Nepal faces shortage of skilled mountain guides amid tourism policy debate

Mingma Gyabu Sherpa, a lawmaker for the Rastriya Swatantra Party and a prominent mountaineer, has warned that Nepal is facing a ‘brain drain’ of skilled mountain guides. Sherpa stated that professionals are increasingly seeking employment abroad due to a lack of fair wages and proper recognition within the country.

Addressing the 25th anniversary of the Everest Summiteers Association in Kathmandu, Sherpa emphasized that Nepal’s tourism sector is still governed by the Tourism Act of 1978, which he argues is outdated and requires replacement. He called for stakeholders to actively participate in discussions regarding a new Tourism Bill to ensure the rights and concerns of mountaineers are incorporated into the legislation.

Sherpa urged mountaineering organizations to present their demands independently of personal or political interests to help formulate effective laws that protect the future of Nepal’s tourism industry.