Summit Solution Treks & Expedition proudly celebrates a moment of international recognition for one of its founding members, Ashish Gurung, who has been awarded Korea’s prestigious Golden Ice Axe in recognition of his exceptional contribution to high-altitude rescue operations in the Himalayas.

The award was presented by the South Korean Ambassador to Nepal, Park Tae-Young, on behalf of the Korean Alpine Rescue Association and the Government of South Korea. Ashish Gurung, along with fellow IFMGA mountain guide Riten Tashi Sherpa, was honored for their voluntary and courageous role in a complex rescue and body recovery mission at Mera Peak in October. This marks the first time that Nepali mountain guides have received Korea’s highest mountaineering honor, highlighting the global respect earned by Nepali professionals in high-altitude safety and rescue.

The Golden Ice Axe, known internationally through Korea’s Piolet d’Or Asia events, represents excellence, responsibility, and leadership in mountaineering. Being awarded this honor reflects not only technical skill but also ethical commitment and selfless service in extreme mountain environments.

Ashish Gurung is an IFMGA-certified mountain guide and expedition leader. His experience includes five successful summits of Mount Everest, three summits of Lhotse, multiple ascents of Ama Dablam, and more than fifty successful climbs of peaks above 6,000 meters.

Beyond summits, Ashish has played a vital role in numerous high-altitude rescue and recovery missions across the Himalayas, including Everest, Kongma La Pass, and Mera Peak. His work reflects a deep sense of responsibility toward the climbing community, where saving lives and assisting fellow climbers takes precedence over personal achievement.

At Summit Solution, we take immense pride in working with leaders who represent the highest standards of global mountaineering. Ashish Gurung’s recognition by the Korean Alpine Rescue Association reinforces our commitment to responsible exploration, professional guiding, and ethical mountain practices. It also reflects our broader vision of contributing to Himalayan mountaineering not only through successful expeditions, but through safety, training, and service to the mountain community.