Everest Summit to International Leadership
Koshi Province Chief Honours Two Nepali Mountaineering Figures Province Chief Parshuram Khapung extends congratulations and best wishes to Nepal’s first UIMLA-recognised International Mountain Leader Krishna Kumar Magar and Everest summiteer Sushil Sherma Limbu
By Arjun Uprety
ITAHARI, Nepal: Recognising their contributions to Nepal’s mountaineering, adventure tourism and international mountain leadership, Koshi Province Chief Parshuram Khapung has extended congratulations and best wishes to two prominent figures associated with the country’s Himalayan tourism industry.
The individuals honoured are Krishna Kumar Magar, Nepal’s first UIMLA-recognised International Mountain Leader, and Sushil Sherma Limbu, the first person from the Limbu community to summit Mount Everest. The recognition came as Khapung approaches the completion of his five-year constitutional tenure as Province Chief.
Their achievements represent two important dimensions of Nepal’s mountaineering sector: the development of internationally recognised professional mountain leadership and the growing representation of indigenous communities in high-altitude mountaineering.
Following the recognition, Magar expressed his happiness and gratitude through social media, thanking Province Chief Khapung, his personal secretary Devendra Khapung and the entire Office of the Province Chief.
Magar also congratulated Khapung on completing his five-year tenure and expressed appreciation for recognising his professional achievements, particularly at the closing stage of the Province Chief's term. He concluded his message with the traditional Kirat Limbu greeting, “Sewaro.”
Khapung assumed office on November 9, 2021 (Kartik 23, 2078 BS), and is scheduled to complete his five-year tenure on November 10, 2026 (Kartik 24, 2083 BS). He is also the first Province Chief to complete a full five-year term since the implementation of Nepal's federal system.
Krishna Kumar Magar: Nepal's First UIMLA-Recognised International Mountain Leader Born in Taptin, Solukhumbu, Krishna Kumar Magar has established a professional identity in Nepal's mountain tourism industry through his international mountain leadership qualifications and extensive experience in the Himalayas.
He is recognised as Nepal's first International Mountain Leader accredited by the Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA).
His journey into mountain tourism began at a young age. After trekking to Annapurna Base Camp at the age of 15, Magar gradually transformed his passion for the mountains into a professional career.
Over the years, he has gained extensive experience in mountain tourism and established himself as a full-time International Mountain Leader and instructor. He is also proficient in French, an important skill in his work with international trekking groups.
According to the official profile of Dream Peak Adventure, Magar has been identified as Nepal's first UIMLA-certified International Mountain Leader since 2021.
The responsibilities of an International Mountain Leader extend far beyond guiding visitors from one destination to another. The profession requires extensive knowledge of mountain geography, weather conditions, risk management, trekking leadership, rescue procedures and internationally recognised professional standards.
In this context, Magar's achievement represents an important milestone in connecting Nepal's trekking industry with international professional standards.
His career also highlights the importance of developing skilled human resources, providing international-level training and expanding professional certification opportunities within Nepal's mountain tourism sector.
Sushil Sherma Limbu: First Everest Summiteer from the Limbu Community Another prominent name associated with the recognition is Sushil Sherma Limbu, who holds an important place in the mountaineering history of the Limbu community.
He successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain, on May 20, 2017, via the southern route from Nepal.
His achievement is regarded as a matter of pride for the Limbu community and represents the growing participation of Nepal's diverse ethnic communities in high-altitude mountaineering.
The involvement of people from different indigenous and ethnic backgrounds in Himalayan expeditions has become an important aspect of Nepal's broader mountaineering identity.
Limbu's Everest ascent therefore represents not only an individual mountaineering achievement but also an important milestone in community representation in Nepal's adventure tourism sector.
Both Served as Liaison Officers at Everest Base Camp in 2026 Beyond their individual achievements, Krishna Kumar Magar and Sushil Sherma Limbu have also contributed to the management of Nepal's mountaineering activities.
During the spring climbing season of 2026, both were assigned responsibilities as liaison officers at the temporary field office established by the Department of Tourism at Everest Base Camp.
Representing the Government of Nepal, they played important roles in supporting mountaineering administration and tourism management at the world's most prominent mountaineering destination.
Their involvement in the government-established field office further demonstrates their professional engagement with Nepal's mountain tourism sector.
Khapung Completes Five-Year Tenure as Koshi Province Chief Meanwhile, Province Chief Parshuram Khapung is preparing to conclude his five-year constitutional tenure.
He was appointed Province Chief of the then Province No. 1 on November 9, 2021 (Kartik 23, 2078 BS).
Despite changes in political equations and successive changes of provincial governments during his tenure, Khapung is set to become the first Province Chief to complete a full five-year term since the establishment of the federal system.
During his tenure, the then Province No. 1 was officially renamed Koshi Province. He carried out his constitutional responsibilities while different political leaderships formed successive provincial governments.
The recognition of two individuals associated with mountaineering and Himalayan tourism towards the end of his tenure has also brought attention to the achievements of Nepal's mountain professionals and local communities.
By recognising Krishna Kumar Magar's international professional achievement and Sushil Sherma Limbu's historic Everest ascent, the Province Chief has highlighted two important contributions to Nepal's Himalayan identity.
Their recognition also reflects the potential of Koshi Province in mountain tourism, adventure travel and the promotion of Nepal's diverse communities on the international mountaineering stage.
