08/03/2026
Friends,
We hear so many stories about Nepal’s mountains. But how often do we hear from the women whose work makes those journeys possible?
On August 4, we’re launching Season 1 of The Porter Voices Podcast: Elevating the Voices of Female Trekking Guides in Nepal.
For this season, I had the privilege of sitting down with seven Nepali women trekking guides, whose experience in the industry ranges from less than a year to nearly 20 years.
I wanted these conversations to go beyond trekking routes, summits and beautiful mountain stories.
I wanted to ask: What is it actually like to build a life and career as a female trekking guide in Nepal?
The women spoke candidly about how they entered the profession, what they love about guiding, the moments that have made them proud, and the challenges they have encountered along the way.
They also shared their lived experiences as women navigating a profession historically dominated by men within a patriarchal society—where expectations around gender, marriage, motherhood, family responsibilities and women's roles can profoundly shape their opportunities.
These are perspectives we don't hear often enough.
In mountain tourism, we frequently hear the stories of travelers. Far less often do we hear directly from the people working behind those experiences.
And when we do talk about workers, there is another distinction that matters deeply to me: I don't want to speak for them. I want to help create spaces where they can speak for themselves.
That is at the heart of The Porter Voices Podcast.
Speaking openly about your life, your challenges and the industry that employs you isn't always easy. So I hope our community will show up for these women—not only by listening, but by sharing their stories and engaging with what they have to say.
Because if we want a more equitable trekking and mountain tourism industry, we need to listen to the people who work within it.
🎙️ The Porter Voices Podcast launches August 4.
Seven women. Seven different journeys. Seven voices that deserve to be heard.
I hope you'll join us in listening—and help their voices travel far beyond the mountains of Nepal. See link in comments below.
Marinel M. de Jesus
Host, The Porter Voices Podcast
Founder, The Porter Voice Collective
Co-Founder, Himalayan Women Trail Leaders
