Ecotourism, also known as ecological tourism, is responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strives to be low-impact and (often) small-scale. It helps educate the traveler; provides funds for conservation; directly benefits the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and fosters respect for different cultures and for human rights. Take only memories and leave only footprints is a very common slogan in protected areas. Tourist destinations are shifting to low carbon emissions following the trend of visitors more focused in being environmentally responsible adopting a sustainable behavior. In this regard the practical goals set by world organization can be of high value while educating individuals and students at the academy. To meet the set targets and goals of UNO mentioned earlier the following pragmatic approaches are set forward by the world organization. Students of the academy are thus taken as harbingers of changes that are just what our communities need. UN urges every one of us take the following most necessary and basic steps. Save electricity by plugging appliances into a power strip and turning them off completely when not in use, including your computer. Stop paper bank statements and pay your bills online or via mobile. No paper, no need for forest destruction. Share, don’t just like. If you see an interesting social media post about women’s rights or climate change, share it so folks in your network see it too. Speak up! Ask your local and national authorities to engage in initiatives that don’t harm people or the planet. You can also voice your support for the Paris Agreement and ask your country to ratify it or sign it if it hasn’t yet. Don’t print. See something online you need to remember? Jot it down in a notebook or better yet a digital post-it note and spare the paper. Turn off the lights. Your TV or computer screen provides a cosy glow, so turn off other lights if you don’t need them. Do a bit of online research and buy only from companies that you know have sustainable practices and don’t harm the environment. Report online bullies. If you notice harassment on a message board or in a chat room, flag that person. • Stay informed. Follow your local news and stay in touch with the Global Goals online or on social media at @GlobalGoalsUN. Tell us about your actions to achieve the global goals by using the hashtag #globalgoals on social networks. In addition to the above, offset your remaining carbon emissions! You can calculate your carbon footprint and purchase climate credits from Climate Neutral Now. In this way, you help reduce global emissions faster!” Things you can do at home Air dry. Let your hair and clothes dry naturally instead of running a machine. If you do wash your clothes, make sure the load is full. Take short showers. Bathtubs require gallons more water than a 5-10-minute shower. Eat less meat, poultry, and fish. More resources are used to provide meat than plants. Freeze fresh produce and leftovers if you don’t have the chance to eat them before they go bad. You can also do this with takeaway or delivered food, if you know you will not feel like eating it the next day. You will save food and money. Compost—composting food scraps can reduce climate impact while also recycling nutrients. Recycling paper, plastic, glass & aluminum keeps landfills from growing. Buy minimally packaged goods. Avoid pre-heating the oven. Unless you need a precise baking temperature, start heating your food right when you turn on the oven. Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency Adjust your thermostat, lower in winter, higher in summer Replace old appliances with energy efficient models and light bulbs If you have the option, install solar panels in your house. This will also reduce your electricity bill! Get a rug. Carpets and rugs keep your house warm and your thermostat low. Don’t rinse. If you use a dishwasher, stop rinsing your plates before you run the machine. Choose a better diaper option. Swaddle your baby in cloth diapers or a new, environmentally responsible disposable brand. Shovel snow manually. Avoid the noisy, exhaust-churning snow blower and get some exercise. Use cardboard matches. They don’t require any petroleum, unlike plastic gas-filled lighters. Things you can do outside your house Shop local. Supporting neighborhood businesses keeps people employed and helps prevent trucks from driving far distances. Shop Smart—plan meals, use shopping lists and avoid impulse buys. Don’t succumb to marketing tricks that lead you to buy more food than you need, particularly for perishable items. Though these may be less expensive per ounce, they can be more expensive overall if much of that food is discarded. Buy Funny Fruit—many fruits and vegetables are thrown out because their size, shape, or color are not “right”. Buying these perfectly good funny fruit, at the farmer’s market or elsewhere, utilizes food that might otherwise go to waste. When you go to a restaurant and are ordering seafood always ask: “Do you serve sustainable seafood?” Let your favorite businesses know that ocean friendly seafood’s on your shopping list. Shop only for sustainable seafood. There are now many apps like this one that will tell you what is safe to consume. Bike, walk or take public transport. Save the car trips for when you’ve got a big group. Use a refillable water bottle and coffee cup. Cut down on waste and maybe even save money at the coffee shop. Bring your own bag when you shop. Pass on the plastic bag and start carrying your own reusable totes. Take fewer napkins. You don’t need a handful of napkins to eat your takeout. Take just what you need. Shop vintage. Brand-new isn’t necessarily best. See what you can repurpose from second-hand shops. Maintain your car. A well-tuned car will emit fewer toxic fumes. Donate what you don’t use. Local charities will give your gently used clothes, books and furniture a new life. Vaccinate yourself and your kids. Protecting your family from disease also aids public health. Take advantage of your right to elect the leaders in your country and local community. These are only a few of the things you can do. Find out more goals you care most about and other ways to engage more actively.
