A 15-member all-women expedition team organized under the Female Leadership Academy of the Global Inclusive Adventure Organisation (GIA) has successfully summited Lobuche East (6,119 metres), marking another milestone in promoting women’s leadership and participation in Nepal’s mountaineering sector. The team reached the summit on July 2, 2026, as part of a mountain leadership training programme designed to equip women with technical climbing skills, leadership experience and confidence to pursue careers in adventure tourism and mountaineering.
Women-led expedition reaches the summit
The expedition was led by experienced female climbing leader Fur Diki Sherpa and consisted of 12 female participants, along with two female assistant climbing guides, Manmaya Tamang and Sangita Tamang. The team was supported by Lakpa Wangchu Sherpa, who served as the expedition’s only male climbing guide. The successful ascent highlighted the growing role of women in Nepal’s mountaineering industry, where female climbers and guides are increasingly taking on leadership positions in high-altitude expeditions.
Certificates awarded to climbers and trainees
To celebrate the achievement, GIA organized a certificate distribution ceremony on Wednesday at Utpala Café in Boudha, Kathmandu. Certificates were presented to members of the Lobuche Peak expedition team as well as 10 female participants who successfully completed the 4th Fundamentals of Mountaineering Training, conducted from June 22 to July 6, 2026. The training programme was organized by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) with support from GIA to strengthen women’s technical mountaineering skills and leadership capacity.
NMA recognizes participants
During the ceremony, NMA President Phur Gelje Sherpa presented certificates to the expedition leader, assistant guides and all successful participants, recognizing their commitment to advancing women’s participation in mountaineering and adventure tourism. The programme underscored the importance of providing structured training and leadership opportunities for women seeking professional careers as climbers, guides and outdoor leaders.
Advancing gender inclusion in adventure tourism
The Female Leadership Academy initiative aims to increase women’s representation across Nepal’s adventure tourism industry by providing practical training, technical expertise and leadership development opportunities. Organizers believe such initiatives not only empower women but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and diverse mountaineering community while inspiring future generations of female adventurers. The successful Lobuche Peak expedition is expected to encourage more women to pursue careers in Nepal’s mountain tourism sector and reinforce the country’s reputation as a global destination for adventure, leadership and inclusive mountaineering.
