The Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal (HRA) successfully concluded its 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, August 22, at Alice Receptions, Gairidhara, Kathmandu, followed by a special Token of Appreciation Distribution Ceremony honoring supporters of the HRA Everest-ER Spring 2026 program.
The event brought together senior government officials, representatives from embassies and diplomatic missions, tourism stakeholders, medical professionals and supporters of HRA’s humanitarian and high-altitude rescue initiatives.
Senior Tourism Officials Attend Ceremony
The program was attended by Mukund Prasad Niraula, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), as the chief guest, while Ramkrishna Lamichhane, Director General of the Department of Tourism, attended as the special guest.
Representatives from various embassies and diplomatic missions, senior officials from the Government of Nepal and representatives of Nepal’s tourism industry were also present at the event.
The gathering provided an opportunity to review Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal (HRA)’s activities while recognizing individuals and organizations whose support has contributed to the association’s high-altitude medical and rescue operations.
Supporters Honored for Contribution to Everest-ER
The Token of Appreciation Distribution Ceremony was organized to recognize the valued supporters of the HRA Everest-ER Clinic during the Spring 2026 season.
Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal (HRA) expressed its gratitude to supporters and medical professionals whose continued commitment helps operate the Everest-ER clinic and provide essential medical, rescue and health services to people traveling in the high Himalayas.
The Everest-ER initiative plays an important role in supporting trekkers, climbers, guides, porters and local communities in the Everest region, where access to medical facilities can be limited and altitude-related health risks remain significant.
The ceremony highlighted the importance of cooperation between medical professionals, government agencies, tourism stakeholders and supporting organizations in maintaining safer conditions for visitors and communities in Nepal’s mountain regions.
HRA Working for Safer Himalayas Since 1973
The Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal is a voluntary, non-profit organization established in 1973 with the primary objective of reducing casualties in the Nepal Himalayas.
The organization was established in response to the increasing number of Nepali and international trekkers venturing into remote mountain areas, where difficult terrain, extreme weather and high altitude can create serious health and safety risks.
One of HRA’s major areas of work is preventing fatalities associated with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and other altitude-related illnesses. Over the years, the organization has played a significant role in promoting mountain safety and supporting the health and well-being of people traveling through Nepal’s high-altitude regions.
Pheriche Aid Post Supports Trekkers in Khumbu
One of HRA’s longstanding initiatives is its medical aid post in Pheriche, in the Khumbu region, located at an altitude of approximately 14,343 feet.
The Pheriche aid post operates during the main trekking seasons and is staffed by volunteer doctors who provide medical consultations, health education and emergency assistance to trekkers and local communities.
The medical team plays a particularly important role in diagnosing and managing altitude-related illnesses, including Acute Mountain Sickness, and advising trekkers on safe acclimatization and responsible travel at high altitude.
Strengthening Mountain Safety and Tourism
HRA’s work contributes directly to the safety and sustainability of Nepal’s mountain tourism sector. By providing medical services, emergency assistance and health awareness in remote trekking areas, the association helps make the Himalayas safer for both domestic and international visitors.
The organization’s continued collaboration with government agencies, tourism stakeholders, medical professionals and international supporters remains important as trekking and mountaineering activities continue to attract visitors from around the world.
The conclusion of the 52nd AGM and the appreciation ceremony reaffirmed HRA Nepal’s commitment to its long-standing mission of reducing casualties and promoting safer travel in the Himalayas.
