The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has announced the resumption of its 2nd Summer Skill Course for Professional Mountain Guide Training 2026, which had previously been postponed due to technical reasons. According to a notice issued by the association on August 13, 2026, the training has been rescheduled and will resume from Monday, August 17, 2026 (1st Bhadra 2083). The program is aimed at strengthening the professional skills and practical capabilities of mountain guides, contributing to safer and more professional mountaineering and trekking services in Nepal.
Revised training schedule announced
Under the revised schedule, applicants will be able to submit their applications on August 14 and 15, 2026, at the NMA Secretariat in Nagpokhari, Naxal, Kathmandu. The application process will be followed by interviews scheduled for August 16 and 17 at the same location. The notice lists the overall course period as August 16 to September 24, 2026, with training activities scheduled to take place in Kathmandu and the Kanchenjunga region of Taplejung. The association said the revised arrangement follows the earlier adjournment of the program caused by technical reasons. NMA apologized to applicants and concerned participants for the inconvenience caused by the postponement and expressed appreciation for their understanding and cooperation.
Training to combine Kathmandu and Kanchenjunga
The course will be conducted in Kathmandu and Kanchenjunga, Taplejung, providing participants with an opportunity to develop professional mountain guide skills in both an institutional training environment and a high-altitude mountain setting. The Kanchenjunga component is particularly significant because the region provides a practical environment for mountain-related training and exposes participants to the conditions and challenges associated with guiding in Nepal’s Himalayan terrain. The program is expected to contribute to the development of skilled and competent professional mountain guides, whose expertise is essential for the safety, comfort and overall experience of trekkers and mountaineers visiting Nepal. Well-trained guides also play an important role in supporting responsible tourism and maintaining professional standards in the country’s growing adventure-tourism industry.
Application requirements and essential documents
Applicants interested in joining the training must submit several required documents during the application period. The NMA has listed a photocopy of citizenship, a certificate of the Fundamental Skill for Mountaineering course, and a recommendation letter from NMA’s resource members among the essential documents. Applicants must also provide a medical report confirming their fitness for the training and two passport-size photographs. The requirements are intended to ensure that participants meet the necessary basic qualifications and health standards for undertaking professional mountain guide training in demanding mountain environments.
Course fee and participant limit
The course fee has been fixed at NPR 30,000 per person, while the program will accommodate a maximum of 40 participants. The limited number of places is expected to allow the training to maintain an effective learning environment and provide participants with adequate attention during the different stages of the program. Those interested in applying must also obtain the registration form from the NMA Secretariat. The notice states that the registration form is available upon payment of NPR 100.
Supporting professional standards in mountain tourism
The training program comes within the broader effort to strengthen professionalism and safety in Nepal’s mountain tourism sector. Mountain guides are central to trekking and mountaineering operations, particularly in high-altitude areas where visitors depend heavily on their knowledge of terrain, weather, route management, emergency response and mountain safety. By providing structured training and practical exposure, programs such as the NMA’s Summer Skill Course can help improve the quality of guiding services available to both domestic and international visitors. Professional development of guides is also important for maintaining Nepal’s reputation as a leading destination for mountaineering, trekking and adventure tourism.
NMA calls for cooperation from applicants
The NMA has requested applicants and concerned individuals to follow the revised schedule and complete the required procedures within the specified deadlines. With applications scheduled for August 14 – 15 and interviews beginning shortly afterward, prospective participants are expected to prepare the required documents and complete registration at the NMA Secretariat in Nagpokhari, Naxal. The notice was issued by NMA General Secretary Rajendra Bahadur Lama on August 13. Through the rescheduled program, the association aims to continue its efforts to develop qualified mountain professionals and strengthen the human resources supporting Nepal’s mountaineering and adventure tourism industries.
The resumption of the 2nd Summer Skill Course for Professional Mountain Guide Training 2026 is therefore significant not only for the participating guides but also for Nepal’s wider tourism industry, where skilled, trained, and responsible mountain professionals remain essential to providing safe and quality experiences in the Himalayas.
