Proposal submitted to Korean ambassador; Nepali guides honoured for high-altitude rescue efforts
KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 27
The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has formally proposed cooperation with the Government of South Korea to strengthen Nepal's mountain tourism and mountaineering heritage, including support for infrastructure development at key national institutions.
The proposal was submitted on Friday during a meeting between NMA President Fur Gelje Sherpa and South Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-Young at the ambassador's office in Kathmandu. Senior officials and representatives from the NMA attended the meeting.
According to the NMA, the association has sought approval and assistance from the South Korean government to establish a dedicated corner at the International Mountain Museum (IMM) in Pokhara to honour South Korea's first Mount Everest summiteer. The proposed section would display details of the climber's achievement along with the national flag of South Korea, recognising the historical contribution of Korean mountaineers to Himalayan climbing.
The NMA has also requested South Korean support for infrastructure development at the International Mountain Museum as well as the International Mountaineer Memorial Park in Kakani, which commemorates climbers who have lost their lives in the Himalayas.
During the meeting, NMA President Sherpa formally invited Ambassador Park to attend the General Assembly of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), which Nepal is scheduled to host from October 28 to 31, 2026. The NMA will serve as the host organisation for the international event, which is expected to bring global mountaineering leaders and stakeholders to Nepal.
On the same occasion, Ambassador Park, on behalf of the Korean Alpine Rescue Association and the Government of South Korea, honoured two Nepali mountain guides-Ashish Gurung and Riten Tashi Sherpa-for their role in high-altitude rescue operations at Mera Peak and for recovering the body of a Korean climber last October.
The ambassador presented golden ice axes and appreciation plaques to the two guides, which were sent by Roh Ick Song, President of the Korean Alpine Rescue Association. An appreciation plaque was also handed over to the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) in recognition of its institutional support during the rescue mission.
The meeting and recognition programme was attended by NMA Second Vice President Bodh Raj Bhandari, General Secretary Rajendra Bahadur Lama, Secretary Chandan Thapa, Central Executive Board Member Furi Geljen Sherpa, and Chief Administrative Officer Jinesh Sindurakar. NMA Advisor and Korea Alpine Federation Liaison Officer Ngawa Ngima Sherpa coordinated the event.
The proposed cooperation reflects growing engagement between Nepal and South Korea in mountaineering, rescue operations and mountain tourism development.
