At Ian Taylor Trekking, we believe trekking in Nepal should create long-term positive change for the people who call the Himalayas home. Through the work of the Ian Taylor Trekking Foundation, we continue to support education, local schools, community projects, and career opportunities for young people from remote mountain villages.
One of those young people is Mingmar Sherpa, whose inspiring story reflects the purpose behind the work we do in Nepal.
Growing Up in Goli Village: This is Mingmar’s story
My name is Mingmar Sherpa, and I am from Goli Village in the Solukhumbu region of Nepal, the home of Mount Everest and the Sherpa people. I am currently 21 years old.
During my childhood, I studied up to Grade 5 at Shree Chandasori School, located close to my village. After that, I continued my education at Shree Himgangha Maui School, where I completed my studies through Grade 10.
Life in the mountains was not easy. My home was around 3 to 4 hours walking distance from school, so from Grade 6 onwards I lived in a rented room with senior students from my village in order to continue my education. I stayed there for almost five years while studying.
My parents worked as farmers, and during school holidays I always helped them with farming, household work, and daily responsibilities. Their sacrifices and support gave me the opportunity to continue my education, and I will always be grateful to them for everything they did for me.
Then in 2015, Disaster Struck
The Nepal earthquake devastated large parts of the country, destroying homes, infrastructure, and vital community buildings. In Goli, the damage was severe. Schools were reduced to rubble, leaving children like Mingmar without access to education.
And without education, the chances of building a better future quickly begin to fade.
But This is Where Something Remarkable Happened
Thousands of miles away in Ireland, Australia, across the US, UK and Colorado, the Ian Taylor Trekking community came together with a clear purpose: to help rebuild what had been lost.
Through a series of fundraising events, clients and supporters raised $40,000 to rebuild a school in Goli in 2015.
Pursuing Education and Tourism in Kathmandu
After successfully passing my Grade 10 SEE examinations, my elder brothers encouraged me to study Hotel Management and Tourism. However, there were no schools in my village offering those subjects, so I moved to Kathmandu to continue my education.
My family supported me financially as much as they could, helping me begin college life in the city. Later, my brother advised me to find work while continuing my studies.
It was during this period that I met Dawa Sherpa, who comes from our village and works in the trekking industry. He introduced me to the world of trekking and gave me my first opportunity to work in the mountains.
That opportunity changed my life.
Building a Future Through Trekking
While continuing my studies in Kathmandu, I worked in trekking to support myself financially. Through hard work and dedication, I was able to pay for my:
- College fees
- Room rent
- Daily living expenses
- Personal educational costs
I successfully completed my +2 studies while balancing both education and trekking work.
Today, I continue to work in the trekking industry with Ian Taylor Trekking, one of Nepal’s leading trekking companies focused on safety, experience, and supporting local communities.
During the off-season, I spend my time:
- Attending trekking and mountain training programs
- Learning new languages
- Improving my guiding skills
- Continuing my education
- Developing personally and professionally
The Impact of the Ian Taylor Trekking Foundation
Working with Dawa Sherpa also allowed me to see the impact that the Ian Taylor Trekking Foundation has had on local communities in Nepal.
I learned that support from Ian Taylor Trekking helped contribute to the school where I studied as a child. Seeing people invest in education and opportunities for children from remote villages inspired me greatly.
The foundation’s work in Nepal focuses on:
- Supporting schools in rural Himalayan communities
- Improving educational opportunities
- Creating sustainable local employment
- Helping trekking staff and their families
- Investing in long-term community development
For young people like me, these efforts create hope and opportunities that otherwise may not exist.
A Life-Changing Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
One of the most memorable experiences of my life was trekking to Annapurna Base Camp with Dawa Sherpa, Ian Taylor, and Laura Taylor.
The experience gave me confidence, inspiration, and motivation for my future. Trekking allows me to meet people from around the world, learn from different cultures, and gain valuable life experience.
This is one of the reasons I love working in trekking so much.
That School Became a Turning Point
For Migmar, it meant more than just a classroom. It meant hope and opportunity. That possibilities were back on the table with the chance to learn, grow, and begin to imagine a different future. He returned to school, committed himself to his education, and eventually graduated from the very building that had been rebuilt through the generosity of others.
Dreams for the Future: Fast Forward Ten Years
At present, I plan to continue my education and pursue a bachelor’s degree while continuing my trekking career.
I have many dreams and goals for the future. One of my biggest wishes is to take my parents to new places and give back to them for everything they sacrificed to support my education and future.
It has been nearly three years since I last visited my birthplace because I continue balancing both studies and trekking work in Kathmandu.
In the future, I hope to gain international work experience abroad. Working with trekkers from around the world has inspired me to dream bigger and continue learning.
The trekking industry has opened doors for me that I never imagined possible growing up in a small village in Solukhumbu.
Creating Opportunity Through Trekking in Nepal: His Journey is Powerful
Stories like Mingmar Sherpa’s are why the Ian Taylor Trekking Foundation continues investing in education, communities, and local people throughout Nepal.
Every trek helps support:
- Local jobs and careers
- Rural schools and education
- Sustainable tourism in Nepal
- Community development projects
- The next generation of trekking professionals
At Ian Taylor Trekking, we believe adventure should leave a lasting positive impact, not only for our clients, but also for the communities we work alongside in the Himalayas.
If you trek with Ian Taylor Trekking, you are helping support real people, real families, and real futures in Nepal.
This is What Sustainable Impact Looks Like
At the Ian Taylor Trekking Foundation, our mission is to support communities in Nepal and beyond through education, healthcare, and long-term development. Migmar’s story shows exactly how your donation can make a real difference, transforming lives and creating opportunity. When you trek with Ian Taylor Trekking you help build futures in places where help is needed most.
When you support our foundation, you are not just giving, you are investing in people. You are helping rebuild schools, support education in Nepal, and create pathways for young people to grow into leaders within their communities.
Migmar’s journey is one story but there are many more waiting to be written. Help us help others.