KATHMANDU: Makalu Rural Municipality of Sankhuwasabha district today felicitated legendary climbers and top expedition companies for their contribution in promoting the Makalu region in the world.
According to organizers, legendary climbers including Mingma Sherpa, Lakpa Sherpa, Mingma Dorchi Sherpa and Lakpa Sherpa (Makalu Lakpa) as well as Pemba Sherpa were honoured by the rural municipality amidst a function organised to inaugurate Makalu Festival and South Asian Literature Festival at Num village.
Rural Municipality Chairman Ongdi Tshering Sherpa honoured Mingma Sherpa, chairman at Seven Summit Treks as well as first South Asian to climb all 14 peaks above 8,000m and Lakpa Sherpa, expeditions leader and co-owner of 8K Expeditions recognizing their contribution to promoting Makalu region in the global tourism fraternity.
Chairman of Pioneer Adventure and climber Mingma Dorchi Sherpa and record-holding Makalu climber Lakpa Sherpa (Makalu Lakpa) were also felicitated by the chairman of the rural municipality. Seven Summit Treks, 8K Expeditions and Pioneer Adventure Treks are operated by the legendary climbers from Makalu and the companies have offered thousands of jobs to local youths, recounted chairman Sherpa.
The festival was organised to mark the 70th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt Makalu. "Owners of 8K Expeditions – Lakpa Sherpa and Pemba Sherpa, received special honour on the occasion as their company provided ambulance support to the ward-1 of Makalu Rural Municipality," the organiser said.
Former Minister Rajendra Karki from Koshi Province and Language Commission Chairman Dr Puskar Dev Bhatta along with Makalu Rural Municipality chair Ongdi Tshering Sherpa jointly inaugurated the festival.
