Kathmandu, April 13 (RSS): Minister for Culture, tourism and Civil Aviation, Prem Bahadur Ale, saw off Sharmila Lama who set out today on an expedition to Mt Kanchanjangha (8485 meter).

The 32-year-old Lama from Bhimkholi, Roshi Rural Municipality -1, Kavre district, started climbing mountains since the last 16 years. She has already summited four mountains above 8,000 meters, including Mt Everest, and aims to climb 14 Himalayan peaks in the coming years.

Minister Ale handed the national flag to Lama at a programmed held at the Ministry today and wished her success in her mission.