April 6: A joint team comprising members from Nepal and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) is set to climb the 6,591 metres tall Mt Jugal. The team comprising three Nepalis and seven Koreans left for Sindhupalchok on Saturday for the mountaineering expedition, according to Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).    
The maiden ascent of Mt Jugal is taking place to mark the completion of 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and South Korea. Jugal is the nearest peak from Kathmandu.    
The team is undertaking the expedition at the initiatives of NMA, Nepal Tourism Board and the Jugal Rural Municipality of Sindhupalchok.    
NMA general-secretary Mohan Lamsal expressed the confidence that the maiden ascent of Mt Jugal by the joint team will contribute towards promoting tourism in Nepal. He said this expedition is considered important also because it is linked with tourism diplomacy.    
The government had on April 11, 2023 decided to open Mt Jugal for climbing. Five other peaks in the Jugal mountain range have also been opened for mountaineering.    
Renowned Korean mountaineer and honorary Nepali citizen Aum Hong Gill will be leading the South Korean team while record-setter climber and NMA’s first vice-president Dawa Yangzum Sherpa will lead the Nepali team.    
It is stated that 50 South Korean trekkers will also accompany the expedition team to the Mt Jugal region. -- RSS