Phur Gelje Sherpa has officially announced his candidacy for the position of President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) ahead of the upcoming election, introducing his full team at a press conference held today at Hotel Shankar, Lazimpat. Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), the umbrella body of mountain tourism entrepreneurs, is heading toward a crucial election scheduled for Bhadra 7 at Pragya Pratishthan, Kamaladi.
Addressing the gathering, Sherpa highlighted his close connection with the Himalayas and commitment to the development of mountain tourism in Nepal. “I have known the mountains from very near; I have witnessed the transformation of tourism and the impact of climate change closely. There are many things I can do for the prosperity of this sector, and our team will accomplish them. Alongside promoting Nepal as a leading tourist destination, we will also focus on mitigating frequent avalanche incidents. Protecting the professional rights and welfare of mountaineers is our collective responsibility, which we will execute systematically,” Sherpa emphasized.
Election Agenda and Motto
The Sherpa-led panel is contesting the election under the slogan “For the Development, Conservation, and Promotion of Mountain Tourism.” At the event, Sherpa and his group unveiled their action plan, placing strong emphasis on sustainable development and the welfare of climbers.
Among the priority programs, the panel pledged to establish a “Mountain Tourism University” in Nepal, aimed at providing academic and professional expertise in mountaineering. Additionally, they plan to develop an international-level climbing training center and institutionalize an emergency rescue fund to ensure the safety of climbers in crisis situations. These initiatives are expected not only to enhance Nepal’s reputation as the world’s premier mountaineering hub but also to increase the length of stay of tourists in cities like Pokhara, boosting local economies.
The Complete Team
The announcement also introduced the full slate of candidates who will be contesting in the upcoming NMA election under Sherpa’s leadership. The team includes professionals from diverse backgrounds within the tourism, trekking, and climbing sectors.
Candidate List
| Position | Candidate Name |
|---|---|
| President | Phur Gelje Sherpa |
| Senior Vice President | Ishwori Paudel |
| First Vice President | Kaji (Speed Kaji) Sherpa |
| Second Vice President | Bodraj Bhandari |
| General Secretary | Rajendra Bahadur Lama |
| Secretary | Chandan Thapa |
| Treasurer | Ngima Nurbu Sherpa |
| Member | Kedar Neupane |
| Member | Thupden Sherpa |
| Member | Gokul Thapa |
| Member | Mulaal Gurung |
| Member | Madhav Kumar Dhamala |
| Member | Dendi Sherpa |
| Member | Bikram Karki |
| Member | Rinje Sherpa |
| Member | Devendra Dangol |
| Member | Dolma Lama |
| Member | Nisha Bhote |
Plans for Mountaineering Reforms
Sherpa’s group has placed the safety and dignity of climbers at the center of its vision. The proposed emergency rescue fund is designed to offer immediate financial and logistical support during accidents, avalanches, or health crises. The group also aims to enhance cooperation with international rescue agencies to ensure prompt responses in high-altitude emergencies.
Similarly, the proposed international-level training center will focus on imparting modern mountaineering techniques, safety practices, and environmental conservation methods. By producing highly skilled climbers and guides, the center is expected to solidify Nepal’s global reputation for safe and sustainable mountain tourism.
Emphasis on Sustainability
In addition to safety and training, Sherpa’s team pledged to promote eco-friendly practices in mountain tourism. Highlighting the growing concern over waste in popular trekking and climbing routes, the panel stressed the importance of mountain conservation and responsible tourism. By collaborating with local communities, the team hopes to strengthen livelihood opportunities while reducing the environmental impact of trekking and expeditions.
Industry Reactions and Expectations
Industry observers note that the upcoming election will be highly competitive, with multiple groups vying for leadership. Fur Gelje Sherpa’s candidacy is seen as significant because of his personal mountaineering experience, visionary agenda, and focus on climber welfare. Tourism stakeholders expect that whichever team wins will face the immediate challenge of balancing increasing tourist inflow with sustainable development.
The announcement has generated optimism within the mountaineering community, with many expressing hope that Sherpa’s plans, particularly the establishment of a Mountain Tourism University, could mark a transformative step for Nepal’s tourism sector.
The NMA election on Bhadra 7 will be decisive for the future of Nepal’s mountain tourism. With a strong focus on professional welfare, safety, training, and sustainable development, Fur Gelje Sherpa and his team have presented themselves as a promising alternative for leading the association into a new era of reform and growth.
