SATV 19 May, Kathmandu: In a landmark achievement for academic mountaineering in Nepal, students and instructors from Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA) successfully summited Himlung Himal (7,126 meters) on May 15 and 16, 2025, marking the first successful ascent of the spring 2025 season.

The climb was part of the academy's advanced curriculum under BMS 801 – Practical Training Trip (PTT-6), designed to provide hands-on experience in high-altitude mountaineering as part of their degree program.

Summit success over two days

On May 15, the first summit team comprising instructors, students, and support guides reached the peak between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, led by IFMGA-certified guide Pasang Kidar Sherpa and field supervisor Anil Kiratee, the Executive Director of NMA.

Seven students summited that day: Bibek Shakha, who also led the student group, Alexander Lama, Bikram Lama, John Bipra, Prakash Gurung, Prakash Rijal, and Sanjiv KC. They were supported by NMA's official expedition photographer Nhuzza Manandhar, as well as experienced climbing guides Phurba Sarki Sherpa, Lakpa Dorjee Sherpa, and Chhewang Sherpa-all hailing from Sotang in Solukhumbu district.

The second summit push, which took place on May 16 at 1:14 PM, was led by Riten Jangbu Sherpa (Tashi), the academy's Chief Instructor and an NNMGA/IFMGA certified guide. Successful student climbers in this group included Aashish Raut (team leader), Ishan Kafle, Mingmar Tsering Sherpa, Sajal Neupane, Saugat Khadka, Sujan Suwal, Suman Limbu, and Suyog Neupane. They were accompanied and supported by professional climbing guide Tendi Sherpa from Patle, Okhaldhunga.

In total, 15 students stood atop Himlung Himal, the highest number ever in a single academic expedition to a 7,000-meter peak in the institution's history.

Although they did not reach the summit, several students made important contributions to the expedition's logistics and overall success. These students were Aayush Timalsina, Bibek Kumal, Dipendra Gurung, Karan Maharjan, Prashant Giri, Sumina Gurung, and Yubak Bista. Alok Khatiwada, the Account Head at Nepal Mountain Academy, also played a key role as a field supervisor.

Rope-fixing & technical preparation

The expedition was preceded by critical rope-fixing and route-setting efforts by a highly experienced technical team. Led by Pasang Kaji (PK) Sherpa, an IFMGA guide and Technical Director of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA), the team included Ongel Sherpa, Fura Sonam Sherpa, Lakpa Dorjee Sherpa, and Chhewang Sherpa. Their early work in establishing safe climbing routes was critical to the double-summit success.

Expedition logistics and support

The 28-day expedition was fully supported by Rise Expeditions & Treks Pvt. Ltd., ensuring safety, coordination, and technical guidance throughout. All team members have now safely returned to Base Camp and begun their journey back.

Academic significance

The climb was not just a test of physical endurance but also a practical application of classroom learning. It reinforced skills in teamwork, leadership, expedition planning, high-altitude survival, and climbing ethics.

This expedition represents a milestone in academic climbing, with the largest number of students from a single institution successfully summiting a 7,000-meter Himalayan peak.

A first for Spring 2025

The NMA expedition was the first team to successfully summit Himlung Himal this spring, while other attempts by different groups were unsuccessful.