Event highlights achievements in mountain tourism and plans for Adventure Tourism University
KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 2
The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) celebrated its 52nd anniversary on Saturday at its Nagpokhari-based secretariat in Kathmandu with a ceremony recognizing the achievements of climbers, journalists, and staff contributing to Nepal's mountain tourism.
Chief Guest Ramkrishna Lamichhane, the newly appointed Director General of the Department of Tourism, and NMA President Fur Gelje Sherpa jointly hoisted the national and NMA flags and cut the celebration cake to mark the occasion.
Climber Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, who summited all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters without using a down feather outfit, received the Kumar Khadga Bikram Shah Adventure Award. Siddhi Bahadur Tamang, who holds the world record for summiting Mt K2 six times, was presented with the Dr. Harka Gurung Mountaineering Award, while Sub Inspector Kunjang Tshopel Sherpa of Nepal Police, the first female officer from Nepal to summit Mt Everest, received the Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Adventurous Women Mountaineer Award. All awardees received gold-plated medals.
Journalists Suraj Kunwar and Pawan Phuyal were honored with the Dawa Norbu Mountain Journalism Award, each receiving Rs 20,000. NMA staff member Pramila Sigdel was named Best Staff of the Year for FY 2081/82 and received Rs 10,000.
In his remarks, DG Lamichhane praised NMA's contributions to Nepal's mountain tourism and expressed his commitment to granting the association legal status as a government body during the upcoming amendment of the Tourism Act.
NMA President Sherpa outlined future initiatives endorsed by the association's 35th Annual General Meeting, including plans to establish an Adventure Tourism University, revive Basic and Advanced Mountaineering Training, and expand Professional Mountain Guide and Leader programs, along with rescue training in mountain regions to empower local communities.
Damber Parajuli, President of the Expedition Operators' Association Nepal and Himalayan Rescue Association, also expressed readiness to collaborate with NMA for the growth of Nepal's mountain tourism.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, tourism sector representatives, NMA members, and media personnel.
