Winter Aspirant Guide Course- 1 March

The taskforce meeting held on 1 March decided to release Rs. 11,23,894 to Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) for Winter Aspirant Guide Course. The course was jointly conducted by NMA and NNMGA in Kathmandu and Lantang from 5- 23 Jan under the supervision of International Federation of Mountain Guide Association (IFMGA). The mountaineering course is believed to be the highest standard course conducted in Nepal. It was conducted by the approval of Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.

NMA endorsed for liaison officers- 1 March

NMA endorsed ten Everest Summiteers to work as liaison officers in the coming spring season. The committee comprised of the representatives from Everest Summiteers Association, Nepal Mountaineering Instructors' Association and Nepal National Mountain Guide Association recommended those ten summiteers to NMA on the basis of criteria set by Government of Nepal for liaison officers.

Symposium on "The possibility of tourism development in Karnali" – 10 March

A symposium was held on 10 March on "The possibility of tourism development in Karnali region" in Kathmandu. The participants urged the government for the formulation and implementation of such policy, which promotes the cultural and natural beauty of that area. The interaction concluded with the importance of promotion of Karnali in celebrating Nepal Tourism Year 2011. Mr. Ramchandra Man Singh, Secretary for Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation focused on the importance of such programs intended to create awareness about environment and tourism among the local people of the area. Mr. Prachanda Man Shrestha, Chief Executive Officer, Nepal Tourism Board expressed that the lakes of Karnali area: She-phoksundo, Rara, Panchadewal, Pataal Chahara and Mansarobar should be publicized to promote tourism in the region. The organizer, Karnali Tourism Development Forum, opined to organize Karnali Visit Year 2010 to promote tourism in Karnali.

Ang Chhering Sherpa to climb popular eight summits of the world- 13 March

A 41 year old Sherpa from Solu, Mr. Ang Chhering Sherpa, has planned to climb the eight popular summits of the world within 2010. They include Mt. Mckinley, Mt. Aconcagua, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Elbrus, Mt. Vinson Massif, Mt. Kosciuszko, The Carstensz Pyramid and Mt. Everest. He started his adventure from Mt. Aconcagua on 22 Feb 2009 and finishes it by Mt Everest on 1 June 2010. Details can be viewed at http://www.himalayansherpa.com/

Nepal & Brazil listed as best adventure destinations- 18 March

The world famous magazine National Geographic Adventure listed Nepal and Brazil as the best adventure destinations in the world in its Best of Adventure Category. The result is based on the report submitted by some adventure experts of the magazine. The announcement comes when Nepal is preparing to celebrate Nepal Tourism Year 2011. The adventure tourism started in our country from 1950 and after the successful summit of Mt. Everest, Nepal became more popular in the world for the adventure tourism. It is estimated that 60% of the total tourists who visit Nepal are trekkers. Since the magazine has 2.5 million regular readers, it is hoped that the announcement will affect positively in the tourism year 2011.

Climbers' Club to organize First International Inclusive Women Sagarmatha Expedition 2011 - 24 March

Climbers' Club, the organizer of First Inclusive Women Sagarmatha Expedition 2008 (FIWSE 2008), issuing a press release in a special program, stated its plan to explore new routes all around the country. Mr. Da Gombu Sherpa, President of the club also expressed his gratitude for the cooperation and support the club received while organizing FIWSE 2008. He also unveiled the program to organize First International Inclusive Women Sagarmatha Expedition 2011 as an attempt to internationalize the experience it gained during FIWSE in 2008. He also requested all the concerned to extend support to them in organizing such type of historic expedition. Mr. Pemba Gyalze Sherpa- Adventurer of the Year 2008 as declared by the world famous magazine, National Geographic, was also honored for his daring effort in rescuing the lives of fourteen people on the world's second highest peak, K2 in the same program.

New tourism policy released- 25 March

Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation released new tourism policy with special focus on "Home Stay" model to promote rural tourism. The policy also aims to promote adventure, economic, agriculture and cultural tourism in Nepal.

NMA Taskforce's convener changed, time period added for another 6 months- 27 March

Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) by ministerial decision on 27 March 2009 (2065/12/14) extended the period of taskforce for another six months from the date of its end i.e. 13 March 2009 (2065/11/30). Earlier, it was formed by ministerial decision on 17 September 2008 ( 2065/6/1) under the convenorship of Mr. Krishna Prasad Gnawali- Under Secretary, Tourism Industries Division. The committee was authorized task force to carry out all the activities of NMA governed by its statute and to conduct election and handover to newly elected executive body within six months. The ministry also replaced Mr. Surendra Prasad Sapkota- Convener by Mr. Ranjankrishna Aryal- Joint Secretary, Legal Division of the ministry. The other members of the committee and its working area remain the same.

Earth Hour against global warming- 28 March

Earth Hour, a special step initiated from 2007 to disseminate information about global warming to the public. During this hour, light bulbs are switched off to initiate a global sustainability movement. This year Earth Hour was observed on March 28 from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. During the period, all the non-essential lights were switched off to support movement against global warming.

High Mountain Rescue Training 2009 completed- 29 March

Nepal Mountaineering Association and Nepal Mountaineering Instructors' Association (NMIA) jointly conducted High Mountain Rescue Training from 10-30 March at Kathmandu and Langtang under the supervision of Dr. Pascal Le Nabat, Representative from IFFRIMONT of France. Seven gents with three ladies participated in the training. Photo

Mountaineering gear:

An ascender is a mechanical device used for ascending on a rope. It was developed in 1958 in Switzerland and a Jumar is one the equipment used as ascender.