Kathmandu, July 29, 2025 - In a press briefing held today, veteran mountaineer Phur Gyalje Sherpa (Phurba) officially announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). The association’s upcoming executive board election is scheduled for 23 August 2025 in Kathmandu, as confirmed by the NMA earlier this week .
Sherpa, addressing journalists at an event in Kathmandu, emphasized his commitment to promoting responsible mountaineering practices, enhancing mountaineering safety standards, and advocating for broader community benefits in climber-rich regions. His campaign underscores both the conservation of Nepal’s rich alpine heritage and the well‑being of local mountain communities.Furthemore, he is pledging to pursue sustainable mountaineering tourism and defend the rights of workers and entrepreneurs within the climbing industry.
NMA has reaffirmed the election date, announcing that voting will take place on 23 August 2025. This will determine leadership for its next term, expected to span 2025–2028 . The upcoming contest marks a pivotal moment for NMA as new leadership shapes future strategies for mountaineering governance, climate-aware climbing initiatives, and tourism development.
Key highlights
Candidate: Phur Gyalje Sherpa, officially declared today (July 29, 2025)
Election date: 23 August 2025 in Kathmandu
Focus areas: Safety, sustainability, community rights, and mountaineering tourism development
With just under a month until the election, Nepal’s mountaineering community is watching closely as candidates articulate visions for the future of the association and its impact across Nepal’s Himalayan landscapes.
