KATHMANDU: The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) celebrated its 52nd anniversary with a ceremony honoring distinguished climbers, journalists, and staff who have contributed to Nepal’s mountain tourism, on Saturday.

Speaking at the event organised at its Nagpokhari-based secretariat, newly appointed Director General of the Department of Tourism, Ramkrishna Lamichhane, praised the NMA’s long-standing role in promoting mountain tourism and assured full government cooperation.

“I am fully aware of the NMA’s contributions to Nepal’s mountain tourism,” Lamichhane said. “Promotion of mountain tourism is impossible without the NMA’s support. I will personally work towards ensuring that NMA gets the legal status of a government organization during the amendment of the Tourism Act.”

NMA President Fur Gelje Sherpa outlined new initiatives endorsed by the association’s 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM), including plans to establish an Adventure Tourism University and revive NMA’s Basic and Advanced Mountaineering Training, Professional Mountain Guide, and Professional Mountain Leader courses.

“To prevent our youth from seeking jobs abroad and to make mountain tourism more sustainable, we plan to establish an Adventure Tourism University in Nepal,” Sherpa said. “We also aim to strengthen local capacity through rescue training programs in mountain regions and seek collaboration from all tourism-related institutions, including the Department of Tourism.”

The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of prestigious mountaineering and journalism awards. Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, who climbed all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters without a down feather outfit, received the Kumar Khadga Bikram Shah Adventure Award. Siddhi Bahadur Tamang, record-holder for six summits of Mt K2, was honored with the Dr. Harka Gurung Mountaineering Award. Sub Inspector Kunjang Tshopel Sherpa, the first female officer from Nepal Police to summit Mt Everest, was presented with the Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Adventurous Women Mountaineer Award. Each awardee received a gold-plated medal.

In the journalism category, Suraj Kunwar and Pawan Phuyal received the Dawa Norbu Mountain Journalism Award, along with a cash prize of Rs 20,000 each. NMA’s Pramila Sigdel was named Best Staff of the Year for FY 2081/82 and received Rs 10,000.

Earlier, DG Lamichhane inaugurated the ceremony by watering a plant, symbolizing growth and renewal. Damber Parajuli, President of the Expedition Operators’ Association Nepal (EOA-Nepal) and Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), expressed readiness to partner with NMA in advancing Nepal’s tourism sector.

The event was attended by government officials, representatives from tourism organizations, NMA members, and media professionals, marking more than five decades of the NMA’s contribution to Nepal’s mountaineering legacy.