The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has unveiled a new advisory board, bringing together a distinguished group of mountaineering entrepreneurs, conservationists, and tourism leaders to guide the organization’s strategic direction. The move underscores NMA’s commitment to promoting safe, sustainable, and inclusive mountaineering practices while strengthening Nepal’s position as a global adventure tourism destination.
Ceremony Marks Transition of Advisors
A formal ceremony was held on Tuesday at the Mulberry Hotel in Kathmandu to honor outgoing advisors and introduce the seven new members of NMA’s Advisor Committee. The event was presided over by NMA President Phur Gelje Sherpa, who expressed gratitude to the former advisors for their invaluable contributions to mountaineering governance in Nepal.
The outgoing advisory cohort included former chief advisor Ang Tshering Sherpa and senior advisors Dr. Ganesh Gurung, Bikram Pandey, Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, Dawa Futi Sherpa, Mingma Sherpa, and Krishna KC. Each received certificates of appreciation acknowledging their dedication and guidance in shaping policies that enhanced safety, sustainability, and community engagement across Nepal’s trekking and climbing sectors.
President Sherpa remarked, “The expertise and insights shared by our former advisors have laid a strong foundation for NMA. Their legacy will continue to inform our policies and strategies in the years ahead.”
Introducing the New Advisory Board
The newly formed advisory board comprises seven prominent figures with extensive experience in mountaineering, conservation, and tourism development:
- Dawa Steven Sherpa – CEO of Asian Trekking and a three-time Everest summiteer, known for pioneering Eco Everest Expeditions and leading initiatives that removed over 15,000 kilograms of garbage from Everest slopes.
- Namgyal Sherpa – Managing Director of Thamserku Trekking, CEO of Sherpa Hospitality Group, founder of Le Sherpa Concept, and vice president of the Pasang Lhamu Foundation.
- Ghana Shyam Gurung – Renowned as the “Shepherd of the Snow Leopard,” Dr. Gurung is the Country Representative for WWF Nepal with over 30 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, including tiger population doubling initiatives and consecutive zero rhino poaching years.
- Ganesh Bahadur Bhattarai – Senior tourism entrepreneur and former Deputy Mayor of Pokhara, serving as advisor at the Tourism Entrepreneurs Women Association of Nepal and past president of the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal, Pokhara chapter.
- Jiban Ghimire – Managing Director of Shangri-La Nepal Trek, with extensive experience collaborating on high-profile projects with the National Geographic Society and The North Face.
- Tilak Bahadur Lama – Founder Director of Himaland Adventure Treks, social activist, and leader in Nepal Canyoning Association and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal.
- Ngawa Ngima Sherpa – Chairman of Sora Adventure Treks and Expedition, former executive board member of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal and Nepal Tourism Board, and current President of the Korea Alpine Federation Liaison Office for Nepal.
President Sherpa expressed confidence in the board, noting, “The collective expertise of these seven advisors, spanning mountaineering, tourism, and environmental stewardship, positions them to address the evolving challenges of Nepal’s adventure industry.”
Focus on Sustainability and Development
The new advisory board is expected to work closely with NMA’s executive team to develop long-term strategies that include trail maintenance, climber education, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable tourism practices. This move aligns with Nepal’s current efforts to review tourism regulations and implement policies that safeguard its natural heritage while promoting economic growth through adventure tourism.
Expert Insights Strengthen Policy and Governance
Each board member brings a unique perspective: Dawa Steven Sherpa emphasizes eco-friendly climbing expeditions; Ghana Shyam Gurung advocates biodiversity conservation; and tourism entrepreneurs like Namgyal Sherpa and Tilak Lama contribute strategies to enhance visitor experience while fostering local community participation. Ngawa Ngima Sherpa adds decades of industry insight and international collaboration experience, ensuring Nepal’s mountaineering policies meet global standards.
Celebrating a Shared Vision
The advisory board ceremony concluded with the presentation of appreciation certificates to outgoing members, symbolizing a smooth transition and continued dedication to NMA’s mission. Attendees highlighted the importance of stakeholder-driven governance, inclusivity, and responsible tourism as key pillars for the future of Nepalese mountaineering.
Strengthening Nepal’s Global Adventure Profile
With this strategic renewal, the Nepal Mountaineering Association aims to reinforce its role as a leading advocate for safe, sustainable, and community-centered mountain sports. By leveraging the expertise of the new advisory board, NMA seeks to ensure that Nepal remains a top destination for climbers, trekkers, and adventure tourists while preserving the Himalayan ecosystem for generations to come.
