Nepal to celebrate 70 years of Mt Everest ascent

Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary – for the first time – reached the top of the world on May 29, 1953. And it has been 70 years since the highest peak in the world Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) was scaled by humans.

Nepal is celebrating the seven decades of Sagarmatha ascent, in commemoration of the human feet on the top of the world. Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) confirmed that a platinum jubilee function celebration will be organised in a grand manner on May 29, 2023.

The government has formed a main organising committee under tourism secretary Suresh Adhikari. The committee includes representations from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), NMA, Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).

According to NMA, the committee has started working with a calendar to make the platinum jubilee celebration a grand event. The guests from various countries will be invited, the NMA informed, adding that all Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) climbers from across the world are being invited. They will also be honoured during an event ‘Everest Summit.’ 

A special programme is being organised at Khumjung of Solukhumbu on May 29, according to former chair and chief advisor of NMA Ang Chhiring Sherpa. “The programme is scheduled to be attended by Tenjing Norgey's son Jamling Tenjing Sherpa and Hillary's son Peter Hillary,” he said, adding that a separate programme will also be held in Kathmandu, after concluding the formal programme at Khumjung. “There will also a record-keeping competition among the climbers, including Kami Rita Sherpa, who has scaled Mt Everest for 26 times.”

The platinum jubilee celebrations is expected to send a new message across the world and give Nepal much needed promotion to lure more trekkers as the event will be covered by the international media.

Nepal is home to eight highest peaks of over 8,000-meter. Some 7,000 national and foreign climbers have reached the top of the world till date.

NMA general secretary Gurung nominated for UIAA

 Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) general secretary Kul Bahadur Gurung has been nominated for the candidacy of general representative in the management committee of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), according to a press note issued by the NMA.

“Gurung is the second person to be elected in UIAA in the 48 years of history of NMA after former president of NMA Zimba Jangbu Sherpa,” the press note reads, adding that this was his second attempt to be on the UIAA committee. “The four-year term of general representative is considered a very important opportunity to have a clear debate and proposal in the international forum on Nepal’s mountain tourism.”

Gurung has been nominated during the general assembly held online on October 23-24.

Established as the technical wing of mountaineering for the government, the NMA has been managing 27 different peaks of Nepal on behalf of the government.

Since the establishment, NMA is the only association that has been conducting various mountaineering training to produce technical human resources for mountaineering in Nepal coordinating and cooperating with UIAA and UAAA as well as other different mountaineering federations.

Working in the mountain tourism sector for the last 28 years, Gurung is from Ruby Valley of Dhading district.

Founded in 1932 UIAA is an international federation for climbing and mountaineering and has global presence on six continents representing 89 member associations and federations in 66 countries. The UIAA has been recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1995.

Mountain guides demand social security

The mountain guides have asked the government to ensure social security for them.
While marking the 14th National Mountain Guide Day here today, they said that the mountain guides are the backbone of the climbing industry and the government must work for their betterment.
President of Nepal National Mountain Guide Association Ang Norbu Sherpa said that mountain guides are often low-paid and also there is no guarantee of social security. “The guides always risk their lives to support the expedition members so their contribution to the climbing industry must be honoured,” he said, adding that mountain guides worked for the welfare and safety of climbing members but the concerned stakeholders have not increased their investment in them.
On the occasion, the association also awarded certificates to five new IFMGA mountain guides and four aspirant guides, who successfully completed the 11th batch of NNMGA course in 2019.
Tourism secretary Kedar Bahadur Adhikari, director general at the Department of Tourism Dandu Raj Ghimire and association president Sherpa jointly awarded certificates to 11 guides, who completed the level IV of the National Skill Testing Board exams under CTEVT. “The association is committed to providing necessary trainings to produce trained manpower, provide quality service and minimise risks relating to mountaineering,” Sherpa said, adding that the association has also inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) for five years to jointly conduct mountain and aspirant guides training courses. “The Aspirant Guide Course, which consists of three components spread over a span of 10 months, incorporates a total of 47 training days.”
It is the first step to pursue advanced International Mountain Guide – IFMGA – he said, adding that after completing two years in the guiding field, aspirant guides can take IFMGA exam by fulfilling additional criteria. “Two trekking peak ascents, one expedition style ascent with at least two camps in altitude and eight days of ascents – without clients – on all type of terrain are other criteria for aspirant guides to take part in IFMGA course. “The association had launched aspirant guide training in 2007 while the first batch of international mountain guide graduated in 2009.”

