Pandemic chased Nepal’s experienced trekking guides away. With novices, the tourism industry is suffering

Jason Walker and his wife Jennifer came to Nepal in October 2021. Having heard a lot of the Shey Phoksundo, they wanted to experience the lake and Dolpa first hand. But, the couple found it very hard to find a trekking guide that would take them there. As the trails around the Dolpo circuit is not marked well, most guides are hesitant to do the route and the couple were left frustrated when they could not meet anyone.

“We went to Langtang instead. It wasn’t our preferred destination but it sucked not being able to go to Dolpo,” says Walker.