History of Mountaineering Training

Mountain climbing always bears high risks. Without the support of highly skilled and experienced support staff/Sherpa, mountain climbing is almost impossible. So, to promote mountain climbing activities with higher safety, production of skilled human resources was the 1st condition. Based on this reality, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) started Basic Mountaineering Training (BMT) with 20 trainees in 1979 in cooperation with Yugoslavia Alpine Club. Only after 2000 Ad, Nepalese instructors have been conducting the training independently. By now, Nepal stands in second position (preceded by Japan) in producing international standard mountain guides (affiliated with International Federation of Mountain Guide Association (IFMGA)). NMA has produced 60 International Mountain Guides till now. Until 2017, NMA provided BMT for 1,304 individuals and Advance Mountaineering Training (AMT) for 392 individuals. Now, NMA provides BMT in July and AMT in November.

MT produces skilled supporters who engage in lower altitude climbing, supporting the climbers and minimizing different kinds of risks. AMT produces skilled supporters who engage in high altitude climbing regions thus supporting the climbers, minimizing different types of risks. AMT trained professionals are capable of leading any type of national and international expedition group. BMT trained professionals can be involved as support staff in the expeditions led by the AMT graduates.

Objectives of Mountaineering Training:
  • To produce skilled supporters and leaders in national and international mountaineering activities
  • To create job opportunity for the Nepalese youths in mountaineering sector
  • To prepare human resource for immediate search and rescue activities
  • To minimize risks in mountaineering
  • To promote mountaineering tourism
  • To educate climbers regarding mountain environment and overall mountain issues.
Significance of Mountaineering Training in Nepal

Nepal is a mountainous country, which has 8 of the 14 peaks above 8,000 meters high (now identified 6 more peaks above 8,000m in Nepal). Nepal has 1,310 peaks above 6,000. M. This means Nepal is the center of mountain climbing adventure in the world. This is a huge strength for Nepal to promote mountain climbing tourism, which earns high revenues for nation. However, to promote climbing, it is essential to produce skilled human resource who support the climbers for safety and successful ascent. This is why NMA is providing mountaineering training to more and more Nepalese youths. These trained mountaineers are the backbone of the successful mountain climbing tourism. Most notable result is seen that NMA trained high skill mountain guides have been used in different emergency rescue programs; which have been effective to minimize casualties.