Tourism agencies announce discount offers

As the Visit Nepal Year 2020 (VNY2020) starts in two days, tourism agencies have announced discount offers to encourage foreigners to prolong their stay in Nepal and also visit frequently.
The VNY2020 being launched with formal programme on January 1 warrants attention and engagement of the people from diverse sectors for its grand success. Tourism ministers from 10 countries and special guests from various 40 countries will take part in the inaugural ceremony of the VNY2020.
Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) has decided to provide 30 per cent discount on its services, according to the first vice chair of HAN Binayak Shah.
There are some 2,000 hotels including the luxury star hotels affiliated to HAN, which can accommodate some 2.5 million guests.
Likewise, Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) is also launching promotional activities and providing 20 per cent discount on its service, whereas Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) is going to provide concession of 10 per cent to the service seekers. Similarly, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATA) has offered 10 per cent discount on its services on the occasion of VNY2020. According to NATA president CN Pandey, the customers, who purchase tour packages through NATA-associated travel agencies shall be provided 10 per cent discount in its services. Similarly, Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA) president Ganga Prasad Nepal shared that NARA has announced 15 per cent discount for rafting and other water-related adventure sports to the foreign visitors on the occasion.
Likewise, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is also going to announce some package for the tourists, whereas Homestay Association's president Keshav Badal informed that foreign guests choosing homestay will be offered up to 20 per cent discount on lodging and foods. There are more than 600 homestays being run in 57 districts and are associated with the association.
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter president Bidhutichand Thakur also informed that PATA Nepal Chapter is going to organise various promotional events targeting the VNY2020, one of which is Nepal, India, China Expo ('NICE' event) coming February.
Thamel Development Council is also going to organise various promotional events round the year in 2020.

TAAN suggests policy reforms

Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has requested the government to reform policy to promote the tourism sector.
A delegation TAAN – while meeting with minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai at his office today – suggested immediate policy reform in the tourism sector.
The delegation led by TAAN president Khum Bahadur Subedi also handed over a memo to the minister.
President Subedi drew the attention of the minister to two foreign trekkers, who have gone missing in Rasuwa for the last 10 days and also requested for effective implementation of TIMS in all trekking areas. He urged to make trekking guide and porter mandatory for all trekkers and use government registered trekking company.
Similarly, TAAN general secretary Sarita Lama read out the suggestions provided by TAAN and asked the minister to advise Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to issue TIMS card online. She further requested to implement Group TIMS effectively and abolish Individual (FIT) TIMS card as well as the practice of collecting Rs 1,500 collected by Sagarmatha National Park from guides.
The delegation strongly appealed with the minister to impose 5 per cent Tax on trekking and mountaineering sector, annul the VAT levied against the use of porter, mule and yak services and halt Kathmandu–Lukla flights completely in order to promote flight on Ramechhap–Lukla sector.
Minister Bhattrai, on the occasion, congratulating the newly elected executive committee of TAAN said that safety of tourist is the government’s utmost responsibility so taking a guide or a porter while trekking is essential to ensuring security of tourist. In order to resolve the problems faced by trekking entrepreneurs, minister Bhattarai assured to organise a joint meeting with the Tourism Ministry, Ministry of Forests and Environment, Department of Tourism, Inland Revenue Department, Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA.
The TAAN delegation comprised of senior vice-president Nabin Trital, general secretary Sarita Lama, secretary Damodar Dhakal, joint treasurer Surya Kumar Shrestha, executive members Simbir Ghale, Sanam Sherpa and Prem Bahadur Lama.

Phurba equals Appa record, climbs Mt Everest for 21st times

Phurba Tashi Sherpa has equaled Appa Sherpa as it conquered the Mt Everest for the 21st time today.

He has equalised the world record of most ascents on Mt Everest, a record of Appa Sherpa, who was the only man in the history to assault the highest mountain in the world for a record 21^st times, according to Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).
Phurba climbed Mt Everest on May 10, for the 20^th times and today for the 21st times. He had climbed Mt Everest three times in the 2007 season, and twice in 2011.

