Kul Bahadur Gurung Announces Candidacy Backed by Democratic Tourism Group
With the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) gearing up for its upcoming leadership election, the race for the presidency has officially begun. Kul Bahadur Gurung, a well-known name in Nepal’s mountain tourism sector, has declared his candidacy for the post of president. The announcement was made during a special program held at Yatri Suites Hotel in Thamel, organized by the Nepal Democratic Tourism Entrepreneurs Association, a group close to the Nepali Congress.
Gurung, a former General Secretary of NMA, is highly regarded in the tourism sector not just for his entrepreneurial achievements but also for his academic and professional stature. His supporters believe his leadership could bring about long-overdue policy-level reforms and secure the professional rights of mountaineering workers and businesses.
Speaking at the event, Gurung emphasized his vision for sustainable, transparent, and inclusive leadership. “My candidacy is dedicated to the sustainable development of Nepal’s mountain tourism, the protection of labor rights, and institutional reform,” he said. “I will make NMA a more effective and accountable institution through shared leadership, competence, and experience.”
With over three decades of engagement in the mountaineering and trekking industries, Gurung has held several prominent roles. These include General Secretary of NMA, Vice President of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), and a management committee member of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA). He has also served as founding president of GTEAN and GHTDC, secretary of the Himalayan Communities Climate Action (CAHC), and managing director of Alliance Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
His contributions toward international promotion of Nepal’s Himalayas, reforming mountaineering practices, community empowerment, and institutional accountability have been widely praised. His candidacy has garnered strong support from guides, Sherpas, tourism entrepreneurs, and stakeholders across the mountaineering spectrum.
Tikaram Gurung Backed by UML-Affiliated Tourism Group
Meanwhile, the Nepal National Tourism Entrepreneurs Organization, close to the CPN-UML, has already declared Tikaram Gurung as its official candidate for the presidency. Tikaram is also a former secretary of the NMA and a successful Everest summiteer.
Known for his field experience and close association with mountaineering communities, Tikaram Gurung’s candidacy is expected to appeal to professionals seeking leadership that understands the challenges on the ground. His prior roles have shown commitment to climbers’ safety, mountaineering ethics, and logistical improvements in expedition management.
With backing from left-leaning tourism business groups, Tikaram’s campaign is likely to focus on reforms aimed at increasing accessibility and equity within Nepal’s climbing industry while strengthening the NMA’s internal governance.
Thakur Raj Pandey Joins the Race with a Social Media Declaration
Adding more intrigue to the election race, Thakur Raj Pandey, the current senior vice president of NMA, has announced his intention to run for president via a Facebook post. While no official organizational endorsement has been declared yet, Pandey is affiliated with the Nepal Tourism Entrepreneurs Association, a group aligned with the CPN (Maoist Centre).
Pandey’s experience within the NMA and his long involvement in tourism politics make him a strong contender. However, the lack of formal nomination from his organization has created speculation about whether he will run independently or form a coalition with other like-minded groups. Political observers and tourism insiders note that his move could either split the votes or force realignments within the left-leaning voter base.
Strategic Alliances and Political Balance Expected to Shape the Election
Given the multi-party affiliations of tourism business organizations, the upcoming NMA election on Bhadra 7, 2082 (August 23, 2025) is expected to be shaped by strategic alliances and coalition-building. In past elections, parties have often entered into electoral alliances to ensure victory for their respective factions. The trend is likely to continue this time, as informal talks and negotiations among various groups are reportedly already underway.
Organizations close to the Maoist Centre, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and the CPN (Unified Socialist) are currently observing the evolving landscape with a “wait and watch” strategy. They are expected to declare their positions based on the political calculus and potential coalition advantages as the election date nears.
A joint dialogue committee formed among several groups suggests that intense back-channel negotiations are ongoing, which could lead to unexpected partnerships or withdrawals in favor of stronger common candidates.
As the election day approaches, the candidacy of Kul Bahadur Gurung, Tikaram Gurung, and Thakurraj Pandey has set the stage for one of the most competitive NMA leadership contests in recent years. Each candidate brings unique strengths, be it field experience, institutional knowledge, or political alignment.
The outcome will not only determine the new face of NMA leadership but also shape the future direction of Nepal’s mountain tourism sector, particularly in areas such as policy reform, climber safety, labor rights, and sustainable development.
