KATHMANDU: The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and Chinese Mountaineering Association (CMA) have discussed cooperation in mountain tourism, professional guide training, high-altitude rescue and the development of climbing routes during an NMA delegation's six-day visit to Sichuan Province.

The NMA delegation, led by President Fur Gelje Sherpa, visited Kangding and Hailuogou in Ganzi Prefecture from September 18 to 23 at the invitation of the CMA. The delegation also held meetings with local government officials, Ganzi Prefecture leaders and representatives of Sichuan provincial authorities.

The two sides discussed exchanging technical knowledge and expertise in mountaineering, mountain guiding, high-altitude search and rescue, mountain safety, sport climbing, adventure tourism and environmental conservation.

NMA President Sherpa said Nepal was ready to share its experience in mountaineering and mountain rescue with Chinese counterparts, particularly in professional guide training and high-altitude rescue. He also briefed the Chinese side on the NMA's 1,696-hour Professional Mountain Guide Course approved by the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training.

The associations also discussed surveying and assessing suitable peaks and establishing climbing routes in the region in coordination with Chinese authorities. Nepali mountaineering experts could share experience in route opening, expedition preparation, climbing safety and high-altitude operations, according to the NMA.

During the visit, the delegation observed mountain tourism infrastructure in Kangding and Hailuogou, including roads, tunnels, bridges, cable cars, trails, accommodation and logistical facilities. The delegation also observed river-management and disaster-prevention structures intended to reduce risks from landslides, flooding and river erosion.

The official NMA delegation comprised General Secretary Rajendra Bahadur Lama and Treasurer Sumi Lama alongside President Sherpa. Representatives of Nepal-China friendship forums, tourism entrepreneurs, writers and Nepali students studying in Sichuan also participated in the exchange programme.