KATHMANDU: For the 37 people who work on Nepal’s high mountains, a seven-day training programme offered more than classroom lessons—it gave them practical experience in the technical skills needed to work more safely in demanding mountain environments.

The 14 Peaks Mountaineering Institute, an initiative of Nima Rinji Sherpa and 14 Peaks Expedition, has completed its second Basic Mountaineering Workshop 2026, bringing together participants, most of whom are working in the high mountains.

The workshop focused on strengthening the technical capacity of Nepali mountain workers and contributing to a safer climbing environment.

Led by Oswaldo “Ossy” Freire, with support from aspiring Nepali mountain guides Mingmar Dhondup Sherpa, Jenjen Lama, Phura Tshering Sherpa, Pasang Sherpa and Tenzing Gyaljen Sherpa, the programme combined classroom instruction with practical outdoor sessions.

Participants were trained in the use of mountaineering equipment, rope techniques, fixed-rope movement, rappelling, climbing techniques, crevasse rescue, first aid, mountain safety and responsible mountain practices.

From classroom to the mountain

Rather than limiting the training to theory, participants practised the techniques during outdoor sessions, allowing them to understand how the skills are applied in real mountain situations and how to work safely as a team.

The programme also placed emphasis on confidence and leadership, particularly for participants seeking to take greater responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of expedition teams.

The institute said the completion of the second workshop marked another step towards its goal of making quality mountaineering education more accessible to people working in the mountains.

The programme comes amid growing emphasis on technical competence, teamwork and responsibility among Nepal’s mountain workforce, with the organisers describing the training as part of a longer-term effort to build stronger and more capable mountain professionals.