KATHMANDU, KATHMANDU
The Expedition Operators' Association Nepal (EOAN) conducted its annual general meeting in the capital, unanimously re-electing Damber Parajuli as president alongside a full executive committee.
The meeting saw participation from expedition operators, tourism entrepreneurs, and well-wishers, with rope-fixing team members and expedition agencies receiving recognition for their contributions to the mountaineering sector.
The leadership team includes Iswari Paudel (first vice-president), Shivraj Thapa (second vice-president), Rishi Ram Bhandari (general secretary), Dawa Steven Sherpa (secretary), and Dawa Sangbu Sherpa (treasurer).
Similarly, executive committee members elected are Pemba Sherpa, Govinda Gurung, Krishna Kumar Aryal, Murari Sharma, Jiban Ghimire, Navin Trital, Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Ang Babu Sherpa, and Mingma David Sherpa.
President Parajuli outlined plans to facilitate innovation and improvement in expedition operations nationwide. "The association provides a platform for Nepal's prolific and reputed expedition operators to unite in their efforts to efficiently promote and enhance the quality of expeditions in the Himalayan region," he stated. He stressed the need for government prioritization and protection of Nepal's mountaineering sector.
Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula called on expedition operators to promote Nepal's adventure tourism globally, assuring that "MoCTCA is always ready to address issues raised by tourism entrepreneurs."
General Secretary Bhandari reaffirmed the association's dedication to advancing the country's adventure tourism sector, emphasizing continued efforts to improve operational standards and safety protocols in Nepal's expedition industry.
Chhiring Bhote (Sankhuwasabha), Lhakpa Sherpa (Sankhuwasabha), Tashi Gyalzen Sherpa (Solukhumbu), Hira Bhote (Sankhuwasabha), Pasang Sherpa (Ramechhap), Karma Sarki Sherpa (Solukhumbu) were honoured for fixing the route to Manaslu summit.
Appreciation was presented by Chief Guest Mukunda Niraula, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Director General of the Tourism Department.
Founded in 2008, EOAN promotes climbing and mountaineering while protecting fragile mountain ecosystems, local economies, and vulnerable communities. The association receives annual assignments from the Department of Tourism to fix ropes along summit routes of major peaks, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Mt. Ama Dablam.