NMA’s 50th anniversary celebrations to bring together alpine clubs and mountain enthusiasts

Kathmandu / OCT 29: The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is gearing up for its 50th-anniversary celebrations with a series of exciting programs and events, promising to be a milestone in the world of mountain adventure and tourism.

The highlight of these celebrations is the annual general meeting of the Asian Mountaineering Federation, also known as the Union of Asian Alpine Associations (UAAA). This event will take place on October 31, 2023, at Hotel Marriott and will be hosted by the NMA. Delegates from 18 alpine clubs across the Asian continent are expected to attend this gathering, which will be presided over by Bharatmani Subedi, the secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. The assembly aims to fortify Nepal’s position as a global hub for mountain tourism.

In addition to this, the NMA will also commemorate its 50th year of establishment with a special event at the Army Officers Club, Bhadrakali, under the auspices of President Ram Chandra Paudel. Distinguished guests will include government ministers, special officials, the President of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) Peter Miur, the President of the Asian Mountaineering Federation (UAAA) Dr Inn Jeoung Lee, world-renowned climbers, and representatives from various associations. At this gathering, the prestigious Kumar Khadga Bikram Shah Talent Award, Dawa Narbu Sherpa Mountain Tourism Journalism Award, and Dr Harka Gurung Mountain Prize will be presented to deserving individuals.

Nima Nuru Sherpa, the president of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), has reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to positioning Nepal as a premier destination for adventure tourism. He emphasized that mountaineering is a unique industry that Nepal can proudly call its own, and the NMA is working diligently to transform the country into a haven for adventure enthusiasts.

Sherpa stated, “Mountaineering stands as a defining industry that we can truly call our own. The NMA is dedicated to elevating Nepal to the status of a ‘Shangri-La’ for adventure tourism enthusiasts. We are actively advocating climate change awareness and its profound impact on mountain regions on various international platforms.”

Notably, the NMA has introduced the Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Women’s Adventure Mountaineer Award in honor of the late Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, a national luminary. This award, to be presented annually, is designed to recognize and encourage women’s contributions to mountain tourism. For its inaugural year, the award will be bestowed upon Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita, an accomplished woman climber who has conquered 10 of the world’s 14 mountains towering above 8,000 meters, setting a world record in the process.

To further promote the significance of Nepal’s mountain landscapes and their vulnerability to climate change, the NMA will organize a program to unfurl the national flag of Nepal at Kala Patthar, near Everest Base Camp. This symbolic gesture, under the guidance of the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation of the Government of Nepal, Sudan Kiranti, will illuminate the path from Lumbini, with the lighting of the peace lamp, through Kathmandu, and culminate in hoisting the national flag. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on the mountains, resonating with a message of hope for the preservation of these natural wonders.