December 25, 2001

KATHMANDU: Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has  welcomed this week’s government decision to open three more Nepal  Himalaya peaks to foreign climbers.

“The decision will will have a positive impact on the tourist industry in the coming days,” the NMA said. “The opening of the peaks will promote the Kingdom as a prime destination for climbers.”

The Association also welcomed a government decision not to send liaison officers with expeditions climbing peaks lower than 6500 metres. Most of the peaks to be opened from spring are in the Mount Everest and the Kangchenjunga regions.

Government is also opening  restricted areas along the Nepal-Tibet border to trekkers from next week, a government source said.