Phur Gelje Sherpa Elected NMA President: 2025 News Archive

Mountaineering Updates for 2026/27

Historical mountaineering news, 2025. The election described below took place in August 2025. The result should be understood in that context rather than being used as proof of who holds the association’s office on every later date. Anyone needing the incumbent president, association contacts, specific NMA procedures or regulatory authority should verify this directly with NMA and the Nepal Department of Tourism.

For current climbing expedition planning, the Department of Tourism’s mountaineering-fee schedule applies from 1 September 2025 and lists the standard Everest spring permit royalty at US$15,000 per foreign climber. This is distinct from an elected association announcement and from an expedition package price. Review our Everest expedition planning guide for information about training, logistics and safe mountain operations.

We have retained the original election story as a dated archive rather than changing its historical details to a current news announcement.

Congratulations Mr. Phur Gelje Sherpa for being elected as the President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)!

In the election held on 23rd August 2025 at Pragya Pratisthan in Kamaladi, Mr. Sherpa has secured the maximum vote (342 votes), thereby being elected as the President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. With this victory, Mr. Sherpa, who is also a Chairman of Himalayan Sherpa Adventure, has officially succeeded Mr. Nima Nuru Sher as President. We wish you all the very best for your upcoming three-year tenure as President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association and look forward to your capable leadership in advancing the mission and values of NMA. 

Additionally, Amigo Treks and Expedition would also like to congratulate

• Mr. Ishwori Paudel (elected Senior Vice President)
• Mr. Mingma Gyabu Sherpa (elected 1st Vice President)
• Mr. Bodh Raj Bhandari (elected 2nd Vice President)
• Mr. Rajendra Bahadur Lama (elected General Secretary)
• Mr. Chandan Thapa (elected Secretary)
• Ms. Sumi Moktan and Mr. Ngima Nurbu Sherpa (elected Treasurers)
• Mr. Mulal Gurung (elected Central Executive Board Member)
• Mr. Thupden Sherpa  (elected Central Executive Board Member)
• Mr. Dendi Sherpa  (elected Central Executive Board Member)
• Mr. Rinje Sherpa  (elected Central Executive Board Member)
• Mr. Bikram Karki  (elected Central Executive Board Member)
• Mr. Kedar Neupane  (elected Central Executive Board Member)
• Mr. Devendra Dangol  (elected Central Executive Board Member)
• Mr. Gokul Thapa  (elected Central Executive Board Member)
• Mr. Madhav Kumar Dhamala  (elected Central Executive Board Member)
• Ms. Nisha Bhote  (elected Central Executive Board Member)
• Ms. Diki Sherpa  (elected Central Executive Board Member)
• Mr. Dawa Tashi Sherpa (elected Central Executive Board Member from the book holder category)
• Mr. Jenjen Lama (elected Central Executive Board Member from the book holder category)
• Ms. Dabuti Sherpa (elected Central Executive Board Member from the book holder category)
• Mr. Sandesh Sherpa (elected Central Executive Board Member from the book holder category)

Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), established on 1st November 1973 (16th Kartik, 2030) is the sole Alpine Association of the country. It’s a non-governmental, non-profit as well as non-political organization fully dedicated to promoting mountain tourism, climbing sports, protecting mountain environment and preserving and promoting cultural heritage of mountain people. Learn more about Nepal Mountaineering Association.

Nepal Mountaineering Association is also the only alpine club in Nepal authorized to issue climbing permits for 27 mountain peaks of Nepal. The list of the 27 mountains is as follows:

Thus, NMA is authorized to issues climbing permit for peaks up to 6,600 meters. The highest NMA Peak is Chulu East (6,584m) and the lowest is Kongma Tse (Mehra Peak) 5,849m.

Apart from issuing permits, Nepal Mountaineering Association also plays key roles in:

1. Promoting mountaineering: Nepal Mountaineering Association promotes Nepal as premier destination for mountain climbing and trekking. It also organizes national and international climbing expeditions and training programs.
2. Providing Mountaineering training: Nepal Mountaineering Association conducts training courses for mountain guides, climbers and high-altitude workers, promoting safety, skill development and environmental responsibility in the mountains.
3. Advocating for Mountaineers: Nepal Mountaineering Association works to protect the rights and welfare of Nepalese climbers, especially high-altitude porters and Sherpas. For this it also engages in national and international forums to represent Nepal’s climbing community.
4. Conserving Environment: Nepal Mountaineering Association plays important role in raising awareness about sustainable climbing and trekking practices. It participates in cleaning campaigns on major mountains like Everest and surrounding trekking routes.

Nepal Mountaineering Association is also actively involved in mountains-related other projects such as:

1. International Mountain Museum

2. Manang Mountaineering School

3. Annapurna Rescue Center

4. Kakani International Memorial Park

Moreover, Nepal Mountaineering Association also collaborates with international mountaineering organizations, such as UIAA (Union internatioanle des association d’alpanisme, which is French for the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) for training , expedition, support and promotion.

Expedition and Permit FAQs

Does this article confirm the current NMA president?

No. It records an election in August 2025; verify current officeholders directly with the association.

Does an NMA election determine Everest expedition permit fees?

No. Nepal’s responsible government authorities publish applicable mountaineering royalties and regulations.

Does a climbing association membership replace a mountain permit?

No. Any mountain-specific permit and operating rules still apply.