KATHMANDU: The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has entered a new chapter as its newly elected Executive Committee officially took the oath of office on Friday, pledging to strengthen Nepal’s mountain tourism and safeguard the welfare of climbing communities.

Tourism entrepreneur Phur Gyalje Sherpa assumed the presidency following elections held on August 23, 2025. At a formal ceremony in Kathmandu, Chief Election Officer Bhawesh Gautam administered the oath of office and presented certificates to the newly elected members.

The handover saw outgoing General Secretary Mohan Lamsal pass the minute book to newly elected General Secretary Rajendra Bahadur Lama, while outgoing Treasurer Mukti Pandey handed over financial responsibilities to Sumi Moktan and Ngima Nurbu Sherpa. As the two treasurers tied in votes, they will share the role by serving half of the term each.

Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing President Nima Nuru Sherpa thanked members for their trust and highlighted achievements such as launching a government-approved mountaineering curriculum, expanding insurance facilities for mountain guides, and setting up welfare funds for the families of climbers. He emphasized transparency in decision-making and urged the new leadership to continue prioritizing training and welfare.

During his term, NMA collected over Rs. 35 crore in royalties from 27 peaks and deposited the amount in the government’s account.

In his first remarks as President, Phur Gyalje Sherpa expressed gratitude for the foundations laid by the outgoing team and pledged to continue programs with “utmost priority.” He added, “Our focus will remain on training, welfare, and strengthening Nepal’s mountain tourism while ensuring the well-being of our climbing communities.”

The ceremony was attended by Hon. Yankila Sherpa, member of Bagmati Province Parliament, and Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi, Director General of the Department of Tourism, both of whom commended the outgoing team for their contributions and extended best wishes to the new leadership.

Other newly elected office bearers include Senior Vice President Ishwori Paudel, First Vice President Mingma Gyabu Sherpa, and Second Vice President Bodh Raj Bhandari. Alongside them, 20 members were elected to the Central Executive Board, with additional representation from book holder members and the Department of Tourism, completing the 27-member NMA Central Executive Board.

With the new leadership now in place, NMA looks ahead to its next three years—balancing the promotion of mountaineering tourism with the protection and empowerment of the people who make it possible.