For the Founder & Managing Director (MD) of Nepal Hiking Team, Ganga Bahadur Thapa Kshetri (commonly known as Ganga Raj Thapa), getting into mountain tourism was a natural choice. Having grown up in Dhading, a small hilly town on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, he fostered a deep love for nature and the mountains. Beginning his journey as a trekking assistant, Ganga Raj Thapa rose to the rank of Trekking Guide and later started his own company with his brother. An accomplished mountain guide and a passionate traveler, he has trekked across all the trekking regions in Nepal and has visited Europe, Australia, and many Asian countries.
After completing high school in 1992, Ganga decided to travel to Kathmandu for higher education as well as to start his career. A local trekking agency appointed him as trekking staff. The first assignment that he was given was to accompany a hiking group to Shivapuri Hill. It was a short trek of about four days, but the experience was unforgettable. Annapurna Base Camp Trek was the first real Himalayan trek he did with clients. Though tough at times, this first trek was a learning experience and opened his eyes to what service really means in the mountains.
Being a quick learner and having a positive attitude endeared him to clients. After receiving his trekking guide license, he became a full-fledged trekking guide. Soon, he was guiding large groups of trekkers along the popular trails of Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Kanchenjunga, and more. After spending 17 years working for other travel companies, he felt it was time to branch out and start something on his own. With his brother as his partner, Ganga Raj Thapa laid the foundation of Nepal Hiking Team in 2009.
The first two years were tough for the brothers, but they were determined to make their venture work. With very little business, it was sometimes difficult to make ends meet in the initial months. But they persevered, and their determination, hard work, and patience paid off. Today, Nepal Hiking Team is one of the leading adventure travel companies in Nepal. Ganga Raj Thapa leads an accomplished team of mountain guides and travel planners who are committed to offering travelers the adventure of a lifetime.
Ganga Raj Thapa attributes his success to a supportive team and well-wishers who helped him during his company’s early struggles. He feels forever indebted to clients who believed in him and recommended Nepal Hiking Team to their families and friends, helping grow the business. He also recognizes the mountain communities' contributions and believes in giving back. He regularly donates a portion of the company’s profits to charitable organizations, educational institutions, and rural health posts. Additionally, he mentors young guides and students aspiring to build a career in the tourism industry.