NMGA to launch topo map on Sunday

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 26: For the first time in Nepal, a topo map has been created for the convenience of climbers in the country. National Mountaineering Guides Association (NMGA) had worked on map creation. 

During a press conference in Kathmandu, Tul Singh Gurung, President of NMGA informed that the association was publishing a topo map on the occasion of 20th Mountaineering Day on Sunday. 

A topographic map is a detailed and accurate illustration of man-made and natural features like roads, power transmission lines, rivers, lakes on the surface of the earth.  

Mostly, climbers use this type of map to get information about drainage, landforms, forests, or transportation routes of any geographical feature.  

"December 28 is 'Mountain Guide Day' and we are publishing topo map on the occasion," he said. 

Gurung further said rock climbing players, who are part of the main sport under Nepal's adventure sports, will benefit from this. 

According to him the map will be useful for rock climbers in Hattiban and gradually the service will expand to the main climbing spots across the country.  

"Rock climbing will be easier once the map gets published," he said adding that the map could help players in preparation, as they will be informed about all the topics before reaching the spot. 

Rock climbing is considered the first stage of training for mountain climbing across the world.

Similarly, Tshering Bhote, President of Mountain Guide and Mountain Instructor Association, highlighted on the importance of the map during the press conference. He said that since rock climbing is important for training mountain guides, the topographic map needs to be expanded gradually. 

He also asked the government to promote such tasks to meet the target of tourism promotion. 

"Topographic map contains detailed information about the ease, and difficulty of each route of the climbing site which helps in preparation for the climbers," he added. 

Meanwhile, the association also informed that the number of internationally recognized mountain guides in Nepal has reached 107. This number was in low for long. 

"The number of certified guides exceeded 100 since the association was recognized by the International Mountaineering Guides Federation in 2069 BS," Gurung said in the press conference. 

Gurung also said attraction towards guiding is gradually increasing. After being recognized, guides are allowed to play their role in mountains around the world. "We have better future in this field," he said. 

Internationally recognized mountain guides have currently been guiding in 26 countries with mountains and have also been working as instructors in India and China, according to the association.