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A dream becomes reality if we put our hearts and minds to it and Nepal Mountain Academy is that dream for me! My journey at the Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA) commenced as a member for 2 years. I didn’t get a major prospect to remarkably contribute then. It was only when I took up the position of the Executive Director at the academy, the genuine deal began for me. To take up the position was not an accomplishment in itself but to make the most of it was. With a lot of familiarity and experience in the mountaineering sector, I had my specific visions and apparitions but to lead a government institution was novel for me. So, I had to firstly, craft a structure for the smooth execution of the organization and it was learning by doing the course. I was determined to take up the leadership even more so as a woman. Due to the unstable political situation, there were hardships to build a quality network and give a good impression in the mountaineering sector for NMA back then. As time passed by, I and my team commenced edifying the institution brick by brick. The various projects that were initiated during my tenure were and still are very special to me. The Master Plan for the construction of Mountaineering campus at Garma of Solu in 3000 ropani of land is one amongst them. Similarly, the development of syllabus for 10+2 with an academic focus towards mountaineering which has now become a reality is also equally distinct. The development of syllabus of Bachelors in Mountaineering Studies (BMS) was then felt as necessary to start an academic background in the field of mountaineering as I strongly feel and advocate that Nepal is the accurate domicile for such studies. With this focus in mind, various consultations with experts of the respective fields to develop the syllabus of BMS were held. Formulating the syllabus was not enough. Creating an institution with an authorized licensed program was felt. So, the thought of initiating the academy as an educational institute was generated. For this purpose, NMA formed a collaboration with the Education Ministry and a relevant committee was created upon the request of the institution and affiliation from Tribhuvan University was acquired. These processes while describing is very fluent and smooth but in reality, it was the supreme challenge for me as the Executive Director. Different levels of lobbying with several agencies and concerned authorities for this purpose was done by me and the team which was obviously physically, mentally and emotionally straining. Regardless of the challenges, I knew that if we don’t start now, some other country might take the initiation of starting mountaineering education before us as I really felt that it was the right provided to us by our nature. Hence, I intensely pursued the vision to take NMA forward academically and for scholastic advancement. Various international experts in this regard gave their constructive feedbacks and many universities had reflected their keen interest to provide affiliation to the program. However, we were determined to take the affiliation from the Tribhuvan University under the School of Management. So, in this way, a scientific syllabus was developed which took almost 2 years to get the affiliation from the university after the completion of all the progressions. Another such explicit initiative is the Ski training with international collaboration from Swiss and France. I myself have many years of experience of skiing at different mountains around the world. Therefore, I have seen immense prospects in the Western Himalayas of Nepal. At that time, it was a perilous attempt but it seems all worthwhile at present-day. Female Trekking Guide training is also one of the imperious endeavours for me as it has enabled a lot of young women to pursue a sustainable career in tourism and trekking. Not just delivering the training, but NMA also acquired the authority of issuing a license to the trainees. Mountaineering orientation and conflict management training is another milestone with a syllabus of 8 days. The weather forecast has been successfully run that has added one more feather to the cap of NMA. Now, I have high hopes for the Masters in Adventure Tourism. This is probably one of a kind in the world for which I was a part of the institution and former Executive Director take tremendous pride in. The stable political situation has also opened up a lot of possibilities for the academic development of the Mountaineering sector under the initiative of NMA. So, my gratitude and thankfulness categorically go to all who have abetted me to accomplish my visions in these reputes. Such has been an enriching journey for me personally and also for the institution. I was and am still focused towards the development of an academic platform of national value, pride and importance. Therefore, the focus of the institution now should be towards mounting and also upholding an international eminence. Though I am not physically present at the institution at current, I shall persistently be committed to uplifting this institution even externally. I am very much gratified with the progress of NMA which is an upshot of solidarity of those who have been involved. Engendering skilled and academic human resource is subsequently large facet for the academy that the adjoining future holds. My best wishes are forever with the NMA team and kudos to the prodigious journey that the academy has been pursuing.
