KATHMANDU: Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) extended a grandiose welcome and offered felicitations to the record-holding climbers Tenjen Sherpa, Kristin Harila and Nima Rinji Sherpa among others.
At an official ceremony held at Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) hall in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, on Saturday, NMA honoured Tenjen, Kristin and Nima with Silver Badge and letter of appreciation. NMA also honoured Muktu Sherpa, Ang Dawa Sherpa, Ngima Dorchi Sherpa and Pechhumbe Sherpa with a letter of appreciation.
Tenjen, a resident of Makalu Rural Municipality in Sankhuwasabha district and Harila from Norway jointly held the record of the fastest completion of all 14 eight-thousanders. Harila and Tenjen scaled Mount K2 in Pakistan last week, thus completing the ascent of the 14 higher than 8000 metres (about 26,000 feet) in 92 days, shattering the previous record held by Nirmal Purja aka, ‘’Nims Dai’’.
At the age of 17, Nima, who shares the same address as Tenjen, has etched his name as the youngest summiteer of Mt K2, the world's second-highest peak. Meanwhile, Muktu, Ang Dawa, Ngima, and Pechhumbe have scripted a unique chapter in history by becoming the first set of siblings from the same parents to conquer the challenging heights of Mt K2 together. All the climbers returned back to Nepal this morning from Pakistan via Dubai.
They were received at Tribhuvan International Airport by State Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sushila Sirpali Thakuri; Director General of the Department of Tourism, Hom Prasad Luitel; President of NMA Nima Nuru Sherpa and other officials. They were given a hero’s welcome at the airport where hundreds including mountaineers, high level government officials and well-wishers gathered to welcome them back with cheers and flower garlands.
The record-holding climbers were escorted to NTB hall for the formal felicitation with a rally. The rally embarked on a journey through various parts of Kathmandu.
Harila joyfully shared her sentiments, expressing gratitude towards her team for their instrumental role in achieving the campaign's success. She also warmly conveyed her deep affection for Nepal,
"Without the support of Tenjen and other Sherpas who contributed to this remarkable campaign would not have achieved its success. Thus, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Tenjen and all those who stood by me throughout this remarkable journey," she expressed. "Nepal has become a second home to me, and I eagerly anticipate returning on every possible occasion."
On behalf of NMA, Director of Mountain Tourism Section of Department of Tourism Rakesh Gurung conferred the Silver Medal and Presented a letter of appreciation to the climbers. He also congratulated all the climbers and extended his gratitude to NMA for organising a felicitation programme for climbers.
‘‘I had a chance to have a personal interaction with Harila and her team before this expedition and I held a strong belief in the success of her endeavour due to her unwavering dedication," He further added, "It is an honour for me to acknowledge their accomplishments at this moment. I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Harila, Tenjen, Nima, and all the climbers for their remarkable feat."
NMA's Chief Advisor, Ang Tshering Sherpa, heralded this achievement as unparalleled. He said, "Undoubtedly, this is an immensely significant accomplishment. Personally, and in all capacities, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the climbers who have secured these records".
NMA's President, Nima Nuru Sherpa, expressed gratitude to everyone who played a part in ensuring the success of this programme. "In my perspective, this event should have been organised in a unique manner, at an exceptional location, and celebrated at a distinct level." He added, “However, it's only the NMA trying hard for the betterment of mountain tourism, environmental conservation, and the welfare of mountain communities."
NMA advisor Mingma Sherpa and Chairperson of Makalu Rural Municipality, Ongdi Tshering Sherpa, also seconded the thoughts of the NMA president.
The programme was attended by various luminaries including the head of administration at Royal Norwegian Embassy Elizabeth Wemberg, various record-holding climbers, high-level government officials and other individuals. Senior Vice President of NMA Thakur Raj Pandey had welcome remarks while the General Secretary Mohan Lamsal moderated the programme.
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