Exploration of new trekking routes in Annapurna region- 8 May

Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) started a preliminary study on the exploration of new trekking routes in Annapurna region after the initiation of transportation in the current route. Dhampus (Pokhara), Mustang (Jomsom), Kaunkhola ( Kaski) and Sirubari (Lamjung) have been for proposed new routes.

Apa Sherpa felicitated - 26 May

Nepali legendry summiteer, Mr. Apa Sherpa was felicitated by Nepal Tourism Board and other travel related associations on 26 May for his successful ascent of Mt. Everest for nineteen times. He topped Mt. Everest on the morning of 21 May leading Eco Everest Expedition, organized to create awareness about the impacts of climate change in Himalayas and broke his own record of 18th times. He placed a banner with a slogan of "Stop Climate Change, Let the Himalayas Live" on the summit. In the felicitation program, Ram Chandra Man Singh, Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation praised Sherpa's effort in creating history. He also added his contribution would help further promote mountain tourism in the country. Chief Executive Officer of NTB Mr. Prachanda Man Shrestha presented a felicitation letter to the history creator and congratulated him on behalf of Nepali tourism industry.

NMA declared election on 15 & 19 June 2009- 21 May

NMA taskforce declared to hold election of its executive committee on 15 and 19 June 2009. President, Vice Presidents, General Secretary, Secretary and Treasurer with nine members from general members are to be selected on 15 June where as representatives from institutional members and book holders in the board will be selected on 19 June 2009.

IInd International Sagarmatha Day celebrated- 29 May

Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Mountaineering Association along with travel related institutions organized various programs on the occasion of IInd International Sagarmatha Day - 29 May. Morning procession started from Nepal Tourism Board premises to tourism hub Thamel with the participation of national and international Everest summiteers, various organizations, tourism professionals, public.

NMA handed over some cleaning equipment to the local people of Nayabazaar to conduct cleaning campaign around Sobha Bhagabati. NMA has also planned to do plantation in that area on the occasion of World Environment Day- June 5.

On the same day of cultural program, Chief Guest for the program, Mr. Ram Chandra Man Singh, Secretary for Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation conferred Everest Summiteers Mt. Everest Golden Jubilee Celebration Medal. Mr. Pemba Gyalze Sherpa was honored with Sagarmatha National Award for his daring contribution in saving lives of fourteen people above 27,000 ft on K2, the world's second highest peak. He was also declared Adventurer of the Year 2008 for his adventurous effort by National Geographic magazine. Similarly, Sagarmatha National Park Buffer Zone Management Committee, Namche, Solukhumbu was honored with Tenzing Hillary Sagarmatha Award for its contribution in the conservation of environment in Solukhumbu area. Both of the awards were distributed by Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.

NMA felicitated Mr. Apa Sherpa with ice-axe for setting the record of 19-times ascent of Mt. Everest. Likewise, Mr. Serap Jangbu Sherpa was honored for his successful ascent of all the peaks above 8000m of Nepal. He has successfully climbed eleven peaks of above 8000 m and scheduled to climb remaining three peaks this year. NMA also honored Mr. Lakpa Rita Sherpa for his successful ascent of seven summits of the seven continents.

The chief guest also released Nepal Parbat in Nepali and English language, a journal of NMA in the same program. Various cultural programs were organized at the end of program.

Mountaineering gear:

A daisy chain is a strap, several feet long and typically constructed from one-inch tubular nylon webbing of the same type used in lengthening straps between anchor-points and the main rope.