Kathmandu, December 15. The Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association (NMIA) concluded its 51st Introductory Rock Climbing Course on Sunday, awarding certificates to 49 trainees at a closing ceremony held at the Pasang Lhamu Foundation Wall climbing Premises.

The seven-day course, conducted from December 9 to December 15 across the Kathmandu Valley, brought together participants from 10 districts of Nepal. The trainees included 12 mountaineering instructors. Mountaineering Instructors are Lam Babu Sherpa, Tshering Pande Bhote, Pemba Rita Sherpa, Ashish Gurung, Tendi Sherpa, Dorjee Sherpa, Dawa Gyaljen Sherpa, Dawa Singhi Hyolmo, Kusang Sherpa, Pemba Tamang, Kunga Sherpa and Mingma Chhiri Sherpa.

Notably, one female participant—a South Korean national—also took part in the program.

The training combined theoretical instruction with practical sessions. The curriculum included one day of classroom-based theory, two days of indoor climbing in Kathmandu, three days of outdoor rock climbing at Hattiban, and revision on day sixth, and advanced practical training at Jagdol. The course concluded with a practical examination followed by certificate distribution.

Certificates were presented by Chief Instructor Lam Babu Sherpa, along with a member of the NMIA Training Committee, and IFMGA/NNMGA-certified mountain guide Riten Jangbu Sherpa (Tashi) during the closing ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Instructor Sherpa said the program emphasized safety standards, teamwork, and essential technical skills required for professional rock climbing and mountaineering.

Established in 2002, the Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association has been playing a vital role in developing skilled climbing and mountaineering fundamental through regular training programs, contributing to improved safety and professionalism in Nepal’s mountain tourism sector.