KATHMANDU: Families left without their main breadwinner after mountaineering accidents will receive structured financial support of up to Rs 570,000 a year under a new livelihood programme aimed at helping them regain economic stability.

The Shangri-La Nepal Foundation (SNF) distributed Rs 7.8555 million to affected families at a programme in Kathmandu on Friday, marking the first of two annual instalments under its Sustainable Livelihood and Capacity Building for Families of Mountaineering and Adventure Tourism Workers project.

The support is aimed at families whose sole breadwinner—a mountain guide, porter or other expedition worker—died above base camp due to an avalanche or other unforeseen casualty during a mountaineering or adventure-tourism expedition.

Under the current project, each beneficiary family will receive Rs 570,000 annually in two instalments for three years, with the possibility of extending the assistance for another two years. The maximum support period is therefore five years.

Among the families receiving support are those of Pemba Tashi Sherpa, Wong Dorchi Sherpa, Lakpa Nuru Sherpa, Ngima Tenji Sherpa, Khudam Bir Tamang, Anup Rai, Dawa Chhiring Sherpa, Furcheter Sherpa, Mingma Ongdi Sherpa, Pemba Tenzing Sherpa, Lakpa Rita Sherpa, Dawa Tseri Sherpa, Phurba Sherpa, Ang Kami Sherpa, Mingmar Sherpa, Tenjen (Lama) Sherpa, Lhakpa Tenji Sherpa, Pas Tenji Sherpa, Nawang Sherpa, Ngima Tashi Sherpa, Rima Rinje Sherpa, Ngima Dorchi Sherpa, Pem Chhiring Sherpa, Padam Tamang, Mere Karki and Urgyen Lendu Sherpa. These casualties span expeditions on Everest, Lhotse, Manaslu, Ama Dablam, Shishapangma, Makalu and Yalung Ri between 2021 and 2025.

At Friday’s programme, 25 families received Rs 285,000 each, while one received Rs 227,500 and another Rs 215,000 based on their previous benefits. Four families who had already completed five years of livelihood support received Rs 72,000 each as discretionary assistance.

The foundation said the discretionary support is intended for families that have completed the five-year livelihood support period but continue to face economic difficulties. Their needs are assessed jointly by The Juniper Fund and Shangri-La Nepal Foundation.

The programme, funded by The Juniper Fund, is not limited to cash assistance. It includes entrepreneurship support for small businesses, vocational and skills training, educational scholarships, psychosocial rehabilitation, youth development and women’s empowerment programmes.

Children from beneficiary families can receive full scholarships for Grades 11 and 12, while family members can access training ranging from trekking-guide and language courses to tailoring, barista and cooking skills.

The project covers all wards of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and is designed to provide immediate relief while helping affected families develop longer-term livelihood opportunities.

Foundation founding chairman Jiban Ghimire chaired Thursday’s programme, while Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Chairman Mingma Chhiri Sherpa was the chief guest.