Students from Nepal Mountain Academy, currently pursuing their Bachelor’s in Mountaineering Studies (BMS), have reached the Thorong Himal region in Manang for a practical study on mountaineering. Sixteen students from the academy’s seventh semester successfully scaled the 6,100-meter-high Thorong Peak on Thursday, October 3rd, as part of their curriculum.
The ascent was confirmed by lead instructor and international mountain guide Pembawangchu Sherpa, who accompanied the students during the expedition. The students embarked on this practical exercise under the curriculum requirements of the academy, which operates under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. Their training included essential mountaineering skills such as glacier walking, rappelling, ascending, descending, and rescue techniques.
Each student conducted a practical study focusing on different aspects of mountaineering. Topics ranged from the local traditions of the grass-cutting season in Manang to the testing of mountaineering equipment, the “Leave No Trace” principle, trail cleanliness, and the role of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Other areas of research included body weight loss during climbs, snow conditions on Thorong Peak, as well as food and accommodation management during expeditions. The students also completed a detailed profiling of Thorong Peak as part of their studies.
The practical expedition was led by Pembawangchu Sherpa alongside fellow instructor Narbahadur Asthani. Peak Promotion Pvt. Ltd., a company specializing in mountaineering logistics, handled the expedition’s accommodation and research management. The company’s managing director, Angbabu Sherpa, described the students’ climb and research as a historic achievement.
Nepal Mountain Academy’s BMS program, which is available to students after completing their higher secondary education, boasts a high employment rate, with 90% of graduates securing jobs immediately after completing their studies. Many students are currently employed in various trekking companies, with some working as engineers and four even pursuing careers as pilots while continuing their education.
Source: RSS
