The Gandaki Provincial Government has honored six accomplished Nepali mountaineers for successfully climbing some of the world’s highest peaks above 8,000 metres, recognizing their contribution to promoting Nepal’s mountain tourism on the global stage. The recognition programme was organized by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, where each mountaineer received a cash award of Rs 45,000, a certificate of appreciation, a token of honor, and a ceremonial shawl. The awards were presented by Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey, Minister for Industry and Tourism Yashoda Rimal, and Ministry Secretary Roshan Gyawali.
Six Mountaineers Receive Provincial Recognition
Among those honored was Nahasal Chhyongten Lama of Chumnubri Rural Municipality-1, Gorkha, who has successfully summited Mount Everest, Manaslu, and Lhotse. Other recipients included Kiran Bahadur P.C. of Kushma-14, Parbat, Kishor Adhikari of Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality-4, Kaski, and Devi Prasad Neupane of Bihadi Rural Municipality-4, Parbat, all of whom were recognized for their successful ascent of Mount Everest. The provincial government also honored Amit Thapa of Rishing Rural Municipality-2, Tanahun, for climbing Mount Kanchenjunga, and Navaraj Rana of Rishing Rural Municipality-5, Tanahun, for successfully summiting Mount Annapurna.
Chief Minister Stresses Quality Tourism Over Visitor Numbers
Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister of Gandaki province Surendra Raj Pandey said Gandaki Province should now focus less on increasing tourist arrivals and more on extending visitors’ length of stay. He emphasized that encouraging tourists to spend more time in the province would generate greater economic benefits for local communities and strengthen the tourism sector.
“We should now shift our focus from simply counting how many tourists visit Gandaki to finding ways to encourage them to stay longer,” he said. “Longer stays will increase tourism-related economic activities and raise local incomes.” Pandey also noted that the continued presence of tourists in destinations such as Pokhara during the off-season is a positive sign for the province’s tourism industry.
Mountaineers Recognized as Ambassadors of Nepal’s Mountain Tourism
Minister for Industry and Tourism Yashoda Rimal praised the courage, perseverance, and dedication demonstrated by Nepal’s mountaineers, saying their achievements have played a vital role in promoting Nepal’s mountain tourism internationally. She expressed confidence that the climbers’ accomplishments would inspire younger generations to pursue mountaineering and adventure sports while contributing to the continued growth of Nepal’s globally renowned mountain tourism sector. The provincial government said honoring successful mountaineers reflects its commitment to recognizing individuals who have elevated Nepal’s international reputation through their achievements and to supporting the sustainable development of adventure and mountain tourism in Gandaki Province.
