Nepal’s first wall climbing centre, Pasang Lhamu Sports Climbing Centre was established in 2002 in memory of the first Nepali woman ‘Pasang Lhamu Sherpa’ to summit Mount Everest. It was opened to encourage and promote climbing, and mountaineering skill-crafting and expedition.

 But just like any other business affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the climbing centre which is situated in Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu was also forced to shut down for more than a year.

However, the climbing centre is back to business now. It was officially reopened on the 16th of July, 2021. It has now joined hands with Everest Women Treks and Expedition, a female-found climbing company. The new management team consists of trained and experienced climbers and mountaineers. There is better equipment and management, and experienced trainers Maya Gurung, member of the first female group to summit high peaks of all seven continents, said.

Business is slowly starting to prosper for the institute after its reopening. Around 15 people including the members visit the centre on daily basis. “We have not focused on any promotional activities yet due to the pandemic”, says Maya Gurung. “Recently three Chinese people have joined the centre as members. However, we are prioritising Nepali customers right now rather than promoting among foreign tourists,” she adds.

With the global pandemic in mind, the centre has set strict regulations for safety against the virus. The area is disinfected on a daily basis. The use of masks and maintaining social distance have been made mandatory on the premises of the centre and only a limited number of people are allowed in turn. However, it does not seem to be practical as not many are seen following the health safety measures. “People are pre-informed and constantly reminded about the rules and regulations but not everyone takes it seriously,” says Tulsi Gurung, a trainer at the centre. “We cannot constantly go after every one to remind them to wear a mask or maintain social distancing”, he adds.

The centre has a target of taking adventure sports to a national level. “Our goal is to provide skill-based training and mountaineering guide”, says Gaurie Malakar, a member of the management team. “This is also a good platform for people to train their body, mind and release built-up energy”, she adds.