Future of mountaineering in Nepal

The growing popularity of mountaineering means adequate human resources are essential.

Mountaineering is the backbone of our tourism industry, and the driving force of mountaineering is a mountaineer. The exact number of mountaineers actively involved in mountaineering is not available. However, the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has listed more than 10,000 mountaineers as Sardar, support climber or senior support climber. The International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations has recognised 65 Nepali guides. The Department of Tourism issues climbing permits to expeditions with mountaineers registered with the NMA. It is ironic that despite Nepal being home to eight of the 14 mountains above 8,000 metres and more than 414 other peaks, an in-depth study of the health of mountaineers, causes of death and training still has not been done.