Veteran mountaineering leader Kul Bahadur Gurung has formally registered his candidacy for the position of President for the upcoming election of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), scheduled for August 23, 2025 (Bhadra 7, 2082). With over three decades of service in Nepal’s mountain tourism sector, Gurung has officially registered his candidacy for the post of President of NMA.
Born in Rubivalley of Dhading, Gurung has dedicated 33 years of his life to promoting, strengthening, and safeguarding Nepal’s mountaineering sector. He has previously served as the General Secretary of NMA and has played an instrumental role in drafting policies and promoting the Himalayan tourism sector at both national and international levels. His candidacy has been welcomed by mountaineers, trekking operators, and tourism entrepreneurs, as he brings with him both extensive experience and a strong commitment to the sustainable development of Nepal’s mountain tourism.
Strong Lineup of Candidates
Gurung is not contesting alone. His team has presented a comprehensive and balanced lineup of experienced individuals for various positions in the upcoming NMA Executive Election. Representing diverse backgrounds within the tourism industry, his group reflects inclusivity and expertise in mountaineering, trekking, financial management, and institutional development.
The following table outlines the candidates and their respective positions in the Gurung panel:
| Position | Candidate Name |
|---|---|
| President | Kul Bahadur Gurung |
| Senior Vice President | Tika Ram Gurung |
| First Vice President | Mingma Gyangbu Sherpa |
| Second Vice President | Dhan Bahadur Gurung |
| General Secretary | Bimal Kumar Naharki |
| Secretary | Nima Dikee Sherpa |
| Treasurer | Sumi Lama |
| Member | Puskar Shah |
| Member | Bal Bahadur Suyal |
| Member | Harigopal Pradhan |
| Member | Madhav Prasad Pande |
| Member | Diki Sherpa |
| Member | Sudash Lama |
| Member | Lal Bahadur Jirel |
| Member | Nurbu Chhiring Sherpa Lama |
| Member | Pasang Sherpa |
| Member | Geeta Rai |
| Member | Ashok Tamang |
This diverse team is expected to bring new ideas and drive institutional growth while upholding Nepal’s global image as the world’s premier mountaineering destination.
Vision for Safe and Sustainable Mountain Tourism
Speaking at the press conference, presidential candidate Kul Bahadur Gurung shared his vision for a safe, responsible, and sustainable Himalayan tourism sector. He stressed that climate change has become a growing challenge for Nepal’s fragile mountain ecosystems. The melting glaciers, unpredictable weather, and rising risks for climbers not only affect mountaineering but also threaten the livelihoods of communities dependent on the sector.
“Mountains are not just the pride of Nepal but the heritage of humanity. Protecting them is our responsibility, and promoting them responsibly is our opportunity,” Gurung stated. He committed to advocating for greater international attention on climate change impacts in the Himalayas.
The upcoming NMA election on August 23, 2025 is expected to be highly competitive, but the candidacy of Kul Bahadur Gurung and his strong panel of experienced professionals has already created significant momentum in the tourism sector.
Gurung’s agenda of promoting sustainable tourism, enhancing capacity building, ensuring transparency, and branding Nepal’s mountains on the global stage resonates deeply with the aspirations of mountaineers and local communities alike. The outcome of this election will not only determine the next leadership of NMA but also set the tone for the future of mountain tourism in Nepal.
