Third Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Lead Climbing Competition kicks off in Thamel
KATHMANDU: The third annual Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Lead Climbing Competition got underway this morning at the Astrek Climbing Wall in Thamel. The two-day event was inaugurated by Fur Gelje Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Sherpa highlighted the competition’s role in boosting Nepal’s adventure sports scene both at home and abroad, while also inspiring a new wave of mountaineers.
For the first time, the competition features lead climbing instead of the top-rope format used in the previous two editions. Organised jointly by the US Nepal Climbers Association (USNCA) and the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA), the shift to lead climbing—where climbers clip ropes into protection points as they ascend—marks a more technical and demanding phase for Nepal’s competitive climbing culture, according to NNMGA President Tul Singh Gurung.
The final round is scheduled for tomorrow, May 29, which is celebrated as Everest Day—coinciding with the 73rd anniversary of the first summit of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953.
The event includes men’s and women’s categories, with cash prizes of Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000, and Rs 20,000 for the top three finishers in each. Gurung confirmed that 27 male and 11 female competitors have registered, including two foreign participants. The jury comprises chief instructor Lakpa Sherpa and IFMGA/NNMGA climbers Jyamchang Bhote and Pasang Kidar Sherpa.
While NMA President Fur Gelje Sherpa opened the event, parliamentarian and renowned mountaineer Mingma Gyabu Sherpa will attend the final round and awards ceremony on May 29.
USNCA President Jangbu Sherpa noted that the competition aims to blend history, sport, and adventure, moving beyond traditional Everest Day ceremonies.
Source: https://thetourismtimes.com/news/climbing/third-tenzing-norgay-sherpa-lead-climbing-competition-kicks-off-in-thamel?fbclid=IwdGRjcASGTJJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeE4EBPwlVL06BJ2TNNmUD_-wAcfo1EGrkwti7j9txPWZsvINFmAAKPh81La8_aem_qLglEzHXkuLB3Bk573HamA
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