NNMGA Training Begins in Ladakh and Nepal

Kathmandu: The Ladakh Mountain Guide Association (LMGA), in collaboration with the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA), has recently launched the second component of the Aspirant Guide Entrance Exam Preparatory Course (IMC) in Ladakh. This training program, which commenced on June 7, aims to equip aspiring mountain guides with the essential skills and knowledge required for their future endeavors in the field.

Naren Shahi Thakuri, the Training Director of NNMGA, has reported that ten participants from Ladakh, India have enrolled in the two-week training course. Leading the program as the chief trainer is Tulsing Gurung, who is supported by a team of skilled trainers including Vinayak Jay Malla, Pasang Tendi Sherpa, and Prakash Gurung.

Simultaneously, in Nepal, NNMGA, in collaboration with the Nepal Mountain Academy, has also launched the second component of the Aspirant Guide Course as part of its annual training program. Commencing on the same day as the Ladakh training, twelve Nepalese guides are currently participating in this comprehensive 22-day training program.

The training curriculum encompasses both theoretical and practical aspects. Theoretical sessions are being conducted in Kathmandu, where subject matter experts serve as trainers, providing in-depth knowledge on various subjects relevant to mountain guiding. On the other hand, the practical training sessions are taking place at the Bimalnagar Rock Climbing venue, offering participants valuable hands-on experience in real-life scenarios. The practical training team is led by chief trainer Pasang Kaji Sherpa, along with trainers Lam Babu Sherpa, Gyalje Sherpa, Anup Gurung, Pemba Gyalje Sherpa, Abiral Rai, and Nar Bahadur Astani.

NNMGA has a long-standing commitment to training both Nepali and international individuals who aspire to pursue mountain guiding as a profession. The Aspirant Guide and Mountain Guide training programs conducted by NNMGA hold international recognition from the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations, which highlights their adherence to global standards in the field.

These training programs play a vital role in nurturing the skills and expertise of future mountain guides, ensuring their competence and safety when leading expeditions in challenging terrains. NNMGA aims to produce highly capable professionals by combining theoretical knowledge with practical training. Their objective is to enable these professionals to effectively guide mountaineers while promoting responsible mountaineering practices.

“The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training is crucial in preparing our trainees to become highly skilled and competent mountain guides,” stated Naren Shahi Thakuri during an interview with HT. With the ongoing NNMGA training in Ladakh and Nepal, participants are expected to acquire comprehensive knowledge and skills that will shape their successful careers in the exciting and challenging world of mountain guiding.