KATHMANDU, MARCH 8

Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), today on the occasion of 113th International Women's Day, honoured 35 women climbers jointly with Everest Climbers Association (ESA). All of them are Mt. Everest summiteers.

Amid a function organized at Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) hall, Brikuti Mandap, Honorable State Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) Mrs. Sushila Sirpali Thakuri felicitated all the women climbers with a letter of appreciation for their success.

List of the honored Mt. Everest Summiteers

Kanchhi Dolma Hyolmo

Nisha Bhote

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa

Dabuti Sherpa

Bhumira Gurung

Purnima Shrestha

Yangdi Sherpa

Lakpa Yangji Sherpa

Lukme Syangden

Pasang Phuti Sherpa

Kanchhi Maya Tamang

Kalpana Maharjan

Yuantika Tamang

Nisha Adhikari

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa

Dawa Yangzum Sherpa

Maya Gurung

Chunu Sherestha

Chhoki Sherpa

Fura Diki Sherpa

Nima Doma Sherpa

Bina Magar

Dikki Sherpa

Maya Sherpa

Shalee Basnet

Nima Jangmu Sherpa

Tshering Namgyal Sherpa

Dawa Futi Sherpa

Diki Lama Sherpa

Pasang Kanchi Sherpa

Sharmila Lama

Kumari Gyanmala Ranpal

Nanu Maya Gurung

Dr. Priti Bhusal

Honouring adventurous women climbers, Honorable State Minister Thakuri shared a commitment to work for the betterment of Nepali mountain tourism and women climbers. ''I know Nepali women have numerous challenges to grow better. However, I am much confident that they are breaking all the barriers now,'' Honorable Minister Thakuri said, ''Now I can assure you that the ministry, with the support of experts like you, will work for the betterment of Nepali mountain tourism and women climbers.'' She also asked all the concerned authorities to come up with the planning and program.

Chief Advisor of NMA Ang Tshering Sherpa requested State Minister Thakri to assign NMA with more responsibility for managing other unclimbed and unsold peaks.

''Without any doubt, NMA has a better platform to promote Nepali mountains nationally and internationally. The Government of Nepal has opened 402 mountains for the expedition. However, still many mountains are left unclimbed and unsold for a very long time'', Chief Advisor Sherpa added, ''If government trusts NMA and assigns with the responsibility of managing all these unsold and unclimbed peaks this will not only generate dollar income for Government but it will also create job opportunity for Nepali people.''

NMA President Nima Nuru Sherpa highlighted the importance of unity between mountaineers and the Nepali mountain tourism community to work for the betterment of Nepali mountain tourism. ''Nepali women are taking more responsibility in the Nepali mountain tourism sector. This is something important for us. NMA is also committed to working for the betterment of Nepali women climbers. But, we could do it better if we are united.''

On the occasion, Executive Board Member of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Nawang Ngima Sherpa, President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Nilhari Bastola, General Secretary of ESA Shiva Bahadur Sapkota and record holder climber Phungo Janzgmu Lama also extended their best wishes.

NMA has been organizing similar functions each year to mark International Women's Day.