Kathmandu, Oct. 7 -- It was October 2016 when Manoj Gurung landed his first gig as a trekking expedition porter. It was a seven-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp.

During the expedition, Gurung carried a backpack weighing over 25 kgs, and for his service, he was paid Rs1,200 per day.

"Even though it was a very physically demanding job, I was quite happy with what I managed to save after the expedition," said Gurung, who lives in Ghandruk village in Kaski district. "Ever since then, I have been working as a porter, and my earnings, though not much, has allowed me to take care of my family."

Every year, during the months from February to May (spring trekking season) and September to mid-December (autumn trekking season) season, porters like...