The International Mountain Museum in Pokhara is currently bustling with two types of visitors — those exploring the museum and others attending the ongoing 9th Mountain Festival. The festival, which began on Mangsir 23, is set to continue until Thursday, drawing significant crowds.
On Wednesday, the festival featured an insightful “Summiters’ Dialogue,” where renowned climbers Dawa Yangzum Sherpa and Nimarinji Sherpa shared their experiences of scaling the world’s highest peaks. They discussed the challenges, triumphs, and future of mountaineering during the panel discussion.
Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, the first woman to climb all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, highlighted the unique difficulties women face in the mountaineering field. “Women encounter different challenges, including financial struggles,” she stated. “While working as a guide, I was frequently asked if I had climbed Everest, which motivated me to pursue climbing.” Yangzum also serves as the second vice president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
Similarly, Nimarinji Sherpa emphasized how mountaineering has instilled confidence to overcome life’s challenges. Reflecting on his journey, he noted that mental preparation was key to managing the physical struggles of climbing.
The dialogue was moderated by Lucky Karki, founder of Three Sisters Adventure and Trekking.
The festival will also feature a discussion on the impact of climate change in the Annapurna region on Thursday. Panelists include Dr. Rabin Kadariya, head of ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project); Sheshkant Sharma, former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association Gandaki; Dharma Raj Panthi, former president of TAAN Gandaki; and researcher Rebika Gurung.
The Mountain Festival includes over 20 activities such as archery, ziplining, bouldering, and traditional games like chelo. So far, more than 25,000 visitors have attended the event.
This annual festival not only celebrates the rich heritage of mountaineering but also promotes awareness of the environmental and cultural challenges faced by mountain regions.