Leadership, resilience, and an easy smile. These are the qualities that have made Tika Bahadur Tamang one of Nepal’s most admired high-altitude leaders. As Co-Founder and Director of all Nepal operations for Trek Climb Ski Nepal, Tika brings over 30 years of mountaineering and guiding experience to every expedition. His calm leadership and deep mountain knowledge set the standard for what an exceptional Everest Base Camp guide should be.
A Himalayan Legacy — The History of an Everest Base Camp Guide
Tika’s story is one of quiet determination and lifelong dedication to the mountains. A fully licensed trekking and mountaineering professional, he has guided countless trekkers and climbers throughout Nepal, Tibet, and India – from gentle Himalayan treks to some of the world’s most demanding peaks. His climbing résumé is nothing short of extraordinary: successful ascents of Everest (2007), Cho Oyu (2006), Ama Dablam, and more than 50 summits of trekking peaks including Island Peak (21 times) and Mera Peak (22 times). And for the record, Tika estimates he has conservatively led more than 100 Everest Base Camp treks! Hear from Tika as he discusses his background and his role within Trek Climb Ski Nepal (interview filmed back in 2012).
But what makes Tika truly special is not only his climbing ability – it’s his unwavering commitment to the people he leads. His guests often say that walking beside him feels like travelling with an old friend who just happens to know every mountain, valley, and hidden trail in Nepal. Visit the Trek Climb Ski Nepal YouTube channel to watch more videos of Tika leading trekking and mountaineering adventures in Nepal.
Courage and Compassion at 7,400 Metres
One of Tika’s most powerful stories comes from Mt. Cho Oyu in 2003, where he led a 31-hour rescue operation to recover the body of an Australian climber from Camp 3 (7,400 m) down to Base Camp – without rest, food, or water. His bravery and compassion earned him and his team a formal invitation from the Victorian Government – a journey that marked the first time Tika ever saw the ocean. It’s a story that captures who he is: courageous, humble, and utterly devoted to others.
Guiding Beyond Borders
Tika’s spirit of adventure extends far beyond the Himalaya. He has trekked sections of the Great Ocean Walk, climbed Mt. Bogong, explored Mt. Feathertop and Mt. Hotham in Victoria, hiked in Canada, and journeyed through the United States, including Mt. Rainier, Casper Mountain, and the Colorado ranges. Whether leading an Everest Base Camp trek or walking a coastal trail in Australia, Tika brings the same humility, curiosity, and respect for nature that define his leadership.
What Makes an Exceptional Everest Base Camp Guide
As an Everest Base Camp guide, Tika embodies everything that makes trekking in Nepal so unique and unforgettable. His deep connection to the Khumbu region, understanding of Sherpa culture, and meticulous attention to safety ensure that every journey runs smoothly from Lukla to Base Camp and back. Whether it’s adjusting the pace for altitude, sharing mountain stories over tea, or spotting a safe line across an icy slope, Tika’s instinct and experience turn every challenge into a moment of calm confidence. For many of our guests, reaching Everest Base Camp under his guidance is more than a physical achievement – it’s an experience shaped by trust, laughter, and the quiet wisdom of a man who has spent his life among the world’s highest peaks.
The Heart of Trek Climb Ski Nepal
Today, Tika oversees all Trek Climb Ski Nepal operations from Kathmandu, ensuring every expedition runs with precision, safety, and genuine care. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Tibetan, he bridges cultures and connects people through shared adventure. To many of our guests, he is far more than an Everest Base Camp guide – he is a mentor, a friend, and the heartbeat of our Himalayan journeys.
Tika lives in Kathmandu with his wife and two children, and continues to inspire trekkers and climbers from all around the world with his calm strength and quiet wisdom.
Learn more about the mountaineering expeditions Tika leads and manages in Nepal
