on January 12, 2026
Beyond the Gig Economy: A New Chapter for HAL
In the guiding world, the guide is the heartbeat of every journey. They are the guardians of your safety and the architects of your experience. We believe that looking after the wellbeing of our guides is the only way to truly look after our clients.
For too long, the adventure industry has relied on a “gig economy” model. It offers the illusion of freedom but often delivers little security—seasonal underemployment, unstable pay, and a lack of long-term benefits.
Today, we are changing that narrative.
Himalayan Adventure Labs is officially moving toward a worker-owned model. Following a successful fall season, some of our team members who were in Kathmandu—Rishi, Season, Srijan, and Sudeep—met over lunch to lay the foundation for a more equitable future.
Our Strategy: From Contractors to Stakeholders
We are transitioning from a model of seasonal labor to one of shared ownership. In this landmark shift, sixteen present and past HAL team members who have been part of our journey since 2014 will benefit from this transformation.
By offering Class B Preferential Shares through a discounted “buy-in” model, we are inviting these individuals to move from being contractors to becoming invested stakeholders. This “skin in the game” ensures that when HAL thrives, our guides thrive financially, building wealth that lasts far beyond a single adventure season. We are currently formalizing these roles through the signing of contracts and navigating the necessary legalities under Nepali corporate and labour law.
Investing in Excellence
Our focus remains on the experts who make HAL what it is. We are prioritizing advanced training and ensuring a stable flow of trips to provide the professional security our guides deserve.
How can you help us build this equitable economy?
Since 2014, our team has logged over 50,360 hours exploring the Himalayas. By supporting HAL, you aren’t just booking a trek, run, or climb—you are supporting a shift toward a more resilient and just economy in Nepal. The best support you can give is to share our story and choose adventures that value people as much as the peaks.
Join us as we prove that a safe, fun adventure can also be a fair one.
#EmployeeOwned #EquitableEconomy #Himalayas #SustainableTourism #Nepal