A professional mountain guide training program has successfully concluded at Lhayul Peak in Darchula district, Sudurpaschim Province. The training was organized by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) as part of its regular programs, based on the curriculum approved by the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT).
The program was conducted with the joint effort of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP). Similarly, Apihimal Rural Municipality also extended support, marking the first-ever mountain guide training program held in the region.
Aim to Promote Mountains of Far-Western Nepal
According to the organizers, the training was specifically designed to promote the mountain ranges of Sudurpaschim. The far-western region of Nepal holds immense potential for adventure tourism and mountaineering. However, compared to other regions, mountaineering-related training and promotion programs had been very limited in the area. The launch of the training in Darchula, therefore, has been seen as a milestone in strengthening local capacity and introducing the far-western peaks to the wider mountaineering community.
NMA stated that the training was aligned with its long-term vision to promote responsible mountaineering, enhance local skills, and contribute to sustainable tourism development in remote Himalayan areas.
Participation and Training Structure
A total of 14 trainees participated in the summer mountain guiding training at Lhayul Peak. The program included both theoretical and practical sessions focusing on professional guiding skills, climbing techniques, rescue operations, navigation, and safety protocols.
The training was conducted under the supervision of experienced mountaineering instructors and followed international standards. According to NMA, this initiative was part of its mission to expand opportunities for mountaineering education in Nepal’s less explored mountain belts.
Accident During Training
Despite the overall success, the training was not without challenges. NMA confirmed that an unfortunate incident occurred while concluding the session. As the team was descending from near the summit of Lhayul Peak, a rockfall from above struck close to the trainees.
One of the trainees, Nawang Tenzi Sherpa, narrowly escaped serious injury but sustained minor wounds on his hand. In the process of protecting the trainee, instructor Sanjiv Gurung was also injured. Gurung suffered a dislocation in his left leg, while Sherpa’s injuries were reported to be relatively minor.
Rescue and Immediate Medical Support
Both the injured individuals were airlifted to Kathmandu immediately after the accident. They received treatment in the capital and have since been discharged. According to the association’s statement released on Friday, both are currently recovering well at home.
The quick rescue and medical response demonstrated the preparedness and professionalism of the training organizers, ensuring that the situation was handled without further complications.
Recognition and International Standards
NMA President Phur Galje Sherpa emphasized that the training program was recognized by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), just as with previous sessions. The UIAA recognition ensures that the training meets global standards, enabling Nepali guides to compete in the international mountaineering industry.
He further noted that such programs would not only uplift the profession of mountain guiding but also enhance Nepal’s reputation as a global hub for mountaineering education and adventure tourism.
A Step Toward Sustainable Tourism
The conclusion of the training has been hailed as a positive step toward sustainable mountain tourism in Sudurpaschim. Organizers believe that the skills gained by local participants will help strengthen the guiding profession in the region, providing both employment opportunities and better services for climbers and trekkers.
By introducing such programs in Darchula, stakeholders hope to gradually expand tourism beyond traditional hotspots like Everest and Annapurna, thereby diversifying Nepal’s adventure tourism offerings. The training at Lhayul Peak has set a precedent for future initiatives, with NMA and its partners expressing commitment to continue organizing similar programs in other remote regions of Nepal.
