The International Federation of Mountain Leaders (IFML) has granted full membership to the Nepal Mountain Leader Association (NMLA), providing Nepal with international recognition in the field of mountain leadership. The milestone decision was confirmed on November 2 during the IFML’s annual general meeting held in Macedonia, as announced by NMLA President Dawa Tashi Sherpa.
Mountain Leader training in Nepal began in 2011 under the Nepal Mountaineering Association, which recognized the importance of developing a skilled workforce to ensure the sustainable growth of Nepal’s mountain tourism sector. Creating mountain leaders trained to international standards became essential for Nepal to boost the quality of its tourism industry. According to Sherpa, establishing a dedicated organization for mountain leaders in Nepal aligned with international protocols was a crucial requirement.
“To address this need, we established the Nepal Mountain Leader Association in 2016,” Sherpa stated. In 2017, following a proposal from the British Mountain Leader Association, NMLA secured a candidate membership in the IFML. By 2020, NMLA had advanced to an aspirant membership, bringing it one step closer to full affiliation.
To earn full membership, the association had to fulfill IFML requirements, including both summer and winter skills assessments. After completing these assessments in 2023 and early 2024, the NMLA’s bid for full membership was approved in Macedonia this November.
According to Sherpa, a “Mountain Leader” is a professionally trained guide qualified to lead trekking groups on demanding expeditions. Training to become a mountain leader occurs in various phases, each meeting international standards. The Nepal Mountain Leader Association has been offering this training under the oversight of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. Now, with full membership, Nepal will not only maintain but expand international-standard training programs within the country, preparing Nepalese mountain leaders for global opportunities.
This achievement marks a significant step for Nepal’s mountain tourism, solidifying its position on the world stage as a premier provider of skilled mountain leaders for sustainable tourism.
Source: Corporate Nepal