IMM lures foreign, domestic tourists alike

International Mountain Museum (IMM) has become one of the most popular destinations for the tourists and locals in the lake city of Pokhara.
"Since its establishment eight years ago, the museum has seen about 667,019 visitors, including domestic and foreigners," the chief of International Mountain Museum Bal Prasad Rai said, adding that the museum has also been able to generate revenue of Rs 43.5 million since its operations.
Of the total visitors, the students frequent the museum the most as some 342,185 students have visited IMM generating revenue of Rs 8.1 million, Rai, who is also a museologist, said.
Domestic tourists come second in terms of number of museum goers with 178,389 Nepalis have entered the museum, according to the records.However, foreign tourists are the largest contributor — despite relatively smaller footfalls — in terms of revenue. The revenue generated from the foreigners amount to Rs 22.8 million.
The IMM is a tribute to mountains and mountaineers as an effort to preserve the history of the mountain climbing expeditions in Nepal by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).
The construction of the museum that was opened for visitors since February 2004 construction began in 1996. It covers an area of 4,242-sq metres. The museum offers the geography, ecology, and culture of the Himalayas exhibiting the history of mountaineering.
The museum is divided into five halls showcasing the Himalaya, hall of international mountains, hall of expeditions, hall of fame and exhibition hall. It also houses library to facilitate research."A full time senior JICA volunteer helps with the day to day operation of the museum," he added.
Of its five main galleries, the Gallery of the Mountain People of the World showcases the articles of the mountain people that represent their culture, like their dresses, ornaments and implements used in their daily life. The gallery exhibits geological information of the world mountain system including their origin and mountain habitat.
The Hall of the Himalayas displays the notable peaks in the Himalayan range along with its rich flora and fauna. It also houses the multi-ethnic diversity and their occupations in the region. The Hall of Internal Mountains displays the Nepal's mountain ranges and peaks in addition to the cultural diversity of tribes residing in the mountain regions.
Likewise, Hall of Fame displays the feats of great mountaineers, memorable events associated with them and famous explorers, research and discoveries.
Likewise, the Hall of Expeditions displays the history of mountaineering, types of equipment used, development of mountaineering techniques, and famous expeditions in the Himalayas.
One of the key attractions of the museum is the model of Mt Manaslu that stands 31 feet from the ground. The museum now houses research and conference halls as well as a 21 metres tall artificial climbing wall in its premises. It is an attempt at recording and documenting natural history and culture of the Himalayas as well as all the mountains of the world.

Fishtail Air rescues french trekker

A lone French trekker Dominique Alvernhe, who was marooned at Chola Pass Glacier for about two days has been rescued by the Fishtail Air.
After two days, he could contact his parents back home, who quickly relayed the incident to the French Embassy in Nepal and the embassy immediately asked the Airlines for the rescue, said the Fishtail.
Alvernhe had fractured his arm and a leg while on his way at Chola Pass (5420m) on January 20.
"The veteran pilots Captain Deepak J B Rana and Captain Ashish Sherchan took off some Sherpa guides from Kathmandu on January 21 as soon as the location of Dominique was relayed," it said, adding that the 9N-AJI (AS 350 B3) chopper carried out a reconnaissance over head the location. Though, they located Dominique, due to very strong winds, they gave up the mission on January 21 and Sunday early morning, Dominique was eventually was rescued and flown to Kathmandu.
The whole dramatic operation was conducted in co-ordination with the French Embassy in Nepal and Dominique Alvernhe’s parents.
Similarly, a team of 14 -- including 10 Everest summiters -- who became stranded due to bad weather after carrying Nepal's tourism torch to a lesser peak, has also begun to be rescued.
Ten Everest heroes, who had created a record, stranded in Lukla, a mountainous region in north considered the gateway to the Himalayan peaks, since January 17.
They included Temba Tsheri Sherpa, who at 16 had been the youngest climber to summit Mt Everest in 2001, and Pemba Dorje Sherpa, who holds the record for the fastest ascent at 8hour 10 minutes.
They were part of the 14-member team, including three tourism officials and Zimba Zangbu Sherpa, president of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), which had headed towards Mt Ama Dablam earlier this month.