The Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal (HRA) successfully held its official Handing Over and Taking Over of Charges Ceremony on 11 June 2026, symbolically choosing the date to commemorate a historic milestone in the organization’s journey. The event marked exactly 53 years since HRA was officially registered on 11 June 1973 at the District Administration Office in Kathmandu, reinforcing the organization’s long-standing commitment to mountain safety and rescue services in Nepal’s Himalayan region.
The ceremony brought together distinguished guests, former chairpersons of HRA, general members, and key stakeholders representing Nepal’s tourism and mountaineering sectors, highlighting the organization’s significant role in safeguarding trekkers, climbers, and high-altitude travelers for over five decades.
Damber Parajuli Officially Sworn In as Chairman
As per the constitutional provisions of the organization, newly re-elected Chairman Damber Parajuli was formally sworn into office during the ceremony by the Chief Electoral Officer. Following his own oath-taking, Chairman Parajuli administered the oath of office to the newly elected Executive Committee officials and members.
The ceremony officially marked the beginning of a new leadership term dedicated to continuing Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal (HRA)’s mission of providing emergency rescue services, medical support, and safety awareness in Nepal’s mountainous regions. Organizers stated that holding the ceremony on the exact anniversary of Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal (HRA)’s registration served as a powerful reminder of the organization’s enduring contribution to Nepal’s adventure tourism sector and its reputation as a trusted institution for mountain rescue operations.
Outgoing Executive Committee Honored for Dedicated Service
During the special event, the organization also recognized the outgoing Executive Committee for their valuable service and leadership contributions over the previous term. Former executive officials and committee members were presented with Plaques of Honor as a token of appreciation for their dedication, commitment, and contribution toward strengthening HRA’s institutional development and expanding its mountain rescue and medical support initiatives.
Speakers at the ceremony praised the outgoing leadership for helping the organization maintain its critical role in Nepal’s growing trekking and mountaineering industry, particularly as the country continues to attract thousands of international climbers and trekkers every year.
Commitment to Strengthen Mountain Safety and Rescue Operations
Addressing the gathering, Chairman Damber Parajuli reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening HRA’s operational capacity in the coming years. He emphasized the importance of expanding mountain safety programs, improving medical aid posts in remote trekking regions, and building stronger strategic partnerships with stakeholders in Nepal’s tourism and mountaineering industries. The newly elected leadership also pledged to continue building upon the strong legacy established by previous committees, ensuring that HRA remains at the forefront of high-altitude medical assistance and rescue operations.
Continuing a Legacy of Service in Nepal’s Himalayas
Founded in 1973, the Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal has played a crucial role in supporting trekkers, mountaineers, and local communities through emergency rescue services, altitude sickness awareness programs, and the operation of medical aid posts in popular trekking destinations.
As Nepal’s adventure tourism industry continues to grow, HRA remains one of the country’s most vital organizations dedicated to ensuring safe and responsible Himalayan travel. The leadership transition ceremony not only marked a new chapter for the organization but also celebrated more than five decades of dedicated service protecting lives in the world’s highest mountains.
