Tourism Board Hands Over Rescue Equipment for the Safety of Mountain Climbers

Kathmandu — Prioritizing the safety of mountain climbers and trekkers, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has handed over emergency rescue equipment to the Himalaya Rescue Association Nepal (Himalaya Rescue Association). The equipment was handed over on Thursday at the Board’s office in Bhrikutimandap to strengthen rescue efforts in the Everest and Annapurna regions.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, NTB’s Chief Executive Officer Deepak Raj Joshi said the board has been continuously working to ensure the safety of Nepal’s mountain tourists. He said, “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.”

Similarly, NTB board member Narendra Dev Bhatt stated that rescue operations are not only a matter of emergency response but also an important means of building the global credibility of Nepal’s tourism sector. He added that rescue and risk management efforts will be strengthened and better organized in the days ahead. Another board member, Rishi Bhandari, emphasized that safety in the Himalayan region is closely linked with environmental sensitivity, and this support will contribute to promoting responsible tourism.

After receiving the equipment, Himalaya Rescue Association President Dambar Parajuli expressed gratitude to NTB, saying, “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.”

The program was attended by NTB Senior Officer Hikmat Singh Air, Senior Manager Archana KC, HRA CEO Govinda Basyal, other officials of the association, NTB representatives, and individuals working in mountain tourism. The session was facilitated by NTB Senior Officer Siddhartha Bishwakarma.

On the occasion, the Board handed over the following items to the Association:

20 carabiners

4 mechanical ascenders

5 descenders

4 pulleys

5 slings

5 ice screws and pickets

4 belay devices

4 anchors

5 sleeping bags

The Nepal Tourism Board also expressed its commitment to expand collaboration with the private sector and local communities to further strengthen rescue and safety infrastructure in the Himalayan region in the future.