BMD

This year's January 16 was very important to the entire global mountaineering fraternity as a group of 10 Nepali climbers created history by reaching the summit of K2, the world's second tallest mountain. K2 was the only among 8,000-metre tall peaks that was never conquered in winter before.
Some 60 climbers associated with four various expeditions were in the Karakoram region to climb K2 this winter. But only 10 Nepalis have set their feet atop K2. Located in the Karakoram Range in Pakistan, the 8,611-metre peak is known as the 'Savage Mountain' because it is regarded as the world's most challenging one.
Ever since the first winter attempt on K2 in 1987, very few winter expeditions have been made. But none of them reached above 7,650m. Only about 450 climbers have scaled the peak even in summer since the first ascent in 1954. This clearly indicates how technically difficult the peak is.
Although the Nepali mountaineers belong to different teams, they made concerted effort to scale the peak. One of the teams was led by Nirmal Purja while the other was headed by Mingma Gyalje Sherpa.
Other members of the team included Mingma David Sherpa, Gelje Sherpa, Sona Sherpa, Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, Pem Chhiri Sherpa, Dawa Temba Sherpa, Kili Pemba Sherpa, and Dawa Tenjing Sherpa. All the members of the team have now become heroes in the world's mountaineering community.
Upon making it to the summit, Purja, a young and promising climber, wrote on Twitter: "The impossible is made possible! K2 winter history made for mankind, history made for Nepal."
All the members of the team waited just 10 metres below K2's summit and moved towards the top together by singing Nepal's national anthem. The team's unprecedented success is a testimony to the fact that Nepali climbers are capable of taking up any challenge. This is a matter of pride for Nepal and Nepalis.
Last week, the Nepali climbers received felicitation in Pakistan for setting a new world record on K2.
Being an ultimate destination for nature lovers and mountaineers from across the world, Nepal was in the global spotlight following the ascent of the mountain. Numerous international media gave prominence to the event. This has definitely helped enhance Nepal's destination image globally.
With many nations throughout the world launching their vaccination campaigns against the COVID-19 pandemic, the global tourism industry is likely to start resuming gradually in the near future. The travel industry is among the most coronavirus-hit sectors as it has been disrupted completely since the beginning of 2020. Although many COVID-19 infections are still being detected in Nepal on a daily basis, the country's tourism industry, especially mountaineering, may reopen from the upcoming spring season.
Many foreign climbers and other adventure seekers have begun showing their interest in visiting Nepal to attempt various peaks in spring this year. However, they are still in a 'wait and see' situation considering the emergence of the second wave of COVID-19 in many countries, including the USA, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. The first detection of a new variant of coronavirus in the United Kingdom and its spread to many other nations is now becoming another setback for the entire world.
Despite this, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in Solukhumbu district has recently decided to allow Nepali as well as foreign trekkers and mountaineers to visit the world-famous Khumbu region. Earlier, they had to have a fresh PCR report to enter the region.