Preparations to open a mountaineering university in Nepal

114 different mountains have been opened for climbing in Nepal, some of which have never been scaled before. Excluding these mountains, Nepal has 40 more mountains, some yet to be named. However, the Nepali Mountaineering scene has been going on strong for the past decades.

According to a study, Nepal has more than 1,200 mountains above 5500 meters, including the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. It has been 67 years since man first set foot upon the pinnacle of the world and now thousands of climbers have reached the summit. Of whom many have even achieved success in the 8 mountains above 8000 meters in Nepal.

However, the pursuit of these mighty mountains comes at the cost of the lives of thousands of mountaineers. The risk and danger spawning from the sheer unpredictability of the weather and the propensity of avalanches that occur in these regions.

In the past, climbers who went mountaineering were joined by their guides and helpers to gradually build experience for the behemoth task ahead. However, here they were greeted by, considering today’s standards, sub-par equipment. Going as far as to predict the weather by merely gazing at the sky; hence the number of deaths.

However as times have advanced so has the technology. Today mountaineers get the latest weather details via satellite and have access to lighter and more reliable equipment.

It is natural for climbers to be eager to reach the summit. As a result, the guide to the mountain is under pressure. Guides play an important role in getting the mountaineers they take up back to a safe destination. Hence, the final authority to decide whether the climbers are ready to go climbing lies with the guide.

The most important factor in making such a decision is security. Even when the climbers may not be in peak physical conditions, it is upon the guide to ensure the safety of this climber throughout the completion of the trip. Any climber is considered to have completed only half way after reaching the summit and it is not possible to return by helicopter.

Returning to a safe base camp is a daunting task and mistakes are more likely to occur due to physical exertion. In this case, the guides have a crucial role to play in resolving all probable crises. They help the climber with the descent, guiding them to the nearest camp and arranging for rest and food along with any medical assistance if needed.

With the increase in the number of mountaineers in the past few years, the mountaineering community has been clamouring for more well trained and equipped manpower.

Foreigners in Nepal for training:

In Nepal, there are various training sessions for mountaineers and prospective mountaineers. This type of training is conducted with the active participation of Nepal Mountaineering Association, which was established 47 years ago.

Former President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Ang Tshering Sherpa states that foreigners have been participating in such training since 1980’s. The training is being conducted in Langtang of Rasuwa and Manang.

In the past, three people who did well in the training have even been sent to France for higher training. Likewise, Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association and Nepal National Mountain Guide Association also hold mountain guide training for many years.

Mountaineering for the first time in higher education:

For the first time in the world, Nepal Mountaineering Academy under Tribhuvan University is teaching mountaineering at the postgraduate level.

The Bachelors of Mountaineering Studies has been taught since 2018 BS. Students who have passed higher secondary level in any subject and are interested in adventure sports can attend this course for a period of 4 years for 8 semesters.

Chairperson of Nepal Mountain Academy Lhakpa Futi Sherpa has informed that a master plan has been prepared to open the university citing the interest shown by the students as inspiration behind the decision.

The strides the Nepali Mountaineering sphere has made in the past few years, becoming self-reliant upon its own manpower is promising. Hence, as the number of people who seek out adventure sports and thrills in the mountains increase, so shall the number of trained manpower available in the sector which shall hopefully lead to a considerable decrease in accidents and an overall safe mountaineering experience for all involved.