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Kundan Chhetri hails from Dharan in Sunsari and works as a professional rafting and trekking guide. He has been dedicatedly serving in this field since 2045 BS, which sums up to around 35 years and still counting. Throughout his professional journey, he has had the opportunity to travel across more than 50 districts of Nepal, gaining extensive knowledge and expertise in his field.
What inspired you to become a rafting and trekking guide?
As a child, I recall seeing foreign tourists trekking through challenging terrain in the hills and mountains of Nepal. Intrigued by their journey, I asked my teacher about their purpose and was informed that they were international visitors exploring our country for various reasons, such as leisure, social work, and cultural experiences. I was also introduced to the concept of a Nepali guide who would lead and assist them on their journey. This idea sparked a desire within me to become a guide myself and enhance the experience of tourists.
Moreover, during my childhood, I spent a lot of time swimming in the river, despite my mother's frequent scolding. My love for water was intense, and I disregarded the dangers of rocks, waves, and currents. It was during one of these river excursions that I witnessed the art of rafting on the Trishuli River, with a single guide expertly leading a raft of six to nine people down the river. Witnessing this skill and excitement sealed my decision to pursue a career as a rafting guide as well.
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What makes rafting and trekking fun?
The thrill of riding the river's waves and navigating its drops makes rafting an exciting activity, while trekking offers the chance to immerse oneself in stunning natural landscapes, experience diverse cultures, and savor a variety of local cuisines along the way.
What was the most challenging situation you encountered during a trip? How have you handled it?
In the year 2070, while in the Everest region with two tourists, heavy snowfall for three consecutive days halted everyone's progress, leaving many stranded in Chhukung. With no end in sight, the only option was to wait patiently for the weather to clear. However, I was not content with that and decided to take matters into my own hands by venturing outside with an ice axe to clear a path. With each step, I had to rely on my instincts and experience to navigate the uncertain terrain. As I began to clear the way, others in the area took notice and started to follow my lead. Despite encountering numerous obstacles, such as slipping and falling into a hole half my size, I managed to successfully guide my group and more than 15 other groups through the snow-covered landscape.
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What are some of the most beautiful or interesting places you have guided people to?
When it comes to choosing a favorite trekking destination, I would personally select the Kanchenjungha region and Upper Mustang.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to rafting or trekking?
I would suggest acquiring fundamental knowledge of first aid, primary healthcare, and survival skills. Additionally, it would be beneficial to learn some basic vocabulary in languages other than Nepali and English.
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What is the most memorable experience you have had while trekking or rafting?
During my Gosaikunda trekking experience, I encountered heavy snowfall, which made the path quite difficult to clear. Unfortunately, I got stuck in the snow and found myself waist-deep in it. Thankfully, my clients were able to rescue me with great effort. Although it was a tough situation at the time, looking back on it now, I remember it as a unique and fond memory.
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What do you count as your major achievements?
Throughout my career as a guide, I have had the opportunity to bring joy and satisfaction to countless tourists from different parts of the world. In doing so, I have also forged numerous meaningful friendships and connections with both Nepali locals and visitors from abroad. These relationships and memories hold a special place in my heart and are some of the most valuable treasures I have acquired.
How do you handle emergency situations or medical emergencies during trekking and rafting?
I always come prepared with a first aid kit and rely on my experience to assess the situation. Depending on the severity of the condition, whether it's critical, serious, moderate, or minor, I take appropriate measures to address it.
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What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a successful guide?
To excel as a guide, it is important to embody qualities such as kindness, honesty, and gentleness toward all individuals. Additionally, one should demonstrate patience, punctuality, and respect for schedules in their conduct. Effective communication skills also play a crucial role in building a successful career as a guide.
How do you ensure the safety of your clients during a rafting or trekking trip?
As a guide, I provide a briefing to my clients on the path we will be traversing, emphasizing the importance of walking steadily and at a moderate pace. In trekking, it is not advantageous to walk quickly as it can compromise safety. Therefore, the key to safety is to walk slowly, which is the optimal solution for a successful trek.
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What are your interests and hobbies? Do you believe in maintaining a work-life balance?
I have a deep interest in travelling to new places and meeting new people. I love reaching out to more people and exploring the lives of different tribes. So I enjoy working in my field and work does not feel like work. It's more like the passion that I follow
How do you keep yourself motivated? What do you say to yourself? Any motivational quote, line, motto, slogan, or core belief?
Life presents us with endless opportunities and experiences to embrace. I am motivated to keep pushing forward and never give up, as there is so much to accomplish. I believe in the importance of exploring new things each day, as it ignites my passion and fuels my drive for growth and development.
What is the toughest decision you have had to make in your career?
The hardest decision/choice to make was to switch from working for the company to freelancing. It involved risks and challenges, and I was ready for it.
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What is your advice to our readers?
There is still more to explore out there. Once you think you've done it all, there's still a whole lot of things to discover. You climb one mountain thinking it's the top and you see a mountain even bigger than the one you just climbed. Never stop exploring, never stop travelling and it will become your life and your journey.
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