The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), in collaboration with Imagine Nepal Treks & Expedition, extends a warm welcome to senior mountain guide Mr. Pasang Namgel Sherpa, who has recently achieved the remarkable feat of summiting all 14 of the world’s 8000-meter peaks.

Mr. Pasang was received at Tribhuvan International Airport this morning upon his arrival from Pakistan by dignitaries from the Nepali tourism sector, including the Director of the Department of Tourism, Mr. Rakesh Gurung, and the Senior Vice President of the NMA, Mr. Thakur Raj Pandey. Internationally recognized climbers, including Mingma G, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, members of Imagine Nepal Treks & Expedition, his family members, and other well-wishers were also present at the airport to welcome and greet Mr. Pasang.

He was then taken to the Tibet International Hotel at Boudha, in an open-roof jeep where a special felicitation program was organized. The chief guest at the event, Mr. Rakesh Gurung, Director of the DoT, reaffirmed that the government will soon introduce a welfare program for mountaineers.

“During the 71st Mount Everest Day celebrations in Kathmandu, we pledged to establish a dedicated welfare fund for mountaineers. I remain hopeful that this promise will soon be fulfilled,” Director Gurung stated. “Such funds will be crucial in supporting climbers during their retirement.”

Senior Vice President of the NMA, Mr. Pandey, urged climbers and the entire mountaineering community to stay vigilant as the government revises the Tourism Act.

“The Nepal Mountaineering Association has been instrumental in promoting Nepal’s mountain tourism on the global stage and advocating for the welfare of Nepali climbers. However, we have learned of attempts to exclude the NMA from this important legal framework. If these attempts succeed, it will not only negatively impact Nepal’s mountain tourism but also result in significant losses for Nepali climbers,” warned Senior Vice President Pandey. “I urge all mountaineers and the climbing community to remain alert, united against such threats, and actively engage with relevant authorities to secure greater rights for the NMA.”

Mr. Pasang successfully summited Broad Peak (8047m) on July 27, 2024, completing his ascent of all 14 of the world's 8000-meter peaks. He noted that it took him 20 years to achieve this extraordinary accomplishment. Additionally, Mr. Pasang is distinguished as the first Nepali and only the second climber globally to have successfully reached the summits of Lhotse Shar (8400m) and Yalung Khang (8505m), two Nepali 8000ers that await international recognition. Lhotse Shar is situated in the Lhotse range, while Yalung Khang is located in the Kanchenjunga range.