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Generally speaking, Ski industry comprises of ski resorts, food and beverages, ski schools, ski equipment, ski rental and ski merchandise. Ski activities include operating skiing facilities, operating cross-country skiing, operating downhill skiing facilities, operating four-season ski, ski lift and tow operation and operating the ski resorts. The ski and snowboard industry has experienced remarkable growth in the last fifty years. It is estimated that today there are some 120 million skiers and snowboarders worldwide, with around 2,000 ski resorts in 80 countries catering to this important market. Among these, roughly 70 countries, offer open-air ski areas and the rest having only indoor facilities. Besides the major ski destinations in terms of skier visits, there are a number of other, smaller destinations, where skiing has been an industry for a long time or is currently developing. The most obvious new destinations are Eastern Europe and China, but there are a number of other small players, spread out across the globe: Algeria, Cyprus, Greece, India, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Lesotho, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Turkey and many more. While established destinations in North America, Western Europe, Japan, New Zealand and Australia are experiencing maturity; new resorts in Asia and Eastern Europe are competing for budding generations of skiers from countries such as China and Russia. Along with these demographic shifts, technology is also having a huge impact on skiing products and services, and how they have experienced skiing. This industry is composed of establishments engaged in operating downhill, cross-country or similar skiing areas, or operating equipment, such as ski lifts and tows. These establishments often provide food and beverage services, equipment rental services and ski instruction services. Four season resorts without accommodations are also included in this industry, but companies that own and do not operate ski resorts are excluded from the industry. According to UNWTO Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter pastimes in many parts of the world and in countries such as Norway, Austria, and Switzerland, up to 25% of the population are active skiers. 44% of skiers visit the Alps, and Eastern Europe is building resorts at an unprecedented pace. The sports are spreading to other parts of the world and there is even a resort in Lesotho, known as Afro-Ski. In Europe, skiers tend to cross borders, whereas, in North America, skiers tend to stay close to home. The ski market is a perfect example of “adventure by day, luxury by night”, offerings, with upscale accommodation and restaurants available at numerous ski resorts. Ski holidays span the adventure spectrum, from heli-skiing in the remote parts the Himalayas to package holidays sold by travel agents across Europe and North America. Skiing can be considered a mature activity because entire resorts cater to the sports practice around the world, and it is available to most adventure travellers. The industry currently offers about 6 million commercial beds in the mountains. These are primarily concentrated in the industrialized ski markets, which have a high volume of skier visits. More than one third (36%) of all ski resorts are located in the Alpine countries i.e. Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland. In Eastern Europe & Central Asia there are 12%, Western Europe 12%, America 22% and Asia & Pacific 18% of the ski resorts. However, there are only 47 ski resorts that receive more than a million visitors annually and more than 80% of them are located in the Alps. La Plagne is a French ski area in the alpine valley of the Tarentaise (Savoie), which receives the largest number of visitors, more than 2.5 million, every year. Similarly, in terms of ski lift distribution, out of the 26,934 numbers of lifts worldwide, 40% are located in the Alpine countries, 15% in Eastern Europe & Central Asia, 16% in Western Europe, 15% in America and 14% in the and Asia & Pacific. Although often important at a regional level, the altitude of a ski resort is not really an important benchmark worldwide, since at some places around the globe one can ski at sea level, whereas in other 61 countries, one needs to be at the higher elevations to access decent snow conditions. In the case of Nepal, the snowline starts from 4500 meters and climbing above this height itself becomes a major hurdle for ski lovers. In terms of major ski destinations and skier visits, clearly the Alps are the biggest ski destinations in the world, capturing 45% of skier visits. The second biggest destination is America (mostly North America), accounting for 21% of skier visits worldwide. Similarly, Eastern Europe & Central Asia accounts for 9%, Asia &Pacific 14% and Western Europe accounts for 11% of the total skiers. Asia & Pacific used to have the same market share as America. However, the continuous decline of the industry in Japan has still not been replaced by the growing ski markets in South Korea and China. In the long term, countries such as India and Pakistan may join them and contribute to increasing the weight of Asia in the international spread of skier visits. The total number of skiers’ figure is currently estimated to be at 115 million and seems to be growing over the long term. Although some countries have no ski areas (in some instances only ski domes), they have skiers who ski abroad. For example, this is the case with the Netherlands, which accounts for more than one million outbound skiers. In terms of major ski destinations and skier visits, clearly the Alps are the biggest ski destinations in the world, capturing 45% of skier visits. The second biggest destination is America (mostly North America), accounting for 21% of skier visits worldwide. Similarly, Eastern Europe & Central Asia accounts for 9%, Asia &Pacific 14% and Western Europe accounts for 11% of the total skiers. Asia & Pacific used to have the same market share as America. However, the continuous decline of the industry in Japan has still not been replaced by the growing ski markets in South Korea and China. In the long term, countries such as India and Pakistan may join them and contribute to increasing the weight of Asia in the international spread of skier visits. The Alps is the most internationally visited ski destination, attracting most of the inbound skier. Even though it hosts 45% of skier visits, it only produces 17% of the skiers. No other region has such a high proportion of foreign visitors. Typically for America, its share of worldwide skier visits roughly matches its share of skiers with 19%. The other skier generating regions are Asia & Pacific 20% Western Europe 27% and other various regions 1%. It is also observed that the international flow of skiers is primarily concentrated within Europe and the number of skiers using long haul flights to go skiing is rather limited. For instance, overseas skiers represented only 3.8% of total skier visits to U.S. ski resorts in 2012/13 (including Latin American visitors). This alludes that Nepal should concentrate more on the regional markets of China and India rather than focusing on the long haul European and American markets. It is also noteworthy that Ski is mostly based on the domestic markets and the national customer base is very strong in most of the big players. Often, foreign visitors concentrate on a few top international resorts. There are only 2 big outbound markets, Germany and the United Kingdom, providing skiers to a few inbound markets. Most of the outbound countries have no or few ski areas but however a ski culture. This is an important issue, as countries with now ski culture are not likely to be a major supplier of international skiers, even if they have huge populations. The major international skiers’ flows concentrate on a very limited number of destinations.
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Nepal Mountain Academy has all possible means to develop its tailored programs that can practically entice international students to be in the place where mountaineering education can, in essence, impart truly professional education of high academic importance. This paves the path to educational tourism. It can be a strong partner to the concept of sustainable development through educational tourism. Medical sciences and engineering studies programs have already been into this framework and now mountaineering education is going to be sure shot as well. It is developed because of the growing popularity of teaching and learning of knowledge and the enhancing of technical competency outside of the classroom environment. Educational institutions at home or abroad are the ambassadors to sustainable development programs for they can easily promote the concept once students move out of their usual classroom activities. In educational tourism, the main focus of the tour or leisure activity includes visiting another country to learn about the culture, study tours, or to work and apply skills learned inside the classroom in a different environment, such as in the International Practicum Training Program. The academy in this light of its academic and training programs can achieve commendable results in short period once its programs come to the floor. Many observable factors indicate that resources may not be a stagnant condition since expertise gathered and developed at a different location and time look forward to being of some use for good and when opportunities are ready knocking at doorstep there are people in this sector extending their friendly hands. The academy has a bright future.
