Company Reg. No. 23002/059/060
Nepal Hiking Pvt. Ltd.
The building of Hotel Sohum
Kathmandu- 16, Kaldhara Height, Thamel, Nepal
Email: sales@nepalhiking.com
Mobile (WhatsApp/Viber): +977 9851068290
Tilak Thapa Magar is the founder of NepalHiking.com and a respected figure in Nepal’s adventure tourism industry, recognised for more than two decades of dedication to trekking, responsible tourism, and community development in the Himalayas.
Born and raised in the rural village of Jyamrung in Dhading District, Tilak grew up surrounded by terraced hills, traditional village life, and the distant Himalayan landscape that would later shape both his personal journey and professional vision. His early experiences in rural Nepal helped him understand the realities of mountain communities, inspiring a lifelong interest in tourism, development, and social change.
Since founding Nepal Hiking in 2003, Tilak has guided travellers from around the world across Nepal’s mountains, cultures, and remote regions. What began as a small trekking company built through hard work, local knowledge, and genuine hospitality has gradually grown into one of Nepal’s trusted adventure travel companies, known for personalised service, experienced local guides, and responsible travel practices.
Tilak is a government-licensed trekking guide (Licence No. 3225/060) and tourist guide (Licence No. 277/068), with many years of practical experience leading treks throughout the Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu regions. His approach to tourism has always focused not only on adventure, but also on creating meaningful travel experiences that benefit local communities and preserve Nepal’s cultural and natural heritage.
Alongside his work in tourism, Tilak has remained deeply connected to education, field research, and academic study. He completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Rural Development at Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, and is currently pursuing an MPhil leading to a PhD in Tourism and Development Studies at Tribhuvan University.
His academic and research interests focus on mountain tourism, rural livelihoods, sustainable development, and the relationship between tourism and community empowerment in Nepal’s Himalayan regions. Drawing from both field experience and academic research, Tilak aims to contribute towards more responsible and community-based tourism practices in Nepal.
In recent years, he has also become actively involved in supporting academic researchers, university students, documentary teams, and international scholars conducting field studies in Nepal related to tourism, rural development, culture, sustainability, and Himalayan communities.
Learn more about our research collaboration and field support initiatives in Nepal:
Research and Field Support in Nepal
Beyond tourism and academics, Tilak has also been actively involved in community leadership and social service over the years. He served as President of Ward No. 11 of Neelakantha Municipality from 2017 to 2022, where he worked on local development initiatives, education, infrastructure, and community welfare programmes.
He is also a former President of Rotary Club Kathmandu North East and continues to support various social initiatives guided by the Rotary principle of “Service Above Self”. His long-standing involvement in tourism associations and community organisations reflects his belief that tourism should create positive opportunities not only for visitors, but also for local people.
Under Tilak’s leadership, Nepal Hiking has received recognition for its contribution to Nepalese tourism, including the Tourism Business Award 2018. Over the years, the company has become known for safe trekking experiences, ethical tourism practices, and personalised Himalayan journeys.
Tilak has also invested in hospitality businesses including Hotel Sohum and Kathmandu Suite Home, with the aim of offering travellers comfortable and authentic experiences in Nepal.
Outside of his professional work, Tilak maintains a strong personal interest in yoga, meditation, and mindful living. He practises Dynamic Meditation, Kundalini Meditation, and Vipassana, believing that travel has the power not only to connect people with landscapes, but also with themselves.
This philosophy continues to influence both his personal life and company culture, encouraging travel experiences that are meaningful, respectful, and deeply connected to local people and nature.
Tilak’s long-term vision extends beyond tourism. Through community support initiatives, educational programmes, and social engagement, he continues to contribute towards positive change in Nepal.
His interests include:
He strongly believes tourism can become a powerful tool for social development when managed responsibly and inclusively.
Today, Tilak continues to balance tourism entrepreneurship, academic research, community leadership, and social responsibility with a long-term vision of promoting sustainable mountain tourism in Nepal.
His goal is not only to create memorable journeys for travellers, but also to support the people, culture, and landscapes that make the Himalayas so unique.