Ivan Somlai

Ivan Somlai, educated in Europe, Canada, and Asia, holds an MA in Culture and has postgraduate qualifications in International Management. He was one of only three foreigners granted a scholarship from the Nepalese government to undertake postgraduate studies in that country. A former Olympian, he has explored on numerous alpine expeditions, taught mountaineering leadership courses, and guided heli-skiing in his home country of Canada. Ivan also spent two decades working in Nepal, where among his projects he taught mountaineering at the Nepal Mountaineering School and established the Himalayan Rescue Post at Manang. In his Canadian university career, Ivan coordinated collaborative projects in various sectors around the globe, including China, Mongolia, Indonesia, and Russia, to facilitate training programs for public service. In his present work as Director of Global Collaboration, Ivan continues participatory project development. Since some of his recent activities include co-coordinating a multinational effort to garner resources for a health sciences university in Nepal and governance work in northern Pakistan.  Ivan has been a WT Trip Leader since 1987, guiding in Asia, Europe, and North America, and has a passion for sharing culture, mountains, and everything that goes with them.

Upcoming Trips:

Lake Baikal to Mongolia, August 17-September 2, 2013
Sri Lanka!, February 14-26, 2014

Client Testimonials:


Ivan is an extraordinary leader. His kind and gentle yet firm, steadfast leadership made this trip a most memorable one. Alba L., Ridgewood NJ
Mongolia: The Altai Mountains Trek Ivan was a great Trip Leader. He was very good at keeping the group organized and he was interesting and fun to be with. Hanni D., Santa Monica CA
Ivan was an outstanding Trip Leader. He worked very hard to make the trip a great experience for all. Tom M., Fairfax VA