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An Unavoidable Needs Mountain Academy

For the very first time in history, the government of Nepal established Parbatiya Prashikshan Pratistan Bikas Samiti (Mountain Academy Nepal) realizing its importance for the betterment of tourism and its fellow mountaineers. We are destined as well as fortunate to have most of the mountains flaunting the altitudes of above 8000 meters and undaunted mountaineers holding various world records. But unfortunatly, we didn't have the mountaineering school of international level in Nepal until 2059 B.S. Mr. Bal Bahadur K.C. the former Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation took the initiation of founding Prarbatiya Prashikshan Pratisthan Bikas Samiti. Due to the political instability it was neutralized before it's absolute activation. preseantly, after the Dorjee Jangbu Lama, the government has appointed me an Executive Director of this academy which indeed a great opportunity and it came a great deal of responsibilities too. My mission and vision can be briefly sketched through my intention of establishing MAN in Garma and Mountain guide training center in Lumding and Numbur and other various locations. To implement my ideas and policies I have started many discussions and workshops to derive information and advices from renowned instructors, climbers, stakeholders and associations like 'Garma Sherpa Kiduk' specializing in mountain tourism. I also hope to get more instructions and advices from national and international arena who has dedicated their life in the Mountain and mountaineering profession. The people of Solukhumbu are unified and have showed strong determination to set- up the mountain Academy in the holy land of Mt. Everest for the national interest.

I opine that the action of master plan should be given a high priority. On behalf of the entire Nepalese citizens, I would like to request all the parties to unite for the development of the Nation putting a full stop to this instability. I also humbly request the official authorities to place this Master plan in primary national priority. And to implement this master plan, during the budget allocation, if it is given an assistance of 130 million Rs in the initial phase then it would really help this master plan to stapeout of words in to the world of the action. In past, people were not concerned or in a way kept in darkness  regarding the royalties from mountains but after Nepal was declared federal republic state, the  collection of royalties were made visible and the public were very delighted to find out high revenue collection from mountains. And these days most of the country's population is extremely concerned with the collection of the royalty from mountains. But to their amazement very little has been done or invested back for the development of mountaineering in Nepal.

Massive revenue collection can be carried out through mountain tourism. Though the Mountain tourism possess abundant potentiality in the collection of revenue and directly and indirectly almost every citizens of our country in enjoying the benefits, we have not been able to concentrated on taking good care of our mountains and its various aspects. For an instants if any one is willing to own a license of an international guide, then they had have to pay a visit to Europe or America to get one which is obviously for too expensive for the poor people of Nepal. It is known facts that without the help of great Nepalese climbers the foreigners find it nearly impossible for the tourist to summit but practically we are never given the credit to Nepalese climbers due to the lake of the licenses.

Nepal is a land-lucked country which stops us from trading through sea which is really great economic barrier. Contrary to this nature has compensated us by providing magnificent mountains. However it is a high time for every one to realize and discover immense potentiality of establish meat of mountain Academy to attract foreign students (trainees) in Nepal. Ultimately, we will be able to minimize the ratio of Nepalese going abroad.

  In addition to that, Garma is also highly accessible place because of two domestic airports i,e of Phaplu and kangel are located within a distance of two hours and existing road from Okhaldhunga with the future road from the Bandar as well will also make it easily accessible. Since Garma physically located near the base of mountain, it is a pollution free environment. Because of road accessibility the food products are not expensive too. We also have ample land of about 150 hectares selected for mountain academy. Until these days all kind of mountain related programs were held in the capital where tourists suffocate because of pollution and high population density. They want to leave capital as soon as possible because they are not here to witness the crowd and pollution; they are here to enjoy the natural beauty. Besides above facts Garma is a very peaceful location which is very suitable for studying, sight seeing and any kind of out door sports activities. To raise consciousness among the Nepalese people, the government should include the information regarding the mountain of Nepal in the curriculum of general public school. In this way we will be fully aware of mountains and we can answer foreigner's queries as they know our country as the land of Mount Everest.

To make this a grand success three main things should be done at this Juncture which are as follows

i)1.To develop enough infrastructure

ii) 2. To start and conduct different kinds of quality trainings

iii) 3. To develop curriculum to run mountain academy.

 Postponding development is only waste of time and money. So we should act, on it as soon as possible and I'm strongly committed towards it. The help of government is indispensable in this regard including the help of NGOs, INGOs to make this project successful.

 This project will be unique and will hold along with outstanding importance in entire Asia, because of the gigantic and beautiful mountains that stand highest peak in itself. We should not take this project for granted.

 I highly appreciate the editorial team of this publication for their great endeavor and also well-wishers for the precious advices which will provide a long - life direction to the Academy. I summon all of you to work together collectively to make this master plan a grand Success.

 Lhakpa Futi Sherpa; Executive Director 
Published 2066