Nepal Mountain Academy

Bijulibazar, Kathmandu

Estd. 2002

government

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Overview

Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA) was established in 2002 with a vision to provide higher education in mountaineering, mountain sciences, and adventure tourism, and is located in Thapagaun, Bijulibazar, Kathmandu. The academy functions under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal.

Unlike conventional colleges, NMA blends classroom learning with real mountain experience. Students spend part of their academic journey studying theory in Kathmandu and the other part practicing skills in the Himalayas, particularly in Solukhumbu. This dual model makes learning both practical and meaningful.

The academy is academically affiliated with the Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University, ensuring nationally recognized degrees that are grounded in Nepal’s unique mountain context. Over the years, NMA has grown into a trusted institution for those who want to combine education with hands-on experience in mountain and adventure studies.

Quick Highlights

Established: 2002
Location: Thapagaun, Bijulibazar, Kathmandu
Ownership: Government of Nepal
Affiliation: Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University
Special Focus: Mountaineering, Mountain Studies, Adventure Tourism
Training Location: Dudhkunda Municipality, Garma, Solukhumbu
Vision: To develop into a dedicated university for mountain and adventure studies
Mission: To prepare skilled professionals for tourism, mountaineering, and research

Nepal Mountain Academy, Kathmandu

Establishment and Legal Basis

Nepal Mountain Academy was established to train skilled professionals for Nepal’s expanding mountain tourism industry. Its goal is to make this sector safer, better organized, and more professional. Over the years, it has evolved into a government-owned academic and training center where students acquire both academic knowledge and practical skills in mountaineering and adventure tourism.

The academy came into existence after the Government of Nepal issued the Mountain Training Development Committee (Formation) Order, 2059 under the authority of the Development Committee Act, 2013. It operates under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, and is officially recognized as the "Nepal Mountain Academy" or "Nepal Mountain Training Academy." Its core purpose is to provide training, education, and research related to mountain tourism while preparing qualified manpower for the industry.

Objectives

The academy works with the following key objectives:

Train and produce skilled manpower needed for the growth and promotion of mountain tourism.
Conduct and support studies and research on mountaineering and adventure tourism.
Develop curricula and run training programs to make trekking and mountaineering activities safer.
Carry out environmental programs such as sanitation in mountain areas.
Provide expert consultation to the Government of Nepal on mountain tourism-related issues.

Importance and Collaboration

Graduates and trainees from the Nepal Mountain Academy have played a vital role in improving both the quality and safety of Nepal’s mountain tourism. Their expertise has contributed to making Nepal one of the most trusted and attractive destinations for adventure tourism worldwide.

The academy also collaborates with other organizations working in the sector. Recently, an agreement was signed with the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Under this partnership, the Association will not duplicate basic and advanced mountaineering training but instead coordinate with the Academy. According to the agreement, 20 percent of training seats will be reserved for the Academy’s students, who will also receive scholarship opportunities. This cooperation helps reduce duplication of resources and allows both institutions to focus on specialized training.

Nepal Mountain Academy has established itself as a cornerstone in the academic and professional development of mountain tourism in Nepal. By offering structured education, practical training, and international-level skills, it continues to strengthen the tourism industry. Its contribution lies in making Nepal’s mountain tourism more professional, safe, and sustainable for the future.

Academic Programs Offered

Nepal Mountain Academy combines classroom learning with real-world practice. Its programs are affiliated with the Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University, which ensures academic recognition.

Currently, the main programs include:

Bachelor of Mountaineering Studies (BMS)

The BMS program introduces students to mountaineering and related fields of the mountains. It combines classroom instruction with field training in the Himalayas.

What students learn:
- Mountain safety and climbing techniques
- Ecology and geology of mountain regions
- Basics of tourism and expedition management
Career opportunities: Guides, tourism managers, expedition coordinators, or researchers in mountain studies.

Master of Adventure Tourism Studies (MATS)

This postgraduate program is designed for students who wish to specialize in the rapidly growing adventure tourism sector.

