourism sector for the past few years, has recently successfully completed the world-famous Manaslu Circuit Trek, showing new hope in Nepal's inclusive tourism journey. He completed the 15-day trek on the difficult Manaslu route, which reaches an altitude of 5,106 meters. His journey is not just a personal success, but also a message of inspiration for the community with disabilities.

Choprasad says, 'When I heard that trekking guide training for deaf youth was being conducted jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board and the United Nations Development Programme, I also participated. I felt a big difference in my trekking experience before and after the training. The learning increased my confidence and gave me knowledge on how to manage in difficult situations.'

After the training, he contacted two French tourists through social media. After completing the necessary procedures, Choprasad set out on the Manaslu Circuit Trek with them and successfully completed the journey. He was accompanied by an assistant during the trek.

Manaslu is one of Nepal's toughest trekking routes. However, Choprasad said that the knowledge gained from the training, mountaineering safety skills, and practical experience with tourists made the journey easier. 'After this trek, my confidence has soared even higher. Now I have a desire to trek on other routes in Nepal as well,' he said.

The training provided theoretical and practical knowledge on mountaineering safety, first aid, route management, hospitality, cultural interpretation, environmental responsibility, crisis management, and Nepal's geographical and cultural diversity. Choprasad's journey shows that the possibilities in the tourism sector are expanding for the deaf community. Another example who is putting those possibilities into practice is Chhiri Sherpa.

Chhiri Sherpa of Solukhumbu has been guiding foreign tourists on Himalayan trekking routes for a long time. He communicates with tourists through sign language and leads everything from trekking planning to travel preparation through video calls.

Recently, he successfully completed a trek from Gokyo, Chola Pass (5,375 meters), Everest Base Camp to Lukla with an American citizen and his deaf Nepali wife. According to Chhiri Sherpa, sign language builds a different kind of trust and intimacy during the journey. 'We communicated through gestures throughout the journey. Behavior and understanding were more important than words,' he said.

Stakeholders in the tourism sector consider the trekking guide training started for deaf youth as an important initiative for Nepal's inclusive tourism development. Santosh KC, President of the National Federation of the Deaf Nepal, said that deaf youth can also make a significant contribution to Nepal's tourism sector.

According to the World Health Organization, about 430 million people worldwide are affected by hearing loss, while more than 70 million use sign language. In this context, Dharmaraj Dawadi, manager of the Sustainable Tourism Project, expressed happiness that this initiative started in Nepal has become effective for inclusive tourism. He said, 'Nepal's tourism is no longer limited to just mountains and natural beauty. The practice of inclusivity and equal opportunity is beginning to signal a more humane and broader tourism.'

The experiences of Choprasad and Chhiri Sherpa also show that with opportunities and training, the deaf community can also become capable guides and representatives in the tourism sector. They have urged the government, tourism entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to create more employment and opportunities for deaf and disabled youth.