Kathmandu, August 6 :

To commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations established between Nepal and Japan, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and Japan Workers’ Alpine Fe-deration (JWAF) are join-tly organising a mountaineering expedition.

The Joint Nepal-Japan Friendship Golden Jubilee Nangpai Gosum (7,321m) Expedition-2006 is scheduled for September and October at Nangpai Gosum, a virgin peak that lies at the south-west side of Cho Oyu Himal.

This expedition symbolises the cordial and warm relationship existing between the two countries with different culture, languages and nature, said Ang Tshering Sherpa, president of NMA. “Besides strengthening bilateral relationship, the upcoming expedition would play a significant role in promoting mountain tourism attracting a large number of Japanese tourists,” he added. NMA is coordinating the expedition on behalf of Nepal government, while JWAF works on behalf of the Japanese government. Three members each representing Nepal and Japan will try to reach the summit of the peak, which is virgin till date.

Kondo Kazuyoshi, 65, a veteran Japanese mountaineer will lead the expedition team, whereas Nepali mountaineers will include the fastest Everest climber Pemba Dorji Sherpa. “If everything goes as per the plan, we plan to scale the peak within 45-50 days,” said Kondo.