NMA builds special museum ramp for wheelchairs

January 18, 2004
2 MIN READ
A
A+
A-

The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has built a special ramp for wheelchairs in the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara, The Himalayan Times reported.

The ramp for the physically challenged is first of its kind in Nepal. “A special ramp has been built in the museum so that they can move around freely,” Bhumi Lama, general secretary of NMA said.

The museum is opening for the public on February 5. Famous mountaineers such as Reinhold Messner and Peter Habler, the first to scale Everest without bottled oxygen are participating in the museum’s opening.

Briefing about the museum, Lama said that the museum is spread on 100 ropanies of land and offers an exotic view of Macchapuchhare and the Annapurna range.

He further said, “On display will be the culture of Thakalis, Tamangs and Sherpas since these communities are mainly associated with the mountain and mountain climbing,” adding, “Other galleries in the museum will display photos and mountaineering equipments including those of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary, a team that conquered Everest for the first time.”

The NMA has so far spent around Rs.80 million, of which $150,000 were donated by Japan. Tickets are priced at Rs.10 for students, Rs.50 for general public, Rs.200 for visitors from SAARC countries while Rs.300 for other tourists.

The NMA hopes to draw at least 80,000 to 100,000 tourists annually. Nepalnews.com rs Jan 18