KATHMANDU: Ulpiano Suarez, Mayor of the City of Mendoza, welcomed record-holding Nepali Sherpa climbers Tashi Lakpa Sherpa and Nima Rinji Sherpa to the scenic Argentine city this week.

The mayor received the mountaineers following their successful ascent of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America.

“It was great to discuss how the mountain tourism industries of the Himalayas and Aconcagua can grow together for future generations,” Tashi Lakpa said after the meeting.

Mendoza is one of South America's best-managed and most developed mountain cities. During the meeting, the duo shared their mountaineering experiences and plans to promote mountain tourism worldwide.

“Mendoza continues to strengthen its international position as a premier mountaineering destination on the continent, thanks to coordinated work with world leaders in this discipline and the sustained development of mountain tourism,” Mayor Suarez told the climbers.

Tashi Lakpa, who also owns 14 Peaks Expedition, stated that Nepal could learn from Mendoza's example in developing mountain cities. “We also explored ideas to establish a sister city relationship between Mendoza and mountain cities in Nepal,” he added.

Nima Rinji, the world's youngest climber to summit all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, highlighted the quality of tourist services, as well as the hospitality and professionalism of the guides and staff at Aconcagua Provincial Park.

The climbing team, which successfully reached the summit of Aconcagua on January 28, included Tashi Lakpa Sherpa and Nima Rinji Sherpa of Nepal, Evelyn Duarte Lara of Mexico, Richard William Chambers of the United Kingdom, Shahad A. M. H. D. Alzaabi of Kuwait, Matias Yoel Fabrizio of Argentina, and expedition doctor Catalina Giusti of Argentina.