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Forbes (2016) in its food and agriculture section states about the new trends in culinary arts that next year (2017) promises to be one of the most exciting in the history of food and retailing as technology takes a bigger role in food production, retail environments and consumer communication, and as a new administration in Washington promises to make significant changes to the agencies that will have a direct impact on food production and policies. Food has become so trendy that the customers would like to taste the new food every day as to how they want to wear new clothes every day. The role of creative chefs is an important part of making the friendlier and contemporary. Following are some of the important new trends in the Global Food and Beverage Sector as observed by Daniel J. Edelman (2017) Flavoured water: In the latest example of the trickle-down effect, consumers are demanding more of our most basic beverage – water – and beverage companies are delivering. Plant waters like aloe, maple, artichoke and cactus make even coconut water look old school. The global flavoured and functional water market is expected to reach an estimated value of US$36.7 billion in 2019. Not only are bottled water sales up but with plenty of flavour, fizz and functionality, there’s no need to choose between hype and hydration. Under the sea: This year’s alternative protein is one that Asian markets have been cultivating for nearly 500 years. Scrumptious snacks and daring dishes featuring plant-based foods like seaweed, duckweed and algae could also provide solutions for problems like sustainability and food security. Requiring no land, fertilizers or freshwater, and packed with high levels of iodine, Omega 3s, vitamins and protein, many believe our seas could provide solutions for issues surrounding sustainability and food security. All halal: Worldwide revenue generated by halal-certified food and beverage companies stood at US$415 billion last year. As populations shift, halal is projected to grow to US$1.6 trillion by 2018, representing almost 17 per cent of the global food and beverage spend. Halal popularity occupies an expanding niche in new markets, such as Asia and North America. While some view halal as an assurance of religious adherence, food quality or ethical treatment of animals, others see it as the next adventurous food trend to try. E-commerce revolution: The rise of e-commerce sites like Alibaba and WeChat in Asia have led to a new business segment for multinational food and beverage companies seeking to drive sales in the dynamic marketplace. Nestlé* has said that its e-commerce sales in China are more profitable on average than sales through brick-and-mortar retail chains. Cheers to our wellness: The trend towards health and wellness has resulted in increased interest in functional drinks with added ingredients that amp up the way consumers look and feel. If vinegar-based drinks aren’t your cup of tea, try turmeric elixir, charcoal juice or even algae water. War against waste: Until recently, food waste was a social and political cause with discussions limited to high-level influencers. Growing consumer awareness and continued concern about how food impacts the environment has moved the food waste discussion firmly into the mainstream, and now food and beverage companies are feeling the pressure to engage on the issue. This means tackling food waste is now much more than just wishful thinking – it’s a wise business move, and the imperative is not just to educate consumers, but also to innovate and bring forward solutions. Culinary cannabis: The legalization of marijuana in areas of the United States has led to a proliferation of plant-to-table cuisine that has already existed in places like the Netherlands. Now, chefs, mixologists and confectioners worldwide are all getting in on cannabis. Don’t think of this trend solely as stoner staples, though, because when cannabis appears in a high-end dish or drink, it’s usually infused and intended for flavour, aroma and sometimes a bit of theatre. Wipe the label clean: The growing need for transparency and authenticity in the food and beverage space has sparked a slew of clean labelling efforts in developed markets to ensure consumers that their food comes from recognizable ingredients. Now, the pressure to reduce the use of artificial ingredients and increased legislative regulation around labelling is putting expectations on brands worldwide. And for companies that comply, it’s a way to gain – and in some cases regain – coveted consumer trust. Ambitious agriculture: With a shrewder eye to agriculture’s impact on the environment, the diminishing amount of arable land and the population shifts to urban areas, new methods of farming are positioned to support sustainability in inventive ways, such as aquaponics and vertical farms, which are sprouting up in every region of the world. By 2050, about 80% of the world’s population will be living in urban centres. Vertical farming alone can allow anyone to have locally-sourced foods alongside a penthouse view of their neighbours’ farms. Everything’s edible: The future of eco-friendly has been right in front of us all along, but we’ve been putting it in the trash bin. Now we’re entering an era where everything is edible, including the wrapping. Biodegradable, edible food packaging could have a positive impact on everything from pollution to human nutrition, so expect it to gain traction in more of the mainstream food and beverage discussions in Coffee culture unfiltered: Coffee has become central to our globally connected beverage culture. As part of the interconnectedness, premiumization is hitting every segment of the market – from small speciality roasters to mass instant producers. In fact, while speciality coffee shops have expanded coffee culture into traditional tea-drinking markets like China, Iran and the UK, instant coffee is providing a quick shot of western culture in the Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Good coffee is now treated with the same reverence as fine wine, with the barista serving as a sommelier. Automation in à la Carte: Tech innovations like robots, auto bots and artificial intelligence alleviate labour force scarcity, amp up efficiency and can be more cost-effective for food and beverage manufacturers, and even restaurants. But will people embrace technology, proceed with caution or outright reject it? And how will the culinary world react? Hero foods: Have you heard of hero foods? Superfoods are still super popular, but hero foods are now having their moment. They’re the ones that have been there all along – the ones that maybe weren’t the most popular, but sure were brainy. For instance, who won the 2016 World Food Prize? The developers of the orange-fleshed sweet potato, the most successful example of micronutrient and vitamin bio-fortification. Now let us introduce you to foods like lentils, chickpeas, turnips, carrots and rutabagas. They’re the foods we’ve been eating all along and they pack a nutritious punch.
