Types of tourist guides you will encounter in the Himalayas
Backpacking is fun. However, you will never understand the value of a guided tour until you have taken one. The information that the local guides provide comes with its share of priceless anecdotes that can be memorable recall points in the future.
Guides from the Himalayas are some of the best in the trade. What we lack in genuine information (which was the case in the period before the internet), we make up for with our service and smiles.
Let me add that guiding as a career in the Himalayas is mostly adopted by situations and not by choice. This could be anything, from unemployment in regular jobs despite qualification, financial issues to pursue further education for better career prospects, or some, a vision to climb the ladder in the tourism industry (typically without requisite academic qualifications).
In the past, tourist guides from the Himalayas, besides Nepal (which was established way back in 1952), were not required to have a guide license. They either worked under regional tour operators or were freelancers without certification or a license. It was important for guides to have good customer feedback to show at the office to be hired for the next assignment.
Therefore, I believe guides from the Himalayas have developed a certain habit of going that extra mile in their services to the guests, to ensure that the feedback would be positive. This has obliquely favoured the reputation of the Himalayan guides in the hospitality circle. The demand and growth of tourist guides in the Himalayas have made it feasible for every Himalayan region to provide licensed guides monitored by the local authority.
If you have booked tours or trekking in the Himalayas, you may encounter one of the following types of tourist guides. If you are back from your holidays in the Himalayas, tell us which one was yours?
1. The Scholar
Impressions
✓Kind, and friendly
✓Will not interrupt you while you speak
✓Can seem enigmatic at first
The information the scholar guides provide is always laced with a bit of extra personal opinions, which make for great conversations to understand the history and culture of the place and the people.
2. The Fun Guy
Impressions
✓Quirky approach during greeting
✓Exuberant attitude
✓Makes you laugh and at ease from the beginning
Makes every day fun. Knows all the fun things to do. It can create some unforgettable moments.
3. The Professional
Impressions
✓ Greetings are extremely pleasant
✓ Immediately jumps into service mode
✓ Has almost a telepathic reaction to your needs.
✓ Thoroughly observant, and resassuring
Everything is in order. May remind you of your office during your holidays!
4. The Stunner
Impressions
✓ Extremely attractive
✓ Always well dressed
✓ Makes you wonder if he/she is too good to be working as a guide
Makes the group invested, with the tourists going “oohs and aahs” throughout the trip, even if the information is basic!
5. The Rookie
Impressions
✓ Innocently nervous
✓ Tries too hard
✓ Is apologetic, and friendly
They are guides who are new to the profession. They are enthusiastic and cooperative.
A fun trivia
Unlike in the cities, the Himalayan region has no “only tour” guides. All tour guides are trekking guides by default.
Vishal Eli Chamling
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