Why Govinda Prasad Sapkota Is the Backbone of Nepal’s Trekking Industry

From the green hills of Aapswara, Nilkantha-12 in Dhading, where he spent his childhood, to the snowfields of Everest Base Camp, and from his first job as a humble porter to becoming one of the most respected tourism figures in the country, Govinda Prasad Sapkota – Nepal trekking leader – has built a life story that inspires generations. Today, as the founder of Mountain King Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd., he is not only a guiding figure in the Himalayas but a true pillar of Nepal’s trekking industry, shaped by decades of hard work, humility, and love for the mountains.

Today, as the founder of Mountain King Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd., he is not only a guiding figure but a true pillar—the backbone—of Nepal’s mountain tourism industry.

🌾 Rooted in Simplicity: The Early Days in Dhading

Born and raised in Aapswara, Nilkantha-12, Dhading, Mr.Govinda has grew up in the peaceful mid-hill region of Nepal, at an elevation of about 700 meters above sea level. Life in his village was simple, and so were the dreams. He studied at Nilkantha Balamandir Secondary School in Dhading Besi, where he completed his SLC in 2043 B.S.

Those early years were full of love and struggle, where values like discipline, respect, and gratitude were learned not from books, but from the fields, forests, and family.

🎒 The First Trek: From Porter to Kalapathar

After SLC, Govinda moved to Kathmandu—with no money, no connection, and no clear path. He found work as a porter, carrying loads on his back to support trekking groups. His first trek was no easy task: a 30-day journey to Everest Base Camp, starting from Jiri and reaching Kalapathar (5,545m) before walking back again.

“The bag was heavy, the shoes were worn, the trail was unknown—but my will was strong. I told myself: keep walking, keep learning, keep moving forward.”

That first experience was painful—but it lit a fire in him. One that has burned for over three decades.

🏞️ Climbing the Ranks: Hard Work, No Shortcuts

Govinda didn’t become a guide overnight. From assistant guide, cook, and kitchen boy, to senior trekking guide and eventually Sardar (trekking leader)—every position taught him lessons in patience, humility, and leadership.

He trekked through rain, snow, and rock. He slept in caves and tents, crossed landslides, cooked for groups at midnight, and treated sick trekkers like family. There were no shortcuts—only steps. And he took them all.

And along the way, he became known for more than just his skills—for his character. Honest. Humble. Loyal. Tireless. He earned trust from clients, respect from his team, and blessings from the mountains.

🗻 35 Years Across the Himalayas: Walking Every Trail

Over three and a half decades, Govinda has personally led treks across Nepal’s most remote and celebrated regions, including:

• Everest Region: Base Camp, Gokyo, Three Passes, and Tengboche
• Annapurna: Circuit, Base Camp, Mardi, Poon Hill
• Manaslu & Tsum Valley, Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, Rolwaling, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Rara Lake, and more
• Remote zones like Humla, Mugu, Khaptad, and Limi Valley
• Jungle safaris and wildlife tours in Chitwan, Bardia, Koshi Tappu, and Parsa
• Cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, and all major cities

He has also explored every National Park, Conservation Area, and Buffer Zone—leading treks, tours, and safaris—not just as a guide, but as a guardian of Nepal’s nature and culture.

🔱 Mount Kailash: A Sacred Journey Repeated Over 40 Times

Among his most cherished accomplishments is his deep connection with Mount Kailash, one of the holiest mountains in Asia. Govinda Sapkota has led the Mount Kailash Yatra more than 40 times, a rare achievement.

In the early days, the journey began through the Tatopani-Khasa border—a popular route before the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake. When that border closed, he led clients via Timure-Kerung and also organized treks from Simikot, involving 8 days of trekking through remote high passes before entering Tibet.

“Some say Kailash is just a destination. But to me, it is a calling. Every journey I made there wasn’t just a trip—it was a prayer.”

Even today, Tatopani border remains open only for trade—not for pilgrims. But Kailash continues to live in his heart.

🌏 Across Borders: Bhutan, Tibet, Sikkim & India

Govinda has also guided travelers to:

• Tibet: Lhasa, Everest North Base Camp, Guge Kingdom, Samye, Ganden, and Kharta Valley
• India: Sikkim and Darjeeling
• Bhutan: Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha

His most remarkable expedition was the 2005 Lhasa to Kathmandu cycling and camping tour, crossing Kharta Valley and Everest Base Camp—a high-altitude journey of courage, endurance, and deep cultural connection.

🛕 More Than a Guide: A Mentor, A Father Figure, A Mountain King

What makes Govinda the backbone of Nepal’s trekking industry is not just his experience—but his character:

• He gave opportunities to young porters, many of whom are now agency owners.
• He built trust through kindness, not commands.
• He showed the path not just on the mountain—but in life.
• He led by carrying others—not standing above them.
• He never compromised the safety, dignity, or dreams of those he guided.

He has inspired hundreds of young Nepalis to believe that hard work with integrity can change lives. Today, his impact runs through the entire trekking ecosystem of Nepal.

🏔️ Mountain King Treks: Built on Values, Run with Heart

Founded with a dream to serve travelers with love and respect, Mountain King Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd., based in Maitrinagar, Kirtipur-2, Kathmandu, is now recognized as one of the Best Trekking Agencies in Nepal.

Services include:

• Trekking, Tours, Jungle Safaris, and Climbing in Nepal
• Spiritual journeys to Mount Kailash, Tibet, Bhutan, and India
• Camping treks, peak climbing, cultural and heritage tours
• Fully customized itineraries with private kitchen and support crew
• Friendly, trained, professional guides and warm hospitality

And all of this is delivered with the heart of Nepal’s Sanskrit principle: Atithi Devo Bhava—“Guests are Gods.”

💬 A Message to All Nepal Lovers, Travelers, and Seekers

If you have ever dreamed of Nepal—its mountains, temples, jungles, and cultures—come.
We are here, not just to guide your steps, but to share our stories, our hearts, our heritage.
Whether you are a trekker, a pilgrim, an artist, or a seeker—Nepal welcomes you like a mother welcomes her child.
We will walk together—not as strangers, but as family.
Let the Himalayas heal your heart, and let the people of Nepal touch your soul.
Because here, in these mountains, life speaks without words.

Govinda Prasad Sapkota
Founder & Managing Director
Mountain King Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
📍 Maitrinagar, Kirtipur-2, Kathmandu, Nepal
🌐 www.mountainkingtrek.com
📧 mountainingtreks@gmail.com
📞 WhatsApp/Viber: +977-9841566449