KATHMANDU, MAY 15
A team of students from the Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA) successfully reached the summit of Himlung Himal (7,126 metres) on Thursday morning as part of their academic practical training.
The ascent was made under the BMS 801: Practical Training Trip (PTT-6), a mandatory component of the academy's curriculum that combines technical climbing experience with research and reporting. The climb took place between 10:00 am and 11:00 am on May 15, with full logistical support from Rise Expeditions & Treks Pvt. Ltd, informed IFGMA guide and team leader Pasang Kidar Sherpa.
The first summit team consisted of instructors, climbing guides, and eight students. The expedition, which spans 28 days, is designed to expose students to high-altitude mountaineering conditions and to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and field practice.
Bibek Shakha, a student and the team leader, along with his peers Alexander Lama, Bikram Lama, John Bipra, Prakash Gurung, Prakash Rijal, Sanjiv KC, and photographer Nhuzza Manandhar, successfully made the summit, under the supervision of executive director field supervisor Anil Kiratee. They were guided by climbing professionals Phurba Sarki Sherpa, Lakpa Dorjee Sherpa, and Chhewang Sherpa.
The team followed all safety measures and moved with coordination under the guidance of instructors, field supervisor and professional climbing guides, chief instructor IFMGA guide Kidar Sherpa added.
The second team from the same batch is expected to make their summit attempt on May 16.
