Fourteen-year-old Mendo Tamang, from Kalika Rural Municipality in Rasuwa, grew up with a simple but demanding routine. Every morning, she would milk the cows, collect the milk, and walk nearly four hours through the forest to take it to the collection center. Her days began before sunrise—finish the house chores, head to the cowshed, and then prepare for the long walk.Like many girls in her village, she believed her life would soon follow the same pattern: an early marriage before the age of fifteen and a lifetime of household responsibilities.
“My childhood was spent in Lekmai village,” Mendo recalls. “I grew up in the cowshed, always walking up and down the hills. I loved the mountains. I grew up playing with nature.” In 2008, life gave her an unexpected opportunity. A chance meeting with a foreign traveler opened the door for her to study in Kathmandu—something she had never imagined. “When I first came to Kathmandu, everything was new,” she says. “I didn’t understand the language or city life. I felt like I wouldn’t be able to survive here. But deep inside, there was a voice telling me that I had to prove myself.” The early days were tough—new people, new challenges, and a completely different world. But Mendo’s curiosity and willingness to learn carried her forward. Teachers were surprised to see how quickly she adapted. She had studied in Nepali-medium schools, yet she bravely chose to study dental hygiene in English.
In 2018, during Dashain, she got a chance to go on a Langtang trek with her brother.
“At first, I was scared,” she laughs. “I thought living in Kathmandu had made me weak. But on the very first day, I realized that the strength of the mountains was still inside me. The habits I learned in my village were still alive.” That trek awakened the adventurous traveler within her. Her interest in tourism grew stronger, and at the end of 2022, she earned her trekking guide license. “It was a new challenge,” she says. “But I knew I could do it. One thing life has taught me is that nothing is impossible if you have determination.”
In September 2023, she faced one of the biggest challenges of her life—a 27-day trek with eight foreign trekkers, all above 65 years old. The route included Larke Pass, Thorong Pass, and Poon Hill—some of Nepal’s toughest trails. “It was the most challenging and educational experience of my life,” she says. “One traveler’s glasses broke, another had snow blindness and needed helicopter rescue. Some were angry, some were tired. But I did not lose patience.” She even carried their bags herself when needed and supported them through every problem. During these journeys, she learned that being a good guide is not just about knowing the route.
-1739529654-1763879256.jpeg)
“You must understand the psychology of travelers,” she explains. “Some need encouragement, some need comfort. Some prefer to walk alone, while others want company. You must understand these things.” Her experience as a woman guide is equally interesting. “In our society, people expect women to stay home and do household work,” she says. “But I always had leadership qualities. And surprisingly, I never had negative experiences because I was a woman. In fact, many places gave me special respect.” She recalls a moment: “We were told the hotel had no rooms. But when they found out I was a female guide, they arranged a special room for me.”
-1739529569-1763879332.jpeg)
According to her, a successful guide must have three qualities: good communication, leadership ability, and a strong sense of responsibility. “Trekkers trust us with their lives. Their safety is our top duty.” Today, Mendo is not only a mountain guide but also much more. She is the Country President of the NepAs Association, which conducts health camps in remote areas. She runs her own dental clinic in Thamel, offering free treatment to low-income patients. She is also studying for a master’s degree in psychology, all while continuing her passion for trekking. “Trekking is not just a job for me; it’s therapy,” she says. “When I am in the mountains, I feel like I have returned home. Those hills carry my childhood and my strength. The mountains have taught me that life has ups and downs, but we must never give up.”
-1739529578_11zon-(1)-1763879531.jpeg)
Inspiring the Next Generation
Foreign trekkers often praise Nepali guides. “They say Nepali guides are more friendly and helpful than guides from other countries” she shares. This praise motivates her to keep improving. She now encourages other women to join the trekking sector.
“You don’t have to be a full-time guide,” she suggests. “You can do it as a side job. Even doing three or four treks a year can give good income.”
-1739529657_11zon-1763879950.jpeg)
From a village girl carrying milk to a respected guide, entrepreneur, leader, and social worker—Mendo’s journey has become an inspiration for women across Nepal.
This content was published in the Nepali edition of Everestpedia on February 2, 2081 – Editor.
-1711710652-1758874130-1764145113.jpg)
