KATHMANDU: The Sherpa Tourism Entrepreneurs Association Nepal (STEAN) recently convened its 7th Annual General Meeting, where a new committee was elected to steer the organization’s mission of advancing Sherpa tourism businesses nationwide.

Pasang Sherpa of Solukhumbu has been elected as the new Chairperson, while Pasang Sherpa from Okhaldhunga will serve as Senior Vice-Chairperson. Chengha Tsering Sherpa from Sindhupalchok has been named First Vice-Chairperson, and Thupten Sherpa of Taplejung will serve as Second Vice-Chairperson.

The committee also includes Choki Sherpa from Solukhumbu as Women’s Vice-Chairperson, Sonam Yangji Sherpa of Bhojpur as General Secretary, and Choki Sherpa of Dolakha as Deputy Secretary. Gelu Sherpa of Solukhumbu has been appointed Treasurer, with Dabuti Sherpa of Dolakha serving as Deputy Treasurer.

Additional committee members include:

• Kunga Sherpa (Okhaldhunga)
• Wangda Sherpa (Okhaldhunga)
• Ang Dawa Sherpa (Sindhupalchok)
• Kami Sherpa (Bhojpur)
• Yangji Sherpa (Solukhumbu)
• Nurbu Chiring Sherpa (Ramechhap)

The newly elected team will focus on strengthening the Sherpa tourism sector by fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable tourism practices that directly benefit Sherpa communities.

STEAN is the largest umbrella organization for Sherpa tourism entrepreneurs, offering membership to all Sherpa business owners in the tourism industry and representing their collective interests.

According to STEAN, its primary goals are to promote responsible and sustainable tourism development within Sherpa communities, support the professional growth of Sherpa tourism entrepreneurs, and raise the profile of Sherpa culture and heritage. The organization is committed to improving the living standards of the Sherpa people through tourism development while preserving their unique cultural heritage for future generations.