{"id":11945,"date":"2025-06-17T16:28:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T10:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/?p=11945"},"modified":"2025-06-17T16:28:01","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T10:43:01","slug":"historic-academic-ascent-of-himlung-himal-by-nepal-mountain-academy-students-full-logistically-by-rise-expeditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/?p=11945","title":{"rendered":"Historic Academic Ascent of Himlung Himal by Nepal Mountain Academy Students, Full Logistically by Rise Expeditions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In a proud and historic moment for Nepal\u2019s mountaineering education, the Bachelor of Mountaineering Studies (BMS) 2020 batch from Nepal Mountain Academy successfully summited Himlung Himal (7,126 meters). This marks the first time such a large group of students \u2014 15 in total \u2014 has climbed a 7000-meter peak as part of their academic curriculum. Out of 22 students in the program, 17 joined the final summit push, and 15 of them reached the summit, achieving an outstanding 88% success rate from Base Camp to the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This wasn\u2019t just another expedition \u2014 it was part of the official course BMS 801: Practical Training Trip (PTT), where students combine research with real-life high-altitude experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the very beginning to the summit, the entire expedition was organized by Rise Expeditions &amp; Treks Pvt. Ltd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our founder, Pasang Kaji (PK) Sherpa \u2014 an IFMGA-certified guide, Technical Director of NNMGA, and lead rope-fixing coordinator \u2014 took on a double role: guiding both logistics and the students on the mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a big leap \u2014 not just for the students, but for Nepal\u2019s mountain education as a whole. It\u2019s the first time we\u2019ve seen this level of organization, scale, and professionalism come together in a student expedition on a 7000-meter peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And for us at Rise Expeditions, this moment means a lot. It\u2019s not just about reaching the summit \u2014 it\u2019s about shaping the future of Nepali mountaineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grab a coffee \u2014 let\u2019s take you through the full story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Himlung Himal (7126m) Introduction<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Himlung Himal, situated at 7,126 masl (23,379 feet), is a prominent peak located in the Peri Himal range within Nepal\u2019s remote Naar Phu Valley, close to the Tibetan border. Geographically, it lies at 28\u00b0 46&#8242; 18&#8243; North latitude and 84\u00b0 25&#8242; 29&#8243; East longitude, northeast of the Annapurna massif. This majestic mountain was first successfully climbed on October 3, 1992, by Osamu Hanai, Akio Koizumi, and Nima Sherpa. The Nepalese government officially opened the region to mountaineering in 1992, making it accessible to expeditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Caravan route<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The approach to Himlung Himal Base Camp was executed in multiple stages, combining road transport and trekking through remote highland terrain. The logistics and personnel were mobilized as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The expedition commenced in Kathmandu, with the team and supplies transported via bus to Besisahar, the administrative center of Lamjung District. This overland journey, covering approximately 175 km, took around 7 to 8 hours along the Prithvi Highway and Dumre\u2013Besisahar corridor. The road section offered smooth transit conditions suitable for passenger and cargo movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From Besisahar, the team transitioned to a 4WD jeep, suitable for off-road terrain, continuing northward through rugged mountain tracks to reach Koto in the Manang District. This leg of the journey required 5 hrs 30 minutes, navigating narrow paths along the Marshyangdi river gorge. All critical expedition gear, food supplies, and equipment were also ferried on this route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Koto, the expedition team initiated the trekking phase, entering the restricted and culturally isolated Nar\u2013Phu Valley. The trekking route progressed through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Meta: the initial overnight rest point above Koto<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kyang: a temporary settlement offering panoramic views and highland acclimatization<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phu Gaon: one of the last permanent villages before reaching alpine zones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This foot journey provided both acclimatization opportunities and cultural immersion, gradually ascending through rocky terrain, river valleys, and glacial features. Between Koto and Meta, the trail offered more than just views \u2014 the team came across natural hot water, adding a bit of warmth to their high-altitude journey. The The team acclimatization at Phu village, the group hiked to a nearby viewpoint to assist with altitude adjustment (5000m above base Camp).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The final ascent to Himlung Himal Base Camp (approx. 4910m) was completed on foot from Phu, with the assistance of mules to carry equipment and tents. Upon arrival, our field Staff. established a fully equipped Base Camp with all logistical infrastructure for the upcoming high-altitude operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Climbing Route<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The base camp is situated at 4910 meters near a stream, with minimal avalanche risk. The route to Camp 1(5460m) involves crossing glaciers, moraines, and small valleys, requiring approximately 3\u20134 hours. Snow conditions may be challenging, but avalanche danger remains low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Camp 1 to Camp 2 (6050m)<\/strong><br>From Camp 1, the route ascends a scree slope to the glacier\u2019s edge, followed by glacier travel while avoiding crevasses. Fixed ropes are installed on steeper sections to enhance safety. Avalanche risk is continuously monitored and remains low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Camp 2 to Summit (7126m)<\/strong><br>The final ascent from Camp 2 involves a steep ridge with inclines of 45\u201350\u00b0, gaining approximately 1100 meters in elevation. Fixed ropes are installed on exposed icy sections. After summiting, the descent is made back to Camp 1, then to Base Camp.