The Department of Tourism (DoT) under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has officially recommended severe penalties against renowned climber Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja and his company, Elite Exped, for violating Nepal’s mountaineering regulations.
In a detailed report submitted to the ministry, DoT cited multiple infractions by Purja during his recent mountaineering endeavors in the Everest region. The report indicates that Purja and Elite Exped breached several rules, tarnishing the reputation of Nepal’s mountaineering industry.
Rudra Prasad Pandit, Director General of DoT, confirmed the recommendation for stern action, emphasizing the gravity of the violations. “Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja of Elite Exped should be punished as per clause 38(1) of Nepal’s Tourism Act 1978 after flouting climbing rules while attempting to climb mountains in the Everest region this year,” Pandit stated.
Clause 38(1) of the Tourism Act stipulates that any mountaineering expedition team or member found guilty of specified misconduct may face a ban from entering Nepal for up to five years or a ban on mountaineering in Nepal for up to ten years. These offenses include immoral conduct or behavior during the mountaineering period and violations of the country’s mountaineering regulations and provisions.
The DoT’s report outlines several specific violations committed by Purja, including:
- Circulating a misleading video of rope slicing above the South Summit of Mt. Everest, which tarnished Nepal’s mountaineering industry’s image.
- Conducting unauthorized training sessions for climbers above the base camp.
- Utilizing an unauthorized helicopter flight to/from Camp II.
- Evading taxes by claiming non-resident Nepali status as a British citizen.
Pandit noted that the ministry has been asked to take decisive action against Purja as per the legal framework. “It’s now the ball is in the Ministry’s court,” he added, indicating that the final decision rests with the Tourism Minister.
Additionally, the Everest Base Camp-based expedition monitoring field office submitted further evidence of Purja’s illegal activities during the spring season expeditions. The report has been forwarded to the ministry, urging prompt and firm action.
Tourism associations, including the Expedition Operators Association Nepal, Everest Summiteers Association, Nepal Mountaineering Association, and Trekking Agents Association of Nepal, have also called for immediate legal measures against Purja, condemning his actions for polluting the integrity of Nepal’s mountaineering sector.
The final decision now awaits the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, which will determine the appropriate legal action against Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja and Elite Exped.
