KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 25

The second edition of the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Climbing Competition is set to take place on January 29 and 30.

Organized by the US-Nepal Climbers Association (USNCA) in collaboration with the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA), the event aims to promote mountaineering sports and celebrate the legacy of the legendary climber Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.

According to Sherap Jangbu Sherpa, founding president of USNCA and coordinator of the competition, the event will span two days. The qualification rounds will be held at a venue yet to be announced, while the semifinals and finals will take place at the Crimpanzee Adventure Hub in Boudha.

The competition is open to individuals aged 12 years and above, with a participation fee of Rs 500. Separate categories will be held for men and women, with cash prizes awarded to the top three participants in each group. The winners will receive Rs 45,000, Rs 35,000, and Rs 15,000 for the first, second, and third places, respectively. Organizers expect around 40–45 men and 20–25 women to take part.

The competition format includes qualification rounds on the first day, followed by semifinals and finals on the second. All the technical aspects of the event will be managed by the NNMGA.

Sherpa emphasized that the competition aims to inspire interest in mountaineering and promote adventure tourism in Nepal. 'Having successfully hosted a Top Rope Edition in the US, we introduced the concept to Nepal last year, which received an encouraging response from young participants. This year, we are continuing the effort with the second edition,' he said.

Additionally, Pimba Tenzing Lama, General Secretary of NNMGA and co-coordinator of the event, described the competition as more than just a contest. 'This is a tribute to the unparalleled spirit of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and a celebration of the camaraderie and culture of climbing,' he noted.

The organizers have announced plans to alternate the coordination of the competition between USNCA and NNMGA annually under a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Last year, Sajan Lama and Srijana Tamang won the First Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Climbing Competition (Top Rope Edition) was held on January 29 at Crimpanzee Adventure Hub in Bauddha, Kathmandu.