The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly train mountain guides and build skilled human resources for Nepal’s mountain tourism sector.
Quick Answer
The Nepal Mountaineering Association and the Sustainable Tourism Project – a joint initiative of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and UNDP Nepal – signed an MoU to run specialized mountaineering training programs at Api Himal, Kanchenjunga, and Manaslu, aimed at improving guide safety standards and professional capacity in Nepal’s Himalayan tourism industry.
What Does the MoU Cover?
The agreement focuses on three outcomes:
- Professional capacity building for mountain guides and tourism workers
- Improved mountaineering skills through structured, location-based training
- Sustainable tourism practices across Nepal’s Himalayan tourism industry
What Training Programs Are Planned?
Under the MoU, the NMA will run three specialized training programs:
| Program | Level | Location |
| Mountain Guide Summer Skill | Basic Mountaineering Training | Api Himal |
| Mountain Guide Winter Skill | Advanced Mountaineering Training | Kanchenjunga |
| Mountain Leader Training (Summer Skill) | Leadership Training | Manaslu |
Training schedules and further details will be announced soon by the concerned authorities.
Who Signed the MoU?
For the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA):
- Mr. Fur Gelje Sherpa – President
- Mr. Rajendra Bahadur Lama – General Secretary
- Ms. Sumi Lama – Treasurer
For the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP):
- Mr. Hikmat Singh Ayer – National Project Director and Officiating CEO, Nepal Tourism Board
- Mr. Khadga Bikram Shah – National Project Coordinator
- Mr. Dharmaraj Dawadi – National Project Manager
Who Is Behind the Sustainable Tourism Project?
The Sustainable Tourism Project is a joint initiative of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal. It works to support sustainable and inclusive tourism development across the country.
Why Does This Matter for Nepal’s Tourism Industry?
Nepal is home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, and continues to attract adventure seekers from around the globe. Developing skilled and responsible mountain professionals is essential for ensuring safe, quality, and sustainable experiences for visitors. The partnership is expected to:
- Create new professional development opportunities for guides
- Strengthen safety standards in mountaineering
- Support Nepal’s broader vision for sustainable mountain tourism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NMA and Sustainable Tourism Project MoU about?
It is an agreement between the Nepal Mountaineering Association and the Sustainable Tourism Project to jointly develop skilled human resources, including guides, for Nepal’s mountain tourism sector through specialized training programs.
Where will the NMA training programs be held?
The training programs will take place at three locations: Api Himal (Basic Mountaineering Training), Kanchenjunga (Advanced Mountaineering Training), and Manaslu (Mountain Leader Training).
What is the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP)?
The Sustainable Tourism Project is a joint initiative of the Nepal Tourism Board and UNDP Nepal that supports sustainable and inclusive tourism development in the country.
When will the training schedules be announced?
The concerned authorities will announce full training schedules and further details soon.
Who signed the MoU on behalf of NMA and STP?
NMA was represented by President Fur Gelje Sherpa, General Secretary Rajendra Bahadur Lama, and Treasurer Sumi Lama. STP was represented by National Project Director Hikmat Singh Ayer, National Project Coordinator Khadga Bikram Shah, and National Project Manager Dharmaraj Dawadi.
