NTB Hands Over Rescue Equipment to Strengthen Safety of Mountain Climbers
Kathmandu – In a move to enhance the safety and preparedness of mountain climbers and trekkers in Nepal, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has handed over a set of high-altitude rescue equipment to the Himalaya Rescue Association Nepal (HRA). The equipment handover ceremony took place on Thursday at NTB’s office in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, marking a significant step toward improving emergency response capacity in the Everest and Annapurna regions—two of Nepal’s most popular and challenging trekking destinations.
The initiative aims to ensure better safety standards and effective rescue operations in high-altitude areas where climbers often face unpredictable weather conditions, avalanches, and altitude-related health risks.
Speaking at the event, NTB Chief Executive Officer Deepak Raj Joshi highlighted the Board’s ongoing commitment to protecting the lives of both domestic and international mountain tourists. “Nepal’s Himalayas are a global attraction. The Nepal Tourism Board is fully committed to ensuring the safety of climbers and visitors. We view our cooperation with the Rescue Association as an important step towards sustainable mountain tourism,” he said.
NTB board member Narendra Dev Bhatt echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that rescue operations play a crucial role in strengthening Nepal’s image as a safe and reliable adventure destination. “Rescue efforts are not only about saving lives in emergencies but also about building Nepal’s global credibility as a responsible tourism hub,” Bhatt remarked. He further mentioned that the Board plans to enhance coordination and organization in rescue and risk management efforts in the coming years.
Another NTB board member, Rishi Bhandari, underlined the connection between mountain safety and environmental sensitivity. “Ensuring safety in the Himalayan region is closely linked with respecting the fragile mountain environment. This support will promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices,” he said.
HRA President Dambar Parajuli, while receiving the equipment, expressed gratitude to NTB for the timely assistance. “Rescue equipment is extremely necessary while working in challenging regions like Everest and Annapurna. This support from the Board will make our rescue operations more effective and quicker,” he noted.
The equipment handed over includes 20 carabiners, 4 mechanical ascenders, 5 descenders, 4 pulleys, 5 slings, 5 ice screws and pickets, 4 belay devices, 4 anchors, and 5 sleeping bags.
The ceremony was attended by NTB Senior Officer Hikmat Singh Air, Senior Manager Archana KC, HRA CEO Govinda Basyal, and other officials from both organizations, along with representatives from the mountain tourism sector. The event was facilitated by NTB Senior Officer Siddhartha Bishwakarma.
During the program, NTB reaffirmed its commitment to expanding collaboration with the private sector and local communities to enhance rescue infrastructure and ensure climber safety across Nepal’s Himalayan regions. The Board also emphasized the importance of preparedness and coordination among stakeholders to maintain Nepal’s reputation as one of the world’s top destinations for mountain adventure.
With this initiative, NTB aims to not only strengthen immediate rescue capabilities but also promote a long-term vision of safe, sustainable, and responsible mountain tourism in Nepal.
