KATHMANDU: The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association has commenced the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA/UIAGM/IVBV) accredited Final Diploma Course under the Mountain Guide Certification Course (MGCC)–2026 for aspirant guides from the 2022/23 batch.

According to NNMGA, the 19-day intensive training programme, excluding approach and return days, will officially begin on February 25 in Manang. The course will be conducted in the vicinity of Mt. Chulu East (6,584m), a technically demanding peak in the Annapurna region that offers varied alpine terrain suitable for advanced guide training.

The training team departed for Manang on February 22 and was formally seen off by NNMGA Vice President Lakpa Sherpa and General Secretary Pimba Tenjing Bhote. General Secretary Rajendra Lama and delegates from the Nepal Mountaineering Association were also present at the send-off ceremony.

The diploma-level course comprises intensive practical sessions, refresher modules, continuous assessments and final examinations. Eight eligible aspirant guides are participating in the programme.

The training crew is led by Senior Instructor Lambabu Sherpa as Education Chief. The instructor team includes Jyamchang Bhote, Pasang Kaji Sherpa, Lopsang Sherpa and Pemba Rita Sherpa.

The IFMGA-accredited programme is being jointly conducted by NNMGA and the Nepal Mountaineering Association in collaboration with the Nepal Mountain Academy as a strategic partner, under the framework of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations.

NNMGA expressed confidence that the course will further strengthen Nepal’s professional mountain guiding standards and extended best wishes to the participants for the successful completion of the training and their future careers in the international mountaineering sector.