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Mountaineering in Nepal is a cosmic playground with a prodigious scope that has appealed global curiosity. However, if we start from the foundation, the exploration and analysis of this sector have not been adequate due to varied factors such as marketing and promotion, political instability, infrastructure development, quality workforce and human resource, lack of implementation and well-timed revision of the rules, regulations and policies in our country. Further, it can also not be denied that a lack of proper ethics, unhealthy competition, and political influence in mountaineering are other domineering dynamics. As a result, the mountaineering sector has sometimes been disparaged by media worldwide. Therefore, for a better and steady future, good planning and stronger profile-raising approaches along with governmental stability and stouter guidelines are vital. While talking about my professional experience, I have seen a lot of alterations within the time frame of around 25 years. Some major amongst them are opening of many peaks, commercialization of mountaineering-related products and services, rise in the number of professionals. Yet, this is not a joyous scenario as upholding of high standards is still a gigantic morsel to master. Having said that, the prominence of mountaineering has been deliberately comprehended as it has become technologically advanced, accessed by road transportation. Minimization of human fatalities in such areas and air rescue service has come to the highlight. But once again, I would like to remark the fact that upholding of culture with proper governance should be in place. Hence, it can be implicitly understood that there are a lot of things happening in this sector but without a resilient system. The role of youth in this regard is imperious. Nepalese youth have realized the value and prospects of mountain tourism to a great extent. They are certainly aware of it but they are still not confident to pursue it as a career because of various lagging elements that I have mentioned earlier. Mountaineering, therefore, should fall under national priority and national investment with correct strategies. This shall be the stepping stone towards eradicating the sceptical nature of youth towards this sector in terms of future and security. Nevertheless, to date, there has been a notable partaking of young people with huge interest. This year itself, 17 young Nepali women successfully climbed the Everest. This sort of participation is extremely reassuring. The academic induction of mountaineering studies is a moral initiative and a major requisite of today. Academy aimed towards developing mountaineering as the chief product of tourism is crucial as much of the classical and traditional style are slowly becoming superseded. Research-based findings should be encouraged to bring new and ground-breaking transformations in order to make sure to not paralyze the industry. Mountaineering is not only ascending and descending but also about culture, environment, physiology, lifestyles and economy of different areas, therefore, academic knowledge is a must. Consequently, a decent educational model for mountaineering will ensure excellence in human resource and mountain tourism entrepreneurs with largescale scope. Our mountains are our playground and we should develop them as research centres for the upcoming scholars and researchers to develop national expertise. As a country with the best and tallest mountains, a standardized program is undeniably obligatory. Our people are going around the world such as the Rocky mountain of America and Swiss mountains for learning only because we lack capacity and resources. Geographically and culturally our mountains are unique, varied and rich. Outsiders have researched Nepal’s mountain and have acquired academic merits. Knowledge production, therefore, is important for us. Overall, the mountaineering sector should be developed not just as a business but also academically and rationally.
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Days back in the history of mountaineering in Nepal, Nepalese climbers were not aware that they need training techniques to climb the mountains. They assumed; they were climbers by birth. They can climb any mountain if it had not been for religious values. It was in 1979 that Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) established a mountaineering school in Manang, Nepal. In the beginning, NMA invited trainee climbers from its registered member trekking agencies and it was free of cost for Nepalese climbers and a nominal cost was charged for foreign beginners. Only 20 trainees took part in the first training of mountaineering. Most of the instructors were from former Yugoslavia at that time who had contributed financial support to establish the mountaineering training school in Nepal. The training that was started then has been continued to date. In 1981, two years later after the beginning of basic mountaineering training, NMA got another support from French Alpine Club to initiate an advance mountaineering training in Nepal. As both trainings had foreign instructors, Nepalese climbers got the opportunities to exchange the technologies from their countries and experiences. They were able to get the latest knowledge on mountain gears and equipment. The trainees were able to lead the group with confidence after they got the training from NMA. Furthermore, these trained climbers and mountaineers were also eligible for further advanced training as mountain leaders, aspirant mountain guide and further for Instructor trainings depending upon their interest and passion towards the profession. Otherwise, they also have the option to opt for international mountain guide training. NMA runs various trainings such as Basic Rock Training, Advance Rock Training, Trek Tour Leader Training, Junior Basic Training, Mountain Rescue Training, Female Training, Instructors' Upgrade Refreshment Course, PETZL Training(Mountain Leader Course), Aspirant Guide Training, Mountain Guide Training, Ice Climbing Training, Heli Marshalling and the list goes on. Though there were various trainings in Nepal, they had no academic valuation. That was the main problem faced by Nepalese climbers and mountaineers. Now, Nepal Mountain Academy has come in order to exist to fill the gap between training and academic prosperity of the field. Hence, the academy has just started Bachelors in Mountaineering and is now preparing up with Master in Adventure Tourism. This is the first of its kind in mountaineering history of the world's mountaineering activities. Till today, mountaineering has been constrained only as an adventure sport. In a time span of a few years, it will have academic essence with the benevolent effort from Nepal Mountain Academy.
