KATHMANDU: A 10-day basic search and rescue training programme for professional trekking guides commenced on Friday at the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) Secretariat in Maligaon, Kathmandu, bringing together sixteen licensed guides from some of Nepal's most demanding trekking corridors.

The participants — including two women — represent trekking regions spanning Makalu Barun, Everest, Manaslu, Annapurna, Dolpo and Sudur Pachchim. The training has been jointly organised by the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP) and TAAN in collaboration with the Trekking Guide Association of Nepal (TGAN). STP is a collaborative initiative between the Nepal Tourism Board and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The programme aims to strengthen the search and rescue capabilities of professional trekking guides in order to foster safer and more sustainable trekking and adventure mountain tourism across the country.

The inauguration was chaired by TAAN General Secretary Sonam G. Sherpa and facilitated by TAAN Executive Committee Member and Training Department Joint Coordinator Ambir Bahadur Gurung. TAAN Executive Committee Member Pabitra Tamang welcomed participants, while TAAN Joint Treasurer Gautam Raj Wagle and TGAN President Wangchu Sherpa delivered remarks offering their best wishes to the trainees.

Over the ten days, participants will cover hazard and risk identification in trekking and mountain adventure tourism, legal frameworks and standard operating procedures for search and rescue operations, familiarisation with rescue equipment and emergency communication tools, and hands-on skills in both search and rescue techniques. Training in emergency lifesaving tools including first aid will also form a core part of the curriculum.

The training reflects a growing emphasis within Nepal's trekking industry on equipping frontline guides with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to respond effectively to emergencies in remote mountain terrain.