Focus areas:
- Adventure tourism planning and development
- Sustainable tourism practices
- Research and global tourism trends
Career opportunities: Management roles in tourism companies, government tourism departments, NGOs, or as researchers.

Master of Science in Mountain and Mountaineering Science (MSc MMS)

An advanced program for those interested in both science and mountaineering.

Focus areas:
- Mountain ecology and geology
- Risk management in high-altitude environments
- Scientific and applied research in mountain systems
Career opportunities: Research positions, academic roles, environmental consulting, or technical mountaineering experts.

Admission Process

For BMS

Eligibility:
- Minimum D+ grade in each subject of Class 11 and 12 with a CGPA of 1.8 or above
- OR second division in 10+2, PCL, or equivalent
- Must score at least 40% in the CMAT exam conducted by Tribhuvan University
Required Documents:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Character and transfer certificates
- Two recent passport-size photographs

For MATS and MSc MMS

A recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
Entrance test and evaluation process as per Tribhuvan University rules

Teaching Faculty and Learning Methodology

The teaching team at NMA includes both experienced academics and professional mountaineers. This mix ensures that students benefit from both theoretical knowledge and real-world insights.

Classroom Learning: Lectures, case studies, and discussions at the Kathmandu campus
Field Training: Practical sessions in Solukhumbu and other Himalayan zones
Research Projects: Independent or supervised research focusing on tourism, environment, and mountain studies
Skill Development: Emphasis on teamwork, endurance, and leadership in high-altitude settings

Infrastructure and Learning Facilities

Library

The library is a resourceful study space with:

Over 1,500 books and 500 digital resources
Sections for textbooks, journals, newspapers, and reference materials
Plans for a digital library with 24/7 access

Computer Laboratory

Equipped with 65 modern computers
Internet access is available on all working days
Supports academic research and assignments

Seminar / Meeting Hall

Capacity for 150 people
Equipped with audio-visual and multimedia facilities
Regularly used for academic talks, workshops, and conferences

Sports

Indoor and outdoor sports facilities are available
Encourages fitness and team spirit alongside academics

Student Life and Campus Experience

Life at NMA is more than books and lectures. Students get the rare opportunity to spend time in the Himalayas as part of their training. This experience not only builds academic knowledge but also fosters resilience, teamwork, and cultural understanding.

Living and studying at NMA means:

Classroom sessions in Kathmandu’s urban setting
Expeditions and field studies in mountain regions
Participation in cultural and academic events

Extracurricular Activities (ECA)

Climbing and Trekking: Students take part in guided expeditions
Workshops and Seminars: Sessions led by national and international experts
Cultural Events: Celebrating mountain heritage and traditions
Sports Competitions: Organized regularly on campus

Scholarships and Financial Support

NMA provides scholarships in line with the Tribhuvan University and government policies.

Types of Support:
- Merit scholarships for outstanding performance
- Reserved scholarships for marginalized and underprivileged groups
- Assistance for research projects and fieldwork costs

Achievements and Institutional Milestones

Affiliation with Tribhuvan University since 2017–18
Established training facilities in Solukhumbu for practical learning
Produced graduates contributing to the tourism, mountaineering, and research sectors
Published research and academic collaborations with national and international institutions

Why Choose Nepal Mountain Academy?

A government-owned institution backed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation
Practical and theoretical learning through its dual model
Affiliation with Tribhuvan University for recognized degrees
Faculty with both academic and mountaineering expertise
Opportunities to learn directly in the Himalayas
Scholarships and inclusive support for diverse students

Conclusion

Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA) offers an education that is both academically credible and uniquely practical. By combining classroom instruction with field experience in the Himalayas, it prepares students for careers in mountaineering, adventure tourism, and research.

Contact Nepal Mountain Academy's administrative office for detailed information on the course, admissions, location, fees, scholarships, facilities, counseling, or eligibility.