KATHMANDU, Aug 30: For the first time in mountaineering history, 15 climbers are set to ascend the Api peak located in Darchula district of Sudurpaschim Province.
In a programme organized by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) on Friday, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, extended best wishes to the climbers.
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Earlier, the government had given a permit for climbing the Api Himal, a mountain in the far west of Nepal.
On the occasion, Minister Pandey mentioned that the first ascent of the peak would be a historic moment not only for Sudurpaschim Province but also across the country. The climbing of the Api Himal began in the wake of the government's recent decision, waiving the mountaineering fee for as many as 97 peaks in the Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces for two years.
During the farewell event, Minister Pandey argued mountaineering sector bears much significance to promote Nepal. Joint efforts of the Sherpa and non-Sherpa climbers have contributed significantly to mountain climbing, he added.
"This climbing drive promotes tourism activities both at local levels and the Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces," Minister Pandey believed.
The climbers are from the Api Rural Municipality of Darchula.
