Japhy Dhungana

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Japhy Dhungana is an American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Certified Alpine and Rock Guide, and a Single Pitch Instructor Program Instructor. He is a Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Avalanche Course Leader, and holds a AAA Pro Level 2 Avalanche Certificate.

Japhy speaks five languages, and always has a difficult time answering the question: “Where are you from?” Raised in his native country of Nepal, he spent his childhood exploring the Himalayan range and dreaming of exploration and adventure in distant places like California and the Rocky Mountains. Leaving the civil war in Nepal behind to seek out adventure, he immigrated to the US for his studies.

In between climbing trips while studying at UCLA, he was a Frederick R. Waingrow Research Scholar and worked closely with the Tamang and Sherpa people of Nepal to better understand sustainability and ethics in light of the global mountaineering industry. After completing his undergraduate studies, he rode his beloved bicycle, “Bucephalus,” from California all the way to Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia.

As a professional guide and seasoned educator, Japhy Dhungana has worked across the Himalayas in Nepal, India, and Tibet, as well as in Bolivia, Peru, Mexico, Argentina and Chile. He is at equally at home on the big walls of Yosemite and the Diamond on Longs Peak as he is on remote alpine expeditions in the Himalaya and the Andes. At the same time, he thrives in teaching modern techniques for mountaincraft, and believes strongly in the art of creating a positive learning experience for climbers and skiers of all abilities.

In his free time, Japhy enjoys the kinship of community, the spirit of live music, the delight of good food, and the vitality of wild places.