NMA Introduces Revised Curriculum for Professional Mountaineering Training

Kathmandu: The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has introduced a revised curriculum for its Professional Mountain Guide and Mountain Leader training courses. This marks a significant step in enhancing the quality and scope of professional mountaineering education in Nepal.

According to NMA, the revised curriculum, developed with the support of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), was formally handed over to the NMA Board by the Syllabus Revision Committee on December 16. The course had earlier received approval from CTEVT on September 16, 2024.

The handover ceremony witnessed the Convenor of the Committee, Mr. Rajendra Bahadur Lama, along with other committee members, jointly presenting the revised curriculum book to NMA President Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa.

Speaking at the event, President Sherpa described the moment as a historic milestone for Nepal’s mountaineering training.

“This is a historic moment in Nepal’s mountaineering training history. We will soon start organizing training using this revised curriculum,” Sherpa said. He further extended his gratitude to the committee members and experts who contributed their time and expertise to prepare the curriculum.

The revised curriculum replaces both the basic and advanced mountaineering courses previously offered by the NMA. It has been designed to provide a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, equipping trainees with the skills required for professional mountaineering and leadership roles.

Mr. Rajendra Bahadur Lama, the Committee Convenor, emphasized the course’s depth and its alignment with international standards.
“We have worked hard to finalize this document. Various components have been added to ensure that any individual graduating from this course will be qualified to guide clients to the summits of all the eight-thousand-meter peaks,” Lama said.

The course content focuses on advanced expedition planning, technical mountaineering skills, risk management, and leadership—ensuring graduates can confidently lead expeditions to some of the world’s highest peaks.

The revision process involved the expertise and collaboration of several renowned mountaineering professionals and instructors.
Along with Convenor Lama, the Syllabus Revision Committee included Bachchu Narayan Shrestha, Sanjib Gurung, Dawa Tashi Sherpa, Sarki Sherpa, Mani Kumar Rai, Ram Kaji Tiwari, Kanchi Dolma Hyolmo, Lal Bahadur Jirel, and Pasang Lama.

With the revised curriculum now officially approved, the NMA plans to conduct training programs through its proposed Mountaineering Training Institute. This initiative aims to produce highly skilled professional guides and leaders, further strengthening Nepal’s reputation as the world’s mountaineering hub.

The introduction of this modernized curriculum represents not only a significant achievement for the NMA but also a crucial step toward ensuring the safety, professionalism, and leadership of Nepali mountaineering guides on the global stage.