KATHMANDU: The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has formally proposed cooperation with the South Korean government to strengthen Nepal’s mountain tourism sector.

NMA President Fur Gelje Sherpa, along with association officials, presented the proposal during a meeting with South Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-Young at the embassy on Friday. The proposal seeks South Korean support to establish a dedicated corner at the International Mountain Museum (IMM) honouring South Korea’s first Mount Everest summiteer, featuring the climber’s profile and national flag.

The NMA has also requested assistance for infrastructure development at the IMM and the International Mountaineer Memorial Park in Kakani.

During the meeting, President Sherpa extended a formal invitation to Ambassador Park to attend the General Assembly of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), scheduled to be held in Nepal from October 28 to 31, 2026. Nepal is set to host the prestigious global event.

On the occasion, Ambassador Park, on behalf of the Korean Alpine Rescue Association and the Government of South Korea, honoured two internationally recognised Nepali mountain guides, Ashish Gurung and Riten Tashi Sherpa, for their courageous rescue efforts at Mera Peak and the recovery of a Korean climber’s body last October. Golden ice axes and appreciation plaques, sent by Korean Alpine Rescue Association President Roh Ick Song, were presented to the guides.

An appreciation plaque was also awarded to the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) in recognition of its support during the rescue operation.

The programme was attended by NMA Second Vice President Bodh Raj Bhandari, General Secretary Rajendra Bahadur Lama, Secretary Chandan Thapa, Central Executive Board Member Furi Geljen Sherpa, and Chief Administrative Officer Jinesh Sindurakar. The event was coordinated by NMA Advisor and Korea Alpine Federation Liaison Officer Ngawa Ngima Sherpa.