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With the intent of entertaining 20 lakhs tourists in the year 2020, the government of Nepal has designated the year as Visit Nepal 2020. According to the data provided by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), it definitely comes as a huge challenge for Nepal to ensure the increment of gross domestic product by the tourism industry from 7.5% to 25% along with an increase in the number of tourists by three times by the end of 2020. In order to celebrate 2020 as the Visit Nepal, the year 2019 has been nominated as the campaigning year for which various activities and events have also been set up. In this regard, the role of the Sherpa community and especially those who have embraced tourism-based professions is huge and their contribution is colossal for the preservation and promotion of the tourism sector of Nepal. It is a well-known verity that Sherpas are known all over the world due to their bravery and honesty. The world's tallest mountain, Sagarmatha with a height of 8848 meters from the sea level is the jewel for our nation. It had gained its popularity as a field of study and as a challenging mountaineering destination since the 19th century after being successfully ascended for the first time on May 19, 1953, by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. Since that time, it was the efforts of a Sherpa due to the assistance of whom, Hillary was able to successfully climb the Everest for the very first time. Similarly, it was only after 1949 that the Government of Nepal opened up 414 mountains and peaks for climbing purposes. However, not all the peaks have still been ascended by the climbers. The Himalayan region of Nepal consists of beautiful landscape. The Nepalese residing in such areas are courageous and also popular for climbing the mountain both nationally and internationally. To climb mountains and peaks is definitely a mighty as well as a risky undertaking. The Sherpa people from the Himalayas climb the steeps and slopes like terrains with snow and rocks. The weather and climatic conditions in the region are also extremely perplexing and it is very cold especially in the mornings and the evenings. Therefore, to climb the mountains is a challenging task but even more, responsibility comes when one has to assist and guide others to climb the mountains. The scorching heat during the afternoons and extreme cold during the mornings and evenings make the challenge even more precarious. In such unpredictable weather conditions and the geographical extremities, high chances of missing out on the ways and being lost in the mountains lie as a huge possibility. The risk of tripping and falling into the crevasses is equally terrifying. Along with the damage and casualties that can occur due to the occurrence of avalanches, mudslide, occasional hurricane-level winds and many other mountaineering-related disasters add up to the risk level. As such, it is the Sherpa climbers who can and display the will to risk their own lives in order to fulfil their responsibilities of guiding his/her member to climb the mountain. They reflect extreme discipline and self-restraint while at the field with their family in their heart and their professional responsibilities upon their shoulders. In this manner, the Sherpa climbers have been at all times maintaining and upholding the prestige of the nation through their benevolence. They consider the mountains to be holy and only climb the mountains after their sacred rituals and proceedings with holy leader Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche in their hearts. So, climbing a mountain to the Sherpas is much more than technically climbing as it is associated very strongly with the cultural and religious beliefs in the community. This is why the Sherpas are dedicated from their body and also from the soul to make every climb a successful one. Every time after a successful climb, they thank their holy deities. Because of such sentiments, they risk their own lives to make every climb by guiding their members an efficacious one. During the journey, sometimes they have to encourage their members, sometimes they have to provide the courage to not give up and sometimes they also have to guide them and protect them like a guardian. While performing all such varied roles, they also have to ensure the comfort of the members as in the Himalayas it is very difficult to obtain good food and other basic necessities are in scarcity. They are at all times concerned about the conditions of their members, their appetite, their stamina and their strength to name a vital few. Hence, the effort that the Sherpas out at the field put continuously is a prodigious deal which is somehow also synonymous to the role of an army officer in the battlefield considering the difficulties and hitches throughout their journey. However great the efforts and contributions of the Sherpas may be, a serious issue to ponder upon is that are we giving due credits to their efforts and efficiency? Or are the Sherpas being appreciated enough for the kind of work that they have been doing to in fact uplift the tourism sector of the country at an international level? It is also a fact that due to the risks that pertain in the climbing sector, many climbers have lost significant parts of their bodies such as the hands, legs and eyes. Some even have lost their lives. Bearing in mind for this fact, it can be said that the life of a Sherpa is definitely not an easy and relaxed one. In case of such mishaps and casualties, their family members have to suffer and many of them have also not been able to receive the necessary assistance making their livelihood a problematic one. Therefore, it is an absolute necessity to rightfully honour the contributions of the Sherpa guides in the mountains and provide the assurance to uplift and secure their and their families' livelihood from the community, state and national level. To make these professionals and future generations skilled and educated is the need of the present in order to produce better and efficient human resource in this sector. An environment that is conducive for them to work, earn and live a respectful life is very much important. This will also ultimately help in achieving the goals that have been set for the year 2020 and 2030. The Sherpas are the ambassadors of the tourism sector in Nepal and they have been promoting this sector at various platforms nationally as well as internationally. Salute to their never-ending will and courage for uplifting the mountain tourism in Nepal!