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"857\" src=\"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Climbing-Map.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11946\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Climbing route from Base Camp to Himlung Himal summit: BC (4,910m) \u2192 Camp I (5,460m) \u2192 Camp II (6,050m) \u2192 Summit (7,126m). The ascent includes glacier travel, fixed-line sections, and high-altitude ridge climbing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rope Fixing Teams and Their Contributions<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The success of the Himlung Himal expedition would not have been possible without the hard work, courage, and dedication of our Rope-Fixing Team. Their efforts laid the foundation for a safe and successful climb for the entire expedition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Led by:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pasang Kaji (PK) Sherpa<\/strong><br>NNMGA \/ IFMGA Guide, NNMGA Technical Director, and Rope Fixing Coordinator<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Team Members:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lakpa Dorjee Sherpa<\/strong> \u2013 Sotang-06, Solukhumbu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ongel Sherpa<\/strong> \u2013 Thulung Dudhkoshi RM-09, Solukhumbu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fura Sonam Sherpa<\/strong> \u2013 Lokhim-09, Solukhumbu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chhewang Sherpa<\/strong> \u2013 Sotang VDC-06, Solukhumbu<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Your hard work ensured the safety and success of every team member on the mountain. We deeply honor and appreciate your strength, dedication, and unwavering commitment to this expedition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Rope-fixing-team.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11949\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The backbone of our Himlung Himal expedition \u2014 our rope fixing team securing every step on the route.<br>Safety, strength, and dedication in every meter fixed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The First Summit Team of the Himlung Himal Expedition 2025<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Himlung Himal Expedition 2025 reached a significant milestone on May 15, when the first summit team successfully stood atop the majestic 7,126-meter peak. This remarkable achievement was the result of months of preparation, expert guidance, and unwavering determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This team was part of the Fourth Batch students from Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA), undertaking the BMS 801: Practical Training Trip (PTT-6). The expedition forms a vital part of their academic curriculum, providing hands-on mountain climbing experience and helping bridge classroom knowledge with real-world mountaineering challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 28-day expedition was full logistics by Rise Expeditions &amp; Treks Pvt. Ltd., ensuring logistics, safety, and expert leadership were seamlessly managed throughout the climb. Under the close supervision of experienced instructors and professional climbing guides, the team moved in coordinated efforts to overcome the challenges presented by Himlung Himal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Summit Date:<\/strong> May 15, 2025, between 10 AM and 11 AM<br><strong>Expedition Highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The first summit push marked a successful climb by a well-coordinated team.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Safety protocols and technical guidance from IFMGA-certified guides ensured a smooth ascent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The climb was not only a physical feat but also an academic milestone for the students.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The First Summit Team:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pasang Kidar Sherpa<\/strong> \u2013 NNMGA\/IFMGA Guide, Instructor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Anil Kiratee<\/strong> \u2013 Executive Director and Field Supervisor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bibek Shakha<\/strong> \u2013 Student, Team Leader<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alexander Lama<\/strong> \u2013 Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bikram Lama<\/strong> \u2013 Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>John Bipra<\/strong> \u2013 Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prakash Gurung<\/strong> \u2013 Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prakash Rijal<\/strong> \u2013 Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sanjiv KC<\/strong> \u2013 Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nhuzza Manandhar<\/strong> \u2013 Photographer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Phurba Sarki Sherpa<\/strong> \u2013 Climbing Guide<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lakpa Dorjee Sherpa<\/strong> \u2013 Climbing Guide<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chhewang Sherpa<\/strong> \u2013 Climbing Guide<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1st-Team-.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11956\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The team that made it happen \u2014 students, guides, instructors, and field leaders standing tall together.