Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey announced that the government is considering the establishment of a Mountaineer Welfare Fund aimed at ensuring the safety and post-expedition support of climbers in Nepal.
Speaking at a special event organized by Annapurna Rural Municipality in Narchyang to celebrate the Annapurna Diamond Jubilee, Minister Pandey emphasized the need for timely reforms in Nepal’s tourism policy to better address the evolving demands of the sector.
Government Plans to Establish Mountaineer Welfare Fund
“To boost Nepal’s economy through tourism, we are moving toward necessary improvements in tourism policy,” he said. “One key proposal in this revised policy is the establishment of a Mountaineer Welfare Fund.”
According to Minister Pandey, the envisioned fund would support rescue operations, medical treatment, and assist climbers in their post-climbing lives, particularly in cases of accidents or injuries during expeditions. The initiative aims to offer both security and dignity to those who risk their lives exploring Nepal’s high-altitude terrains.
Also speaking at the event, Gandaki Province Minister for Tourism and Industry, Mitralal Basyal, stressed the importance of federal recognition of Pokhara as the official tourism capital of Gandaki Province. “The provincial government has declared Pokhara as the tourism capital, and it’s time for the federal cabinet to approve and formalize this declaration,” he stated.
The announcements came during celebrations marking 75 years since the first successful ascent of Annapurna I (8,091m), a historic feat that paved the way for Nepal’s rise as a premier destination for global mountaineering and adventure tourism. The event featured speeches, cultural performances, and the unveiling of statues honoring the pioneering climbers of Annapurna.
