Nepal launches specialized training to Strengthen Mountain Tourism

Kathmandu: Nepal Tourism Board, the Sustainable Tourism Project jointly supported by the United Nations Development Programme Nepal, and the Nepal Mountaineering Association have signed an agreement to conduct specialized mountaineering training in different mountain regions of the country.

Under the partnership, three training programs will be organized in the Api, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga regions to develop skilled and professional workers for Nepal’s mountain tourism sector.

The Api region will host a Mountain Guide Summer Skill course, focused on basic mountaineering training. An advanced winter mountaineering course will be held in the Kanchenjunga region, while the Manaslu region will conduct Mountain Leader Training with summer skills.

Hikmat Singh Air, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board and National Project Director of the Sustainable Tourism Project, said mountain tourism remains one of Nepal’s strongest identities and competitive sectors. He stressed that trained human resources are essential for making the industry safer, more professional, and sustainable.

According to Air, the partnership with the Nepal Mountaineering Association is expected to help produce mountaineering professionals who meet international standards and improve Nepal’s ability to deliver quality services in high-altitude tourism.

The memorandum was signed by NMA President Phur Gelje Sherpa, General Secretary Rajendra Bahadur Lama, and Treasurer Sumi Lama. On behalf of the tourism board and project team, it was signed by Hikmat Singh Air, National Project Coordinator Khadga Bikram Shah, and National Project Manager Dharma Raj Dawadi.