Our Team

About Gopal Thapa

Born in the serene village of Phulkharka, Dhading, surrounded by the Ganesh Himal and Manaslu ranges, Gopal Thapa grew up with the mountains as his inspiration.

Coming from a humble farming family, he learned early the values of hard work, resilience, and compassion, the qualities that would later define his leadership.

Gopal began his career in 2001 as a porter. His passion for the Himalayas guided him to become a government-licensed trekking guide (2008) and later a certified mountain climber (2011).

Over the years, he successfully climbed major trekking peaks, gaining deep experience in guiding, safety, and high-altitude leadership.

In 2014, driven by the vision to create meaningful adventures and showcase the beauty of Nepal, he founded Leaf Holidays Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.

Today, under his leadership, the company is recognized as one of Nepal’s trusted operators for treks, tours, peak climbing, and especially Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimages.

Gopal is admired for his friendly nature, large-hearted personality, and unwavering commitment to guest safety. He has also personally saved lives during high-altitude emergencies.

He believes in responsible tourism, community support, and providing career opportunities for people from remote regions.

His contribution to Nepal’s tourism sector is widely acknowledged. He serves as:

President, VITOF–Nepal (Village Tourism Promotion Forum)
Secretary, AKTON (Association of Kailash Tour Operators–Nepal)

He has also traveled extensively across Asia and Europe to promote Nepal as a world-class adventure destination.

Vision & Goals:

Gopal’s mission is to promote conscious, safe, and meaningful travel, ensuring travelers experience authentic culture while supporting local communities.

He believes in offering unique journeys that blend adventure with responsibility. He aspires to create lifelong memories while preserving Nepal’s natural and cultural heritage.

Guided by the belief that “great things never come from comfort zones,” Gopal continues to lead Leaf Holidays Treks & Expedition towards a future where Nepal stands proudly among the world’s top adventure destinations.

Early Life and Mountain Inspiration

Growing up in Phulkharka, Gopal was surrounded by the raw beauty of the Himalayas from an early age. The snow-capped peaks of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu were not just landscapes for him—they were his classroom, inspiration, and motivation.

Life in a rural farming family was not easy. Daily survival required discipline, patience, and teamwork. These early struggles helped shape his strong mindset and deep respect for nature and people.

Unlike many who dream of mountains from afar, Gopal lived in their shadow. This gave him a unique understanding of Himalayan life, weather patterns, and mountain survival instincts.

Leadership & Professional Impact

Under his leadership, Leaf Holidays Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. has expanded its services across Nepal’s most iconic destinations, including Everest region treks, Annapurna circuits, Mustang exploration, and spiritual journeys like the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

His leadership style focuses on:

• Safety-first trekking operations
• Ethical tourism practices
• Supporting local guides and porters
• Sustainable mountain tourism development

Commitment to Responsible Tourism

Gopal strongly promotes eco-friendly trekking and community-based tourism. He encourages visitors to respect local culture, reduce environmental impact, and support rural economies.

His initiatives also help bring education and employment opportunities to remote Himalayan communities.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Gopal Thapa?

Gopal Thapa is a government-licensed trekking guide, certified mountaineer, and founder of Leaf Holidays Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.

2. When did he start his trekking career?

He started his career in 2001 as a porter in the Nepal Himalayas.

3. What company does he lead?

He is the founder and CEO of Leaf Holidays Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., established in 2014.

4. What is his area of expertise?

He specializes in trekking, peak climbing, and Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimages.

5. Is he involved in tourism organizations?

Yes, he serves as president of VITOF–Nepal and secretary of AKTON.

6. What is his vision for tourism in Nepal?

His vision is to promote safe, responsible, and meaningful travel while supporting local communities and preserving Himalayan culture.

 Closing Note

Gopal Thapa continues to inspire many young trekking professionals in Nepal through his journey from a humble village porter to a respected tourism leader. His dedication to Himalayan adventure, safety, and community development makes him a key figure in Nepal’s tourism industry.