Ashish Gurung

I am Ashish Gurung, born in 1991 in Lingam village, Sankhuwasabha District, at the lap of Mt. Makalu (8,485 m). My journey into mountaineering began in 2010 when I started working as a kitchen boy and porter. My first expedition was to Manaslu with an Italian team, and I instantly fell in love with the experience. I gained further experience with Langtang trekking and Annapurna Base Camp within the same year.
In the spring of 2011, I participated in my first Everest expedition as kitchen staff for an international team. That fall, I joined Mr. Kuriki’s Everest Expedition. My career significantly turned in 2012 when I joined Kazuyoshi Kondo’s Annapurna expedition. Kondo, who holds the record for the most climbs of 7000m peaks in Nepal by a Japanese climber, recognized my potential and selected me as a climbing assistant. This experience inspired me to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to become a professional climbing guide.
After years of rigorous training and real expedition experience, I achieved my goal in 2022 by becoming an International Mountain Guide certified by the International Federation of Mountain Guide Association (IFMGA). I have participated in seven of Mr. Kuriki’s expeditions, including serving as the site chief on the final one. I have also successfully summited Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) five times, Lhotse (8,516 m) three times, Ama Dablam (6,814 m) five times, and other 6000-meter peaks dozens of times. My expeditions also include three attempts to Mount Manaslu (8,163 m). I have also participated in mountain rescue operations, including a recovery mission on Mera Peak in 2025 to retrieve the body of a deceased climber a sobering reminder of the risks and responsibilities inherent in high-altitude guiding.

Currently, I am involved in projects teaching mountaineering skills to both guides and young Nepalese, including students.