Minister Pandey to establish a welfare fund for mountaineers

KATHMANDU, Jan 26:Badri Pandey, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, has announced the establishment of a welfare fund for mountaineers.

Minister Pandey stated that a welfare fund will be established at a program honoring the climbers hosted by the Chumanubri Rural Municipality in Gorkha on Sunday.

“The government is arranging a welfare fund for mountaineers. The fund would give an impression that the government is with us when  mountaineers are in trouble," he stated.  "The Department of Tourism is currently working with the suggestions of stakeholders to arrange the fund."

The program honored Phunjo Jangmo Lama (who climbed Everest in 14 hours and 31 minutes), Mingmar Tshering Lama (who climbed Manaslu), Nangsel Choedon Lama (who climbed Everest and Lhotse in 47 hours), Nanu Maya Gurung (who climbed K2, Everest, Manaslu, and Lhotse), Diki Lhamu Lama (who climbed Manaslu and Everest), and Yukta Gurung (who climbed Everest).