The race for the new leadership of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has officially begun, with presidential hopefuls stepping forward one after another. With the association’s election slated for Bhadra 7 (August 23, 2025), aspiring candidates are intensifying their campaign efforts by announcing their candidacies and laying out their future agendas aimed at institutional development and safeguarding the professional interests of Nepal’s mountaineering community.
Two Presidential Candidates Announce Intentions with Vision Plans
So far, two candidates have formally announced their candidacy for the prestigious position of NMA President. Both have presented their strategic plans focused on revamping the association and promoting the welfare of mountaineers. Among them, Phurba Gyaljen Sherpa, a seasoned figure in Nepal’s mountain tourism sector, officially declared his candidacy today through a press conference. During the event, he not only shared his vision for the association but also outlined specific commitments he would pursue if elected.
Earlier, Kul Bahadur Gurung had also entered the race, revealing his election manifesto and highlighting several pressing issues he plans to address under his leadership. Gurung stated that if entrusted with the presidency, he would uplift the dignity of the association and drive progressive initiatives to enhance Nepal’s global standing in mountaineering.
Sherpa Launches Candidacy under the Slogan of Mountain Tourism Development
Phurba Gyaljen Sherpa has chosen the slogan, “My Candidacy for the Development, Preservation, and Promotion of Mountain Tourism”, to lead his campaign. Emphasizing institutional responsibility, Sherpa pledged to work within the framework of the association’s constitution while firmly protecting the rights and interests of its members.
Among his key commitments is the creation of a well-structured Mountaineer Welfare Fund, which aims to ensure financial and emergency support for mountaineers, especially during crisis situations. He expressed concern over the lack of systematic assistance during emergencies and vowed to bring long-term reforms that would establish a more secure support system for those risking their lives in the high Himalayas.
Advocacy for Establishing a Mountain Tourism University
A standout promise in Sherpa’s election agenda is his initiative to establish a Mountain Tourism University in Nepal. He believes that such an institution would not only enhance the professionalism of Nepal’s mountain tourism sector but also attract foreign students and researchers from around the globe.
According to Sherpa, the university would offer specialized courses related to high-altitude guiding, mountain safety, rescue operations, and Himalayan environmental studies. “Such an academic institution would bring international prestige to Nepal, provide scientific insights into mountain tourism, and help produce skilled human resources,” he stated.
Training Centers, Honoring Climbers, and Himalayan Clean-Up Campaigns
Phurba Gyaljen Sherpa also outlined additional commitments to the sector if elected. His plans include:
- Establishing a High-Quality Mountaineering Training Center focused on technical skills, rescue operations, and leadership for aspiring climbers and guides.
- Recognizing and uplifting the status of record-holding climbers by honoring their achievements and ensuring their contributions are acknowledged at national and international levels.
- Launching Himalayan clean-up and preservation campaigns, particularly on popular climbing routes like Everest, to ensure sustainability and environmental protection in Nepal’s fragile high-altitude ecosystems.
These pledges reflect Sherpa’s belief that environmental conservation, proper training, and honoring legacy climbers are vital pillars of a healthy and respected mountaineering industry.
Election Signals a New Era for NMA
The upcoming election is being viewed as an opportunity to steer the Nepal Mountaineering Association toward a more progressive and professional future. As the guardians of Nepal’s most iconic natural treasures, the candidates’ visions and leadership styles will play a crucial role in determining the path forward for the association, climbers, and the larger adventure tourism community.
Observers from the mountaineering field, tourism sector, and adventure sports industry are keeping a close eye on developments. Many have welcomed the open competition and proactive agendas presented by the candidates. It reflects a shift toward more transparent and member-focused governance at a time when Nepal’s global reputation in mountaineering is both a national asset and a delicate responsibility.
With less than a month to go, the campaign race is expected to intensify. Further candidacies may still emerge, and debates over the future direction of NMA are likely to continue. In this crucial phase, voters within the association are expected to weigh each candidate’s experience, commitment, and credibility before choosing their next leader.
As the monsoon season pours over the Himalayas, another kind of monsoon, a wave of candidacies, ideas, and expectations, is unfolding within Nepal Mountaineering Association, shaping the next chapter of Nepal’s mountaineering legacy.
