Waste Management Policy and Practices in Mountain Expeditions in Nepal: Stakeholder's Perspective on Implementation of Mountaineering Expedition Rules

Purpose: This study investigates the current implementation status of Mountaineering Expedition Rules (MER) 2002 in Nepal, focusing on waste management practices during mountain expeditions from stakeholder's perspective.
 Methodology: The used a descriptive research design with mixed approach, collecting primary data through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Data analysis is conducted using statistics for quantitative content qualitative data.
 Main Findings: findings highlight need improvement Nepal. While climbers demonstrate moderate to high level awareness practices, challenges such as limited budgets, lack self-awareness among expeditioners, slow decay cold weather persist. emphasizes importance proper mountaineering expedition rules, particularly management.
 Implications: contributes development sustainable tourism Nepal preservation environment. recognizes efforts made by Nepalese government policies regulations address issues. goal protect fragile ecosystem while facilitating growth tourism.
 Novelty: It offers practical recommendations based stakeholder perspectives, which can inform policy formulation other countries similar contexts.