The 10th Mountain Festival concluded today, reaffirming its significance as a key platform for celebrating the achievements of Nepal’s mountain tourism while promoting mountain culture, adventure sports, and environmental conservation. Organized by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in observance of World Mountain Day, the festival brought together policymakers, diplomats, tourism stakeholders, climbers, conservationists, and mountain enthusiasts.
The final day of the three-day event featured a joint exhibition organized by the Alps Swiss Alpine Museum and the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, offering visitors insights into mountain heritage, research, and conservation practices from the Alps and the Himalayas. The exhibition was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Danielle Meuwly, Swiss Ambassador to Nepal, Director General of the Department of Tourism (DoT) Ram Krishna Lamichhane, General Secretary of the Union of Asian Alpine Associations (UAAA) Amit Chowdhary, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association Fur Gelje Sherpa, along with other distinguished guests and representatives from the tourism and mountaineering fraternity.
Platform for Dialogue and Celebration
Throughout the festival, a wide range of activities were organized to highlight Nepal’s rich mountain legacy and the challenges facing high-altitude environments. The event featured documentary screenings, expert panel discussions, photo exhibitions, live demonstrations of mountain sports, and the felicitation of record-holding climbers who have brought international recognition to Nepal’s mountaineering sector.
The panel discussions addressed critical issues such as climate change, glacier retreat, sustainable mountain tourism, safety standards in mountaineering, and the livelihoods of mountain communities. Experts emphasized the need for collective action to protect fragile mountain ecosystems while ensuring that tourism growth remains inclusive and sustainable.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, NMA President Fur Gelje Sherpa expressed sincere gratitude to all partner organizations, sponsors, speakers, and participants for their contributions to the success of the festival. He said the three-day event went beyond celebration and served as a meaningful forum to reflect on the future of mountain tourism and environmental stewardship.
“Over the course of these three days, we not only showcased mountain culture, sports, and products but also addressed several pressing issues concerning the mountain environment,” President Sherpa said. “I firmly believe that the discussions held here will contribute to the preservation and sustainable development of mountain tourism and the mountain environment. On behalf of the entire NMA family, I extend my sincere appreciation to all supporting organizations and individuals for their invaluable support.”
International Appreciation
Swiss Ambassador Dr. Danielle Meuwly praised the festival as an inspiring initiative that strengthens the global dialogue on mountain preservation. She highlighted the importance of such platforms in safeguarding mountain culture, tourism, and sports, noting the shared responsibility of mountain nations in addressing climate and environmental challenges.
“It is truly inspiring to participate in such events,” Ambassador Meuwly said. “This initiative plays a vital role in preserving mountain culture, tourism, and sports, and I sincerely commend the NMA for undertaking this admirable effort.”
Similarly, DoT Director General Ram Krishna Lamichhane commended the Nepal Mountaineering Association for its consistent efforts in advancing and preserving Nepal’s mountain tourism. He described the festival as a model initiative that combines celebration with awareness and policy-relevant dialogue.
“The NMA has consistently undertaken commendable initiatives to advance and preserve Nepal’s mountain tourism,” Lamichhane said. “This festival is a prime example of such efforts, and I congratulate the NMA for successfully organizing it.”
Continuing a Meaningful Tradition
The Nepal Mountaineering Association has been organizing the Mountain Festival annually to mark World Mountain Day, with the objective of celebrating Nepal’s mountaineering achievements while promoting environmental conservation, mountain sports, and cultural heritage. Over the years, the festival has evolved into an important national and international forum, bringing together diverse stakeholders committed to the sustainable future of the Himalayas.
With the conclusion of its 10th edition, the Mountain Festival once again underscored Nepal’s leadership in mountain tourism and conservation, reinforcing the message that protecting mountains is not only a national priority but a global responsibility.
