The Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA) recently launched its Gyaji Khang (7074m) Research Expedition – 2024, sending off a 41-member team comprising students from the Bachelor of Mountaineering Studies (BMS) program. This expedition is a significant component of the students’ academic curriculum, reflecting NMA’s commitment to experiential learning and exploration in the field of mountaineering.
Led by International Federation of Mountain Guide Association (IFMGA) certified Mountain Guides Pasang Kaji Sherpa, Gelje Sherpa, and Jamling Bhote, along with Field Supervisor Shiva Prasad Jaishi, the team includes 29 students from the third batch (COHORT: 2019-2023) of NMA. Additionally, climbing guides and support crew from Seven Summit Treks Pvt. Ltd. will provide technical support and accompany the expedition.
The Gyaji Khang Research Expedition marks NMA’s third academic mountaineering research endeavor above 7000m, following successful ascents of Thorong Peak (6144m) and Himlung Himal (7126m) in previous years. These expeditions serve as practical coursework for BMS students, contributing to their academic and professional development in mountain tourism and management.
NMA, operating under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal, is a distinguished educational institution offering mountaineering and mountain tourism courses affiliated with Tribhuvan University’s Faculty of Management and Institute of Science and Technology (IoST). Since its establishment in 2002, NMA has played a pivotal role in nurturing managerial-level talent for Nepal’s mountain tourism sector.
Seven Summit Treks Pvt. Ltd. will manage logistics for the Gyaji Khang expedition, ensuring the team’s safety and comfort throughout their journey. This collaborative effort underscores NMA’s dedication to fostering practical skills and research capabilities among its students while advancing mountain tourism education and exploration in Nepal.