Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Badri Pandey wished the Api Himal climbing team in a special farewell program and mentioned the historic moment.
Api Himal, located in Darchula district of Sudurpaschim Province, is to be climbed for the first time. A 15-member climbing team left for this expedition on Friday.
Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Badri Pandey bid farewell to the team in a special farewell program organized by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). He mentioned that the first ascent of Api Himal was a historic and proud moment for Far Western Province.
Recently, the government has decided to give a two-year discount on climbing fees to 97 mountains in Far West and Karnali provinces through the gazette. In the
program, Minister Pandey described mountain climbing as an important basis for introducing Nepal and expressed his belief that the joint efforts of Sherpa and non-Sherpa climbers will usher in a new era in mountain climbing.
'This campaign will strengthen cooperation and coordination at the local level, as well as contribute significantly to the promotion of tourism in the Far West and Karnali Provinces,' Minister Pandey said.
There are 15 climbers participating in the team with the involvement of Api Rural Municipality. Even though it is risky, this initiative, which has been carried out by including the locals, is seen as a new opportunity in Far West tourism and mountaineering.
