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Fur Gelje Sherpa Photo

Executives

Fur Gelje Sherpa

President

Fur Gelje Sherpa or Phur Gelje Sherpa is a veteran of Nepal's mountain tourism industry with more than four decades of experience in mountaineering, trekking, expeditions, aviation, and tourism. Originally from Solukhumbu, the heartland of Sherpa mountaineering, he has spent much of his professional life working in and around the Himalayas and contributing to the development of Nepal's mountain tourism industry.

Biography

The story of Fur

3 min read

Fur Gelje is an experienced mountaineer with ascents of several 6,000m and 7,000m peaks. His long involvement in Himalayan tourism has given him first-hand understanding of expedition operations, mountain logistics, safety, local communities, and the challenges faced by climbers in high-altitude environments.

President, Nepal Mountaineering Association

In August 2025, Fur Gelje Sherpa was elected President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), receiving 342 votes in the election. He currently serves as the President of the NMA for the 2025–2028 term. The International Mountain Museum, which maintains the NMA Executive Committee information, currently lists Fur Gelje Sherpa as the President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association.

As President of the NMA, he is involved in the development and promotion of Nepal's mountaineering sector, including professional mountain-guide training, climbing education, guide certification, rescue programs, mountain safety, and international cooperation.

Under his current leadership, the NMA has continued work on professional mountain-guide development. The association's training programs include a 1,696-hour Professional Mountain Guide curriculum, along with practical climbing and mountain skills training designed to strengthen the professional standards of Nepal's mountain guides.

His role also places him at the center of important discussions concerning the future of Nepal's mountain tourism, including climber safety, professional standards, responsible expedition practices, and the development of skilled human resources for the Himalayan tourism industry.

Leadership in Mountain Aviation

Fur Gelje Sherpa also serves as Chairman of Heli Everest, a helicopter company operating in Nepal's aviation and mountain tourism sector. Heli Everest's official management records identify him as Chairman / Accountable Manager, while its board lists him as Chairman.

His involvement in mountain aviation adds another dimension to his experience in Himalayan operations, particularly in an environment where mountain logistics, emergency response, aerial access, and safety are important parts of expedition and trekking operations.

Experience in the Himalayas

With more than 40 years of experience in Himalayan tourism and personal experience on 6,000m and 7,000m peaks, Fur Gelje has developed a broad understanding of the mountain environment and the people who work in it.

His experience extends beyond climbing itself. It includes tourism development, expedition operations, mountain communities, aviation, safety, and the professional development of mountain guides. This combination of field experience and industry leadership has made him an active figure in Nepal's mountain tourism sector.

At Summit 8000, Fur Gelje Sherpa serves as President, providing strategic leadership and bringing together decades of experience from Nepal's mountaineering and mountain tourism industry. His current position as President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, combined with his involvement in mountain aviation and his long experience in the Himalayas, provides an important foundation for Summit 8000's approach to professional, safe, and responsible expedition operations.

Leadership & Professional Experience

  • President, Nepal Mountaineering Association — 2025–2028

  • President, Summit 8000

  • Chairman, Heli Everest

  • 40+ years of experience in mountain tourism, trekking, expeditions, and hospitality

  • Experienced mountaineer with ascents of 6,000m and 7,000m peaks

  • Extensive experience in Himalayan expedition operations

  • Experience in mountain aviation and high-altitude logistics

  • Advocate for professional mountain-guide training and certification

  • Involved in mountain safety, rescue, and development of Nepal's mountaineering sector

  • Extensive experience working with the Sherpa and Himalayan mountain communities

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