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Each member brought strength, skill, and spirit to this expedition, culminating in their triumphant summit. Their successful climb not only reflects personal accomplishment but also exemplifies the power of teamwork, expert mentorship, and rigorous training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the first team begins their descent, preparations are underway for the second team\u2019s summit attempt on May 16, 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Himlung Himal expedition continues to inspire and demonstrate the passion and resilience of Nepal\u2019s mountaineering community and future guides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Second Team Summits Himlung Himal<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Himlung Himal Expedition 2025 marked a historic chapter on May 16, as the second summit team successfully reached the peak at 1:14 PM. This ascent followed the first summit push on May 15 and further demonstrated the strength, coordination, and dedication of the Fourth Batch students from Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This achievement is part of the BMS 801: Practical Training Trip (PTT-6) \u2014 a cornerstone academic course in mountain climbing. Designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with real mountain experience, this course provides students with direct exposure to the challenges and triumphs of Himalayan climbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The expedition was made possible with the full support and logistics of Rise Expeditions &amp; Treks Pvt. Ltd., who provided professional guidance, technical support, and all the safety protocols necessary for a successful ascent. Instructors, guides, and students worked together seamlessly, facing altitude, weather, and terrain \u2014 and rising above it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expedition Highlights:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A total of 15 students successfully summited Himlung Himal across both teams \u2014 7 on May 15 and 8 on May 16.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This is the largest number of NMA students to summit a 7000-meter peak in a single academic season \u2014 a proud milestone for Nepal Mountain Academy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The second team\u2019s summit further reflects the growing strength of mountaineering education and training in Nepal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Second Summit Team (May 16, 2025):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Riten Jangbu Sherpa (Tashi)<\/strong> \u2013 NNMGA\/IFMGA Guide, Chief Instructor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Aashish Raut<\/strong> \u2013 Student, Team Leader<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ishan Kafle<\/strong> \u2013 Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mingmar Tshering Sherpa<\/strong> \u2013 Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sajal Neupane<\/strong> \u2013 Student <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Saugat Khadka<\/strong> \u2013 Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sujan Suwal<\/strong> \u2013 Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Suman Limbu<\/strong>&#8211; Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Suyog Neupane<\/strong> \u2013 Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tendi Sherpa<\/strong> \u2013 Climbing Guide<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2nd-Team.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11977\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Food and Accommodation on the Himlung Himal Expedition<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nutrition plays a critical role in the success of any high-altitude expedition. At Base Camp, the team was provided with four well-balanced meals daily, complemented by safe boiled water to ensure proper hydration and energy replenishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the trekking phases, accommodations in local lodges offered hearty and nutritious meals to support the physical demands of the journey. Dedicated support staff ensured water safety throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Above Camp I, food provisions shifted to high-energy, easily digestible options such as dehydrated meals, tsampa, nuts, cheese, and energy-rich snacks. Hot meals like chicken curry and soup were served when conditions allowed, supporting endurance and recovery at extreme altitudes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This careful attention to food and hydration was essential to maintaining the team\u2019s strength, morale, and overall expedition success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Learning Beyond the Classroom \u2013 A Real-World Mountaineering Experience<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This expedition was more than just reaching the summit. It was a big part of the students&#8217; academic journey. Climbing Himlung Himal gave them the chance to put everything they\u2019ve learned in classrooms into real use\u2014planning, decision-making, teamwork, leadership, and taking care of one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They faced the mountain with humility and courage, and came down with something more valuable than a summit certificate\u2014experience, confidence, and the kind of learning you can\u2019t get from a textbook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The success of the Himlung Himal Expedition happened because of the hard work and teamwork of everyone involved \u2014 from the climbers and guides to the support staff and organizers. Our part was to make sure everything ran smoothly, from planning to providing support, so the team could focus on the climb safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We want to thank every single person who played a role in this expedition. Your dedication and effort made all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we celebrate this achievement, we\u2019re excited for the future and ready for the next challenges. Together, we\u2019ll keep reaching new heights and making more successful expeditions happen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a proud and historic moment for Nepal\u2019s mountaineering education, the Bachelor of Mountaineering Studies (BMS) 2020 batch from Nepal Mountain Academy successfully summited Himlung Himal (7,126 meters). This marks the first time such a large group of students \u2014 15 in total \u2014 has climbed a 7000-meter peak as part of their academic curriculum. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":11985,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11945","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11945","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11945"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11945\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11988,"href":"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11945\/revisions\/11988"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11985"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11945"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11945"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riseexped.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11945"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}