What keeps someone moving forward when the path is difficult?

In the final installment of our three-part conversation, Durga Rawal reflects on the lessons she has learned throughout her journey from porter to licensed trekking guide in Nepal's Himalayas. Looking back on the challenges she has overcome and the milestones she has achieved, Durga shares the values that continue to guide her: perseverance, courage, and a deep connection to the mountains.

This episode explores Durga's hopes and dreams for her future, as well as her vision for the next generation of female trekking guides in Nepal.

Through her reflections put in writing and read out loud, listeners will gain insight into what it means to lead with purpose, break barriers, and remain committed to a calling despite the obstacles along the way.

Durga's story is ultimately one of resilience, determination, and hope—a reminder that meaningful change often begins with the courage of individuals who refuse to give up.

This episode is part of Season 1: Elevating the Voices of Female Trekking Guides in Nepal, produced in partnership with the Himalayan Women Trail Leaders Initiative (HWTL), a program dedicated to training, mentoring, and creating pathways for women to become trekking guides and leaders in Nepal's mountain tourism industry.

Thanks to Durga Rawal for trusting us with her story. Get to know her more via the film documentary, Durga: Forging a New Trail.

The Porter Voices Podcast amplifies the stories of porters, guides, and mountain workers whose labor and leadership make adventure travel possible. Through authentic storytelling, we explore workforce equity, gender inclusion, human rights, and the evolving future of mountain tourism around the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who believe in creating a more equitable and inclusive future for mountain communities and tourism workers.

Learn more about our work and subscribe:⁠⁠ www.theportervoicecollective.org⁠⁠

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Want to partner/collaborate with PVC? Send us an email -theportervoice@gmail.com. Also, check out our HWTL ⁠⁠Initiative Brief ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠Program Evaluation⁠⁠ to learn about HWTL and its impact via our ⁠HWTL webpage⁠.

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Listen via PVC YouTube Channel or The Porter Voices Podcast page.

Because every mountain journey has voices that deserve to be heard.

This episode was made possible by our Porter Voices Podcast team:

Marinel M. de Jesus, Esq., Host, Creator & Writer

Wayne Nolting, Sound Editor

Marinel de Jesus, Video Editor

Roger Foye, Music Director

Jowita Kudzia, Theme Music Video Editor

Visuals by Durga Rawal