IInd National Wall Climbing Competition

IInd National Wall Climbing Competition was conducted from 3-5 Feb at Maurice Herzog & Louis Lachenal Climbing Competition Wall at International Mountain Museum (IMM). Senior General Member and IMM advisor Mr. Dinesh Gurung inaugurated the program by lighting panas. NMA General Secretary and Convener - Sports Climbing Committee Mr. Deebas Bikram Shah shade light on the objectives of organizing such type climbing competition in IMM. He also informed that NMA received the full membership of International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) and an organizing committee was formed to conduct this training. Mr. Nawang Nima Sherpa, Route Setter, briefed the competitors about the rules and regulation of the competition where as Mr. R.P. Pant- Convener for Discipline Committee stressed about the importance of discipline in the competition. NMA Advisor Mr. Shambhu Tamang, Mr. Kamal Man Gurung, Ms. Lucky Karki and Mr. Ganesh Bahadur Bhatterai were the members of jury. Similarly, Mr. R. P. Pant, Mr. Da Gombu Sherpa and Mr. Tika Sapkota were members of judge. Altogether 43 participants (25 male and 18 female) had applied to participate in the climbing wall competition.

The final competition was held on 5 Feb among the five climbers each (male and female). After the competition of first 2 days, 3 and 4 th Feb, NMA General Secretary Mr. Deebas Bikram Shah announced the winners as Mr. Babar Sing Dulal - I st position, Mr. Jeeven Raj Sapkota- II nd position and Mr. Binod Gurung-III rd position of the competition in the male category. Likewise, he also announced Ms. Nirmal Gurung- Ist position, Ms. Januka Rai- IInd position and Ms. Radhika Rawat-IIrd position in the female category. The Chief Guest for prize distribution ceremony, Mr. Leela Mani Paudyal- Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation gave away certificates and prize money to I st, II nd and III rd men climbers, distinguished guest, French Ambassador Mr. Gilles' Henry Gaurault awarded certificates and prize money to I st, II nd and III rd female climbers.

In his speech, the chief guest appraised the effort of NMA in organizing IInd National Climbing Wall Competition in Pokhara. He hoped that this competition will help to create awareness about wall climbing among the local youths. Similarly, French Ambassador expressed his happiness to be present in the competition of special importance held in the beautiful city. He stressed that these competitions are essential for Nepal to be able to participate in the international climbing wall competition.

Interaction program on "Identification of positive role in the development of Nepalese Tourism"

NMA President Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa inaugurated the interaction program titled on "Identification of positive role in the development of Nepalese Tourism" on 4 Feb at International Mountain Museum. Mr. Bijay Gurung, Convener- Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee presented the paper. After presentation, commentators made comments on the paper. Similarly, guests, journalists, students expressed their views on the presented paper. Mr. Bhumi Lal Lama, IInd Vice President, answered the questions raised by journalist, guests during floor discussion. Finally, moderators Mr. Tikaram Sapkota, Pokhara Tourism Council and Mr. Kamal Pant, Tourism & Hotel Management College, concluding the program, thanked NMA for organizing such type of meaningful program in Pokhara. They hoped that the proceedings of the interaction program will definitely play a key role in the development of Nepalese tourism.

5th IMM Day Celebrated

The 5th Anniversary of International Mountain Museum (IMM) was celebrated on 5 Feb 2008 at IMM, Pokhara. Mr. Leela Mani Paudyal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) chaired the program as chief guest of the program. French Ambassador Mr. Gilles' Henry Gaurault was Guest of Honour. IMM Convener Mr. Bhumi Lal Lama shared information about the development activities carried out in the museum. He also highlighted on some of plans proposed for the promotion of IMM. The Chief Guest, Mr. Paudyal appraised the development and management of IMM. He expressed his hope that the museum will be a major tourism product for Pokhara. In a special program called on the dame dais, The French Ambassador handed over the cash Euro 6055 to NMA President Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa as an assistance from French Senate (Upper house) for the construction of a cover yard at Maurice Herzog Climbing Wall. He also gifted the precious artifact, an Ice-axe, to IMM, used in the first ascent of Mt. Makalu in May 15, 1955 by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy. In his speech, he expressed his satisfaction over the management of IMM and assured his full cooperation for the promotion of IMM. Finally, NMA President Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa expressed gratefulness for the support extended by Government of Nepal and French Embassy for the development of IMM.

Airport, route named after Tenzing-Hillary -12 Feb

The cabinet meeting held on 11 Feb named Lukla airport and route to Everest Base Camp (EBC) after two legendry mountaineers - Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa as Tenzing-Hillary Airport and Tenzing-Hillary Route respectively. The meeting also decided to observe May 29, the day when the two climbers had reached the Everest Summit, as 'International Mt Everest Day' in the honour of the two mountaineering legends. According to Hon'ble Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, as per the request of Nepal Mountaineering Association, government is planning to install the Hillary and Tenzing statues at the International Mountaineering Museum in Pokhara.

Langtang Tourism Development Committee-25 Feb

NMA appointed Langtang Tourism Development Committee with effect from 15 January 2008 to check climbing permits issued for the peaks of Langtang region

NMA election- 29 Feb

The Executive Board Meeting held on 29 February decided to hold the election of Executive Board of NMA on 13 June 2008.

Basic Introductory Mountaineering Training- 29 Feb

NMA, in coordination with Petzl Foundation, France conducted the first part of Basic Introductory Mountaineering Training from 3-15 Feb 2008 and 17 - 29 Feb 2008 at Kathmandu and International Mountaineers' Memorial Park, Kakani. 31 trainees participated in both the trainings