The Expedition Operators’ Association Nepal (EOAN) successfully conducted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kathmandu, unanimously re-electing Damber Parajuli as president along with a full executive committee. The meeting brought together expedition operators, tourism entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and well-wishers, reaffirming EOAN’s commitment to strengthening Nepal’s mountaineering and expedition sector.
Alongside President Parajuli, the newly elected leadership team includes Iswari Paudel as first vice-president, Shivraj Thapa as second vice-president, Rishi Ram Bhandari as general secretary, Dawa Steven Sherpa as secretary, and Dawa Sangbu Sherpa as treasurer. The AGM also elected executive committee members Pemba Sherpa, Govinda Gurung, Krishna Kumar Aryal, Murari Sharma, Jiban Ghimire, Navin Trital, Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Ang Babu Sherpa, and Mingma David Sherpa, completing a diverse and experienced leadership structure for the association.
Focus on Innovation, Quality, and Government Support
Addressing the gathering, President Parajuli outlined EOAN’s strategic vision for the coming term, emphasizing innovation, professionalism, and quality enhancement in expedition operations across Nepal. He said EOAN serves as a unifying platform for Nepal’s experienced and reputable expedition operators, enabling them to work collectively to promote Himalayan expeditions more efficiently and responsibly.
“The association plays a crucial role in improving the overall quality and safety of expeditions in the Himalayan region,” Parajuli stated. He also stressed the urgent need for stronger government prioritization and policy protection for Nepal’s mountaineering industry, noting its importance to tourism revenue, employment generation, and Nepal’s global identity.
Government Assures Support to Adventure Tourism
Chief Guest Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), called on expedition operators to actively promote Nepal’s adventure tourism in the international market. He acknowledged the vital role played by private-sector operators in sustaining Nepal’s position as a premier mountaineering destination.
“MoCTCA is always ready to address the issues raised by tourism entrepreneurs,” Niraula said, assuring continued government cooperation to strengthen policy frameworks, safety standards, and international promotion of Nepal’s adventure tourism.
Commitment to Safety and Operational Standards
General Secretary Rishi Ram Bhandari reaffirmed EOAN’s dedication to advancing Nepal’s adventure tourism sector through improved operational standards and enhanced safety protocols. He emphasized that EOAN will continue working closely with government agencies, development partners, and expedition stakeholders to ensure responsible and sustainable expedition practices in the Himalayas.
A key highlight of the AGM was the recognition of the rope-fixing team members who played a vital role in ensuring safe access to the summit of Mt. Manaslu. Chhiring Bhote (Sankhuwasabha), Lhakpa Sherpa (Sankhuwasabha), Tashi Gyalzen Sherpa (Solukhumbu), Hira Bhote (Sankhuwasabha), Pasang Sherpa (Ramechhap), and Karma Sarki Sherpa (Solukhumbu) were honored for their dedication and technical expertise.
The appreciation certificates were presented by Chief Guest Mukunda Niraula and Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Director General of the Department of Tourism, acknowledging the critical contribution of high-altitude workers to climber safety and expedition success.
EOAN’s Role in Sustainable Mountaineering
Founded in 2008, EOAN has been actively promoting climbing and mountaineering while advocating for the protection of fragile mountain ecosystems, local economies, and vulnerable communities. The association regularly receives annual assignments from the Department of Tourism to fix ropes along summit routes of major Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Mt. Ama Dablam.
Through collective leadership, technical expertise, and collaboration with government bodies, EOAN continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Nepal’s mountaineering industry, ensuring that adventure tourism grows in a safe, sustainable, and globally competitive manner.
