Kathmandu, Sept. 3
For the first time, a large number of
climbers are set to ascend Api Himal (7,132 metres) and Lhayo Peak (6,395
metres), located within the Api Nampa Conservation Area in Nepal’s Far-Western
Province.
Situated in Api Himal Rural Municipality of
Darchula district, Api Himal is the highest peak in the province. Despite its
immense potential to attract thousands of tourists, the mountain has remained
largely overlooked due to a lack of promotional efforts, suitable trekking
routes, and necessary infrastructure, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) informed.
Recently, the federal government announced
that 97 peaks in the Far-Western and Karnali provinces will be open for
climbing free of charge for the next two years. In line with this initiative,
the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), jointly implemented by the NTB and the
UNDP Nepal, has launched a climbing training campaign.
This programme is led by the Nepal
Mountaineering Association (NMA) in collaboration with Api Himal RM, under the
‘Summer Skills for Professional Mountain Guide Course’.
“After two weeks of theoretical training in
Kathmandu, participants will undergo two weeks of practical training in the Api
region. Graduates of this training will be eligible to work as mountain guides
or assistant guides for trekking peaks and other mountains in the future,” said
the NTB in a statement on Wednesday.
The training team was officially launched from
Kathmandu by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad
Pandey. He said that this initiative marks a historic step for the Far-West,
promoting local coordination and collaboration, and contributing to tourism
development across both provinces.
As part of the training, 14 trainees are
preparing to ascend Lhayo Peak, near Api Himal, by opening their own route. The
expedition includes 14 students and six instructors. Following the successful
ascent of Lhayo Peak, a group of seven climbers, including instructors, will go
on to summit Api Himal.
Subsequently, 15 local trekking guides will
also receive specialised training in mountain navigation and camping.
According to the NTB, this initiative is
expected to significantly contribute to the promotion of ‘virgin tourism
destinations’ like the Api region. Members from the Api RM are also involved in
the climbing team. According to Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of
the NTB, the project aims to enhance tourism facilities and services, develop
skilled tourism professionals, and create employment and livelihood
opportunities for local communities through destination promotion.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 4 September 2025.
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