Engage Nepal: Story 3

From Rubble to Resilience: Ramesh’s Journey
By Ramesh Khatrim, Courteny Slonski, Kalpana Gurung and Bala Nikku

Kesh B. Gurung’s story begins in the serene village of Laprak in Gorkha, where he spent a lively childhood filled with creative passions and academic achievements. Although he dreamed of pursuing fine arts, family expectations led him to veterinary studies. Yet his heart remained in the mountains, and soon after completing his on-the-job training, he transitioned to a full-time career in trekking. Trekking offered him not just an income, but joy, friendships, and unforgettable adventures. After five successful years, he earned his guide license and embraced the profession fully.
However, life took a sharp and painful turn after the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake. Kesh rushed with fellow villagers to deliver relief supplies back home, only to find his childhood village reduced to rubble and his pregnant sister injured. As they continued helping others in nearby villages, tragedy struck again—Kesh fell from a cliff in a tractor accident during a relief mission. His injuries were severe: a crushed eye, a broken back, and the devastating realization that he could no longer walk.
Through excruciating pain, a long rescue, and hours of surgery, Kesh survived—but emerged into a life transformed by paralysis. His dreams of mountaineering and going to Italy vanished overnight. What followed was a mental and emotional struggle deeper than any mountain he had ever climbed. Despite support from friends and family, the weight of shattered dreams and a wheelchair-bound life haunted him.Through excruciating pain, a long rescue, and hours of surgery, Kesh survived—but emerged into a life transformed by paralysis. His dreams of mountaineering and going to Italy vanished overnight. What followed was a mental and emotional struggle deeper than any mountain he had ever climbed. Despite support from friends and family, the weight of shattered dreams and a wheelchair-bound life haunted him.

From mountain trails to hospital corridors, from youthful dreams to unimaginable trials—Kesh’s journey is a gripping portrait of resilience and heartbreak. His story asks a profound question: What do we do when life changes in an instant? Dive in to witness the courage it takes to find meaning in a rewritten destinyFrom mountain trails to hospital corridors, from youthful dreams to unimaginable trials—Kesh’s journey is a gripping portrait of resilience and heartbreak. His story asks a profound question: What do we do when life changes in an instant? Dive in to witness the courage it takes to find meaning in a rewritten destiny