KATHMANDU. The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) celebrated its 52nd anniversary today with a vibrant ceremony held at its Secretariat in Nagpokhari, Naxal. The event, marked by tributes, award presentations, and forward-looking pledges, highlighted NMA’s ongoing contributions to Nepal’s mountain tourism sector.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the national and NMA flags by Chief Guest Mr. Ramkrishna Lamichhane, the newly appointed Director General of the Department of Tourism (DoT), and NMA President Mr. Fur Gelje Sherpa. A celebratory cake-cutting followed, symbolizing more than five decades of service to the mountaineering community.
Trailblazing Climbers and Journalists Honored
Three mountaineers and two journalists were honored with distinguished awards for their remarkable achievements:
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Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, who became the first person to climb all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters without a down feather outfit, received the Kumar Khadga Bikram Shah Adventure Award.
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Siddhi Bahadur Tamang, holding the world record for climbing Mount K2 six times, was awarded the Dr. Harka Gurung Mountaineering Award.
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Sub Inspector Kunjang Tshopel Sherpa, the first female Nepal Police officer to summit Everest, earned the Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Adventurous Women Mountaineer Award.
Each awardee was presented with a gold-plated medal.
In addition, journalists Suraj Kunwar and Pawan Phuyal received the Dawa Norbu Mountain Journalism Award, along with a cash prize of Rs. 20,000 each. NMA also recognized its internal talent by honoring Pramila Sigdel as the Best Staff of 2081/082, rewarding her with Rs. 10,000.
Calls for Legal Status and New Initiatives for Mountain Tourism
Chief Guest DG Lamichhane inaugurated the ceremony with a symbolic plant watering. He commended NMA’s impact, expressing his commitment to support its efforts. “Promotion of Nepal’s mountain tourism is impossible without NMA,” he said, emphasizing his intent to push for NMA’s legal recognition as a government organization through Tourism Act amendments.
NMA President Sherpa outlined ambitious plans approved in the 35th AGM, including:
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Establishing an Adventure Tourism University to create local employment and strengthen the sector.
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Reviving NMA’s basic and advanced mountaineering training programs.
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Developing certified professional mountain guide and leader training.
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Introducing mountain rescue training to bolster local community resilience.
Sherpa called for collaboration among tourism bodies, including DoT, to turn these plans into reality.
Tourism Stakeholders Express Solidarity
Industry leaders such as Damber Parajuli, President of the Expedition Operators’ Association Nepal (EOA-Nepal) and Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), expressed their commitment to supporting NMA’s mission. The event was attended by government officials, former and current NMA office bearers, members, and media representatives, symbolizing unity in advancing Nepal’s mountaineering legacy.
As the NMA steps into a new chapter, its endeavors continue to shape the future of adventure tourism carrying forward Nepal’s global reputation as the home of the world’s highest peaks and boldest climbers.
