POKHARA: The 23rd International Mountain Museum (IMM) Day was celebrated with a special ceremony at the museum premises in Gharipatan, Pokhara, on Thursday, highlighting the museum’s role in preserving Nepal’s mountaineering heritage.

The event was inaugurated by Chief Justice of the Pokhara High Court, Dr. Ratna Bahadur Bagchand, who underscored the importance of the International Mountain Museum in documenting and safeguarding Nepal’s rich history of mountaineering. Addressing the programme, he said that as a mountainous nation, Nepal has a strong mountaineering legacy and preserving this history is a shared national responsibility.

On the occasion, Chief Justice Bagchand also inaugurated a photo exhibition jointly organised by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Karkonosze Museum of Poland, showcasing various aspects of mountain culture and mountaineering activities.

Speaking at the programme, NMA President Fur Gelje Sherpa highlighted the vast potential of mountain tourism in Nepal. He said mountain tourism could emerge as one of the country’s largest contributors to the national economy if it receives adequate priority and support from the government. He added that despite its potential, the sector remains underdeveloped due to limited policy focus.

Established in 2004, the International Mountain Museum is one of the flagship projects of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. Located in Pokhara, it has grown into a major tourist attraction and plays a significant role in conserving the natural environment, mountain culture, and heritage of Nepal’s Himalayan communities, while also promoting mountain tourism.

The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Poland for Nepal Lokmanya Golchha, General Secretary of Pokhara Tourism Council Jeewan Raj Sapkota, Managing Director of Go Bunjee Nepal Meena Baral Lama, and President of the NMA Gandaki Provincial Committee Bikas Gurung, who congratulated the museum on completing 23 years of operation.