The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) officially bid farewell today to the first batch of trainees selected for field training under its newly introduced Professional Mountain Guide Course, which is recognized by the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT).
Fundamental Skill for Mountaineering Program Underway
As part of this professional course, the NMA has launched a training module titled Fundamental Skill for Mountaineering, which marks the first and foundational component of a comprehensive multi-phase guide training program. This initiative is designed to produce highly qualified mountain guides who meet the technical and safety standards required for operating in Nepal’s high-altitude regions, including the challenging 8,000-meter peaks.
20 Trainees Selected for Advanced Guide Training
A total of 20 participants were selected through a competitive process to participate in the program. These aspiring guides have already completed their theoretical classes in Kathmandu, where they were taught core mountaineering principles, safety procedures, climbing techniques, and rescue operations in line with international standards.
Following the completion of their classroom sessions, the trainees have now been dispatched to Kakani, Nuwakot, to begin their field training. This practical component will provide them with hands-on experience in varied terrains, helping to further enhance their skills in a real-world environment.
Formal Farewell by NMA Officials
In a formal event organized in Kathmandu, Acting President of NMA, Mr. Thakur Raj Pandey, General Secretary Mr. Mohan Lamsal, and Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Jinesh Sindurakar extended their best wishes to the training team. The officials encouraged the participants to maintain dedication and discipline throughout their field training phase and contribute to Nepal’s mountaineering legacy by becoming capable and professional mountain guides.
“This course is a milestone in standardizing and professionalizing Nepal’s guiding sector,” said Acting President Pandey. “Our mountains demand not just strength but knowledge, skill, and responsibility. Through this program, we aim to equip Nepali guides with international-level training.”
Raising the Bar in Mountain Safety and Professionalism
The Professional Mountain Guide Course is one of the most significant steps the NMA has taken in recent years toward improving safety, professionalism, and credibility in Nepal’s mountaineering industry. By aligning the course structure with CTEVT accreditation, the program ensures that the participants receive both national recognition and skills that meet international expectations.
According to NMA officials, the course has been structured with over five key modules, including fundamental mountaineering techniques, rope handling, rock and ice climbing, high-altitude navigation, weather assessment, client management, and emergency rescue skills.
Kakani: A Training Ground for Future Guides
The training site in Kakani, Nuwakot, has long been regarded as an ideal location for introductory and intermediate-level mountaineering training due to its proximity to the capital and its challenging yet accessible terrain. The field training here will involve both day and night practicals, enabling participants to adapt to changing environments and conditions that mirror actual expeditions.
Participants will also be assessed on their ability to communicate effectively with team members and clients, follow sustainable tourism practices, and lead groups safely under high-stress situations.
Commitment to Strengthening Nepal’s Global Mountaineering Reputation
Nepal remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the world for high-altitude expeditions, drawing climbers from around the globe to conquer its iconic peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. However, with the growing influx of mountaineers, the need for qualified and well-trained local guides has become increasingly urgent.
The NMA’s training initiative is a direct response to this demand, with the goal of preparing a new generation of certified mountain professionals who can elevate Nepal’s image as a safe, organized, and guide-friendly climbing destination.
The launch of the Professional Mountain Guide Course marks a significant advancement in Nepal’s commitment to improving safety standards, boosting employment in the tourism sector, and preserving the country’s dominance in the global mountaineering arena. As the selected trainees begin their field training in Kakani, the NMA hopes their success will inspire more young Nepalis to pursue mountaineering as a respected and impactful profession.
