The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) organized a productive and high-level interaction program with members of the National Assembly of Nepal, focusing on strengthening mountain tourism and advancing sustainable mountaineering policies across the country. The program brought together key lawmakers and senior tourism stakeholders to discuss emerging challenges, policy gaps, and future opportunities in Nepal’s high-altitude tourism sector.
The interaction was graciously attended by Honorable Suresh Kumar Alemagar, Honorable Sonam Geljen Sherpa, Honorable Dr. Anjan Shakya, Honorable Bishnu Devi Pudasaini, Honorable Ganga Kumari Belbase, Honorable Krishna Bahadur Rokaya, Honorable Jayanti Devi Rai, Honorable Radhe Shyam Paswan, Honorable Ghan Shyam Rijal, and Honorable Padam Bahadur Pariyar, whose presence underscored the government’s growing commitment to strengthening Nepal’s mountain tourism framework.
Presentation on the Current State of Mountain Tourism
At the outset of the program, NMA President Mr. Fur Gelje Sherpa delivered a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation highlighting the current scenario of Nepal’s mountain tourism industry. His presentation addressed climber inflow trends, infrastructure needs, safety standards, environmental sustainability, and the economic contributions of mountaineering tourism to remote Himalayan communities. He also stressed the need for policy reforms that would promote responsible tourism while preserving fragile mountain ecosystems.
The presentation served as a foundation for an in-depth discussion on how government bodies and tourism stakeholders can collaborate to ensure the long-term sustainability and international competitiveness of Nepal’s mountaineering sector.
Senior Mountaineers Share Key Insights
The discussion was further enriched by valuable insights from NMA’s former presidents, Mr. Ang Tsehring Sherpa, Mr. Santa Bir Lama, and Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa, who shared their extensive experience in mountaineering, expedition management, and international tourism promotion. They emphasized the importance of strengthening rescue mechanisms, updating climbing regulations, promoting lesser-known peaks, and ensuring fair opportunities for local mountain communities.
Former General Secretaries Mr. Kul Bahadur Gurung and Mr. Mohan Lamsal, along with the current General Secretary Mr. Rajendra Bahadur Lama, highlighted administrative and regulatory aspects that need to be streamlined to enhance Nepal’s image as a safe and responsible mountaineering destination.
Collective Commitment for Sectoral Reforms
Also present at the interaction were Secretary Mr. Chandan Thapa, Central Secretariat Members Mr. Thupden Sherpa and Mr. Furi Geljen Sherpa, Convenor of NMA’s Peak Profile Committee Mr. Speed Kaji Sherpa, and Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Jinesh Sindurakar, who collectively contributed to discussions on peak profiling, expedition monitoring, and the importance of updated data systems for policy planning.
The interaction concluded with a shared understanding of the need for coordinated efforts between the government, tourism bodies, and local stakeholders to promote safe, inclusive, and environmentally responsible mountain tourism. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting policies that enhance climber safety, promote Nepal’s diverse mountain destinations, and strengthen the livelihoods of Himalayan communities.
