The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) successfully concluded its 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) today. During the AGM, the policy, program, and budget for the fiscal year 2080/081 were unanimously approved. In the closed session of the AGM, General Secretary Mr. Mohan Lamsal presented the policy and program for the fiscal year 2080/81 and progress report of fiscal year 2079/080, while Treasurer Mr. Mukti Pandey presented the budget for the fiscal year 2080/081 and audit report of fiscal year 2079/080.

All members engaged in discussions and provided feedback on the reports presented by the General Secretary and Treasurer. They offered suggestions for improvements to the policy and programs. However, both reports were ultimately approved with minor corrections.

NMA also recognized the top 10 agencies of fiscal year 2079/080 for their significant contributions to revenue generation through the sale of NMA peaks. 

List of top-10 agencies, 

1. Ice Eight Thousand Pvt. Ltd.

2. Nepal Climbing Adventure P.Ltd.

3. South Col Adventures P.Ltd.

4. Seven Summit Trek P.Ltd.

5. Adventure Everest Team Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd

6. Asian Hiking Team Pvt. Ltd.

7. Mera Alpine Treks and Expedition (Pvt.) Ltd.

8. Satori Adventures Pvt. Ltd.

9. Asian Trekking Pvt. Ltd.

10. Makalu Adventures Pvt. Ltd.

Additionally, Mr. Sunar Bahadur Gurung was honored for his outstanding contributions to Mountain Tourism in Nepal. Mr. Gurung holds the distinction of being Nepal's first international mountain guide and has made substantial contributions to the industry in various capacities.

NMA also extended recognition to Mr. Ngawa Ngima Sherpa for his appointment as the International Liaison Director for Nepal by the Korean Alpine Federation.

During the AGM, Chief Accountant Officer Ms. Radhika Syangwa received an award as the best staff member of NMA for the fiscal year 2079/080. Gardener Mr. Thulo Kancha Tamang was presented with a lifetime service award.

The NMA also unveiled a book about the Saipal Himal, published with NMA's support. This book provides comprehensive insights into the Saipal Himal region.

Additionally, NMA distributed logbooks to all participants of the Mountain Leader Course Component 1 and felicitated seven instructors for their successful execution of the training program.

The AGM was inaugurated by the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Mr. Narayan Kaji Shrestha and attended by various dignitaries, including Minister for Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation Mr. Sudan Kirati, Secretary Mr. Bharatmani Subedi, honorable member of Bagmati Province parliament Ms. Yankila Sherpa, honorable member of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission Mr. Juddha Bahadur Gurung, and member of the National Planning Commission Dr. Ram Kumar Phuyal.

Honorable Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Shrestha assured that all concerns raised during the opening session of the AGM would be addressed, emphasizing the importance of promoting Nepal's mountain tourism. Minister Shrestha stated, "The speakers have raised important issues regarding the promotion of Nepal's mountain tourism. I believe all the concerns will be addressed."

Tourism Minister Kirati urged attendees to submit their suggestions for the Tourism Act, which is currently being drafted. He explained, "The ministry, with cabinet consent, is in the process of redrafting the Tourism Act. We have requested all stakeholders to submit their suggestions for this redrafting."

NMA President Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa had previously presented several proposals for the welfare of mountaineers and Nepal's mountain tourism. 

"The NMA has been importantly supporting the Government of Nepal in generating revenue through the sale of 27 mountain peaks and we are making persistent efforts to secure the renewal of these NMA peaks. However, we are still awaiting the final approval," He continued, "NMA has the potential to enhance Nepal's global mountain promotion efforts. Additionally, we aim to establish a fund for the welfare of mountaineers by levying an additional 15 percent service charge on climbers. However, for this initiative to move forward, we require the government's authorization."