The newly elected Executive Committee of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) officially assumed office today during a formal oath-taking ceremony, marking the start of a new chapter for one of Nepal’s most prominent mountain tourism organizations. The event was attended by distinguished guests, outgoing executives, and members of the mountaineering community, reflecting the importance of the association’s leadership transition.
Leadership Transition Under Phur Gyalje Sherpa
The new Executive Board, led by noted tourism entrepreneur Mr. Phur Gyalje Sherpa, was elected in the NMA election held on August 23, 2025. Chief Election Officer Mr. Bhawesh Gautam administered the oath of office and presented official election certificates to the newly elected office bearers and central executive board members.
Following the oath-taking, the symbolic handover took place. Outgoing General Secretary Mr. Mohan Lamsal passed the minute book to incoming General Secretary Mr. Rajendra Bahadur Lama, while outgoing Treasurer Mr. Mukti Pandey handed over the cheque books to the newly elected treasurers, Ms. Sumi Moktan and Mr. Ngima Nurbu Sherpa. Due to a tie in votes, Ms. Moktan and Mr. Sherpa will each serve half of the term as Treasurer.
Outgoing President Highlights Achievements
In his farewell remarks, outgoing President Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa expressed gratitude to supporters and stakeholders who contributed to the association’s progress during his term. He underscored that his leadership was guided by transparency and organizational welfare rather than personal or group interests.
“During my tenure, I did not cater to the interests of any individual or faction,” Mr. Sherpa said. “Every decision we made was for the benefit of the organization, and I trust the new team will uphold the same principles.”
He highlighted several key initiatives implemented during his tenure, including a welfare fund supported by fixed deposits of NPR 2 crore. This fund provides scholarships to children of mountaineers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Under his leadership, NMA also developed Nepal’s first government-approved curriculum for mountaineering training and introduced affordable insurance for NMA-registered mountain guides, enabling members to save millions in costs.
Commitment to Continue Training and Welfare Programs
Mr. Sherpa urged the new leadership to prioritize the continuation of these programs, particularly the training initiatives and welfare fund that directly support mountain communities. He expressed hope that the association’s ongoing commitment to safety, training, and financial security for mountaineers would remain intact.
New President’s Pledge for Continuity and Growth
Incoming President Mr. Phur Gyalje Sherpa expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the outgoing committee and pledged to continue and enhance the initiatives established in previous years.
“I am fully aware of the important programs initiated by this Executive Committee, and I deeply value them,” President Sherpa said. “We will give top priority to training and welfare programs, ensuring they benefit both the mountain tourism sector and the communities that depend on it.”
Mr. Sherpa also emphasized his vision for elevating Nepal’s mountaineering profile internationally and strengthening collaboration with government agencies, tourism bodies, and global mountaineering organizations.
Acknowledgement from Guests and Stakeholders
Special guests at the ceremony, including Honorable Member of the Bagmati Province Parliament Ms. Yankila Sherpa and Director General of the Department of Tourism (DoT) Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi, commended the contributions of the outgoing Executive Committee. They acknowledged the association’s role in advancing Nepal’s mountain tourism and wished the new team success in further strengthening the sector.
Composition of the New Executive Committee
The new leadership team includes:
- Senior Vice President: Mr. Ishwori Paudel
- First Vice President: Record-holding climber Mr. Mingma Gyabu Sherpa
- Second Vice President: Mr. Bodh Raj Bhandari
- General Secretary: Mr. Rajendra Bahadur Lama
- Secretary: Mr. Chandan Thapa
- Treasurers: Ms. Sumi Moktan and Mr. Ngima Nurbu Sherpa (each serving half the term)
The Central Executive Board members are Mr. Mulal Gurung, Mr. Thupden Sherpa, Mr. Dendi Sherpa, Mr. Rinje Sherpa, Mr. Bikram Karki, Mr. Kedar Neupane, Mr. Devendra Dangol, Mr. Gokul Thapa, Mr. Madhav Kumar Dhamala, Ms. Nisha Bhote, and Ms. Diki Sherpa.
Additionally, from the book holder category, the elected members are Mr. Dawa Tashi Sherpa, Mr. Jenjen Lama, Ms. Dabuti Sherpa, and Mr. Sandesh Sherpa. The Director General of the Department of Tourism, as the government’s representative, will complete the 27-member NMA Central Executive Board.
Looking Ahead
With a mix of experienced mountaineers, tourism entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, the new Executive Committee of the Nepal Mountaineering Association aims to build on its predecessor’s legacy. The focus will be on expanding training opportunities, strengthening welfare programs, enhancing international partnerships, and promoting Nepal as the world’s premier mountaineering destination.
As the baton passes to the new leadership, expectations are high that the NMA will continue to champion the interests of mountain guides, climbers, and related communities, while safeguarding Nepal’s mountaineering heritage and advancing its global reputation.