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Nepalese people are friendly and hospitable by nature, and the tourist will have no difficulty adjusting. One may be confused regarding some customs, traditions, and manners regarding any unfamiliar society. Like any other country, Nepal has its ways of regulating life, though it might be different in degrees to each visitor. We were hoping that the visitors could observe and see how the Nepalese people live and share that with them. We offer travellers some practical guidelines that could help make your stay here delightful, homely, and rewarding in this spirit. The Religious way of life Religion is an integral and deep-rooted part of Nepali life. Temples, images, sacred paintings are to be seen everywhere. Nepal has been declared a religious-secular state, though Hinduism is followed by nearly 80% of the population. Buddhism also has a prominent place. Hinduism and Buddhism are so closely connected in Nepal that it would take a lifetime's study to understand the country's religious life complexities. All deities are worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists alike, and feasts and festivals are shared. For centuries both have mutual regard and respect for one another's tradition. The following are some hints regarding religious matters. Visitors to a Hindu temple or a Buddhist shrine are expected to be shoeless as a mark of respect. A pair of open sandals is more convenient while visiting the temples and stupas. It is better not to touch offerings or persons when they are on the way to shrines. Beef is prohibited among both the Hindus and Buddhists. No female animal is killed for food. You may not be allowed entry to the inner sanctuaries of temples and stupas. You may be interested in taking snaps of temples, stupas, and monuments. Generally, temples, stupas, and monuments are permitted to be photographed, but it is better to have permission before using your cameras. Social Outlooks: Since most of our people live in rural areas, they have an outlook of simple and traditional life. They take delight in the company of foreign visitors. But certain things are alien or embarrassing to the Nepalese people. Here then are a few things to keep in mind. It is best to be decently clad when visiting any place. Sun and beachwear are not ideal when roaming around the city or village. Briefs, shorts, bare shoulders and backs may not be appreciated. You need not be stiff and overdressed, but just comfortably and decently covered. Do not take seriously if a Nepali lady hesitates to shake hands with you. In Nepal, people, especially the ladies, rarely shake hands when they greet one another but press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as "Namaste." Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. Please do not do something alien to our environment. We are hard on drug abuse, trafficking in, and drug possession is taken as serious offences. Beggars: Cheap charity breeds beggars but does not solve their fundamental problem. Therefore, do not encourage beggary by being benevolent. Currency: Non-Indian visitors may not import or export Indian currency. Foreign currency is to be exchanged with authorized foreign exchange dealers or at official bank exchange counters only. Some other Important Hints: Beware of touts who claim to be representatives of companies and offer to take you bargain hunting. Use hotel safety boxes for your valuables. Do not leave cash and other valuable things lying around in the room. Table manners in Nepal differ from those at home. In typical and traditional Nepali houses, plates, knives, forks, and spoons may be absent from the dinner table. While eating, Nepalese people use their right hand, but this does not mean that the guests cannot use forks, knives, and spoons. Any food or utensil touched by the used knife or spoon or fingers, or my lips or into which spittle has fallen is considered "Jutho," which means contaminated. It would humiliate a person if such food were offered to him. Nor should the dish containing such food be used again without its being correctly washed. If you want to give a present to your host or hostess, please do not be surprised if they lay it said unopened. In Nepal, opening a parcel in the guests' presence is not supposed to be a reasonable manner.
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