The International Congress on Himalayan Geology and Mountain Geoscience

The Nepal Geological Society (NGS) proudly announces the 12th Nepal Geological Congress (NGC–XII, 2026), to be held from 19 to 21 November 2026 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The Nepal Geological Congress is the most authoritative and continuously organized geoscience forum in the Himalayan region. Hosted at the heart of one of the world’s youngest and most tectonically active mountain belts, the congress provides a globally significant platform for advancing Himalayan and mountain geoscience.

NGC–XII, 2026 invites geoscientists, engineers, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and students from around the world to engage in high-level scientific exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and professional networking.

CONGRESS THEME

Advancing Himalayan Geoscience for a Resilient, Sustainable and Resource-Secure World

VISION

To establish the Nepal Geological Congress as the leading global forum for Himalayan and mountain geoscience.

MISSION

To connect Himalayan scientific knowledge with global geoscience advances, policy priorities, and development needs.

OBJECTIVES

1. Present frontier research and innovation in geoscience and earth system sciences
2. Advance global understanding of Himalayan geology and mountain processes
3. Promote geoscience-based solutions for disaster risk management and resilient infrastructure
4. Foster collaboration among scientists, engineers, policymakers, and development partners
5. Inspire and mentor early-career geoscientists and students

MAJOR SCIENTIFIC THEMES AND SUBTHEMES

The scientific programme of NGC-XII, 2026 is organized around six major themes, each encompassing several sub-themes. Authors are requested to select the most appropriate theme and sub-theme when submitting abstracts.

Theme I: Himalayan Geology, Tectonics, Sedimentology and Earth System Evolution

Regional geology and geological mapping
Tectonics, geodynamics, and crustal evolution
Stratigraphy, paleontology, sedimentology, basin analysis, and provenance studies
Petrology, mineralogy, geochemistry, and geochronology
Neotectonics, active faults, and geodetic studies
Comparative studies of orogenic belts

Theme II: Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering and Resilient Mountain Infrastructure

Engineering geological investigations for infrastructure projects (Dam, Hydropower, Road, Railway, Bridge etc)
Rock mechanics and tunnelling
Slope stability analysis and landslide mitigation
Foundation engineering in complex geological settings
Building materials, aggregate resources, and construction geology
Resilient infrastructure design for seismically active regions

Theme III: Natural Hazards, Climate Change and High-Mountain Risk Management

Earthquake, and seismic hazard assessment
Landslide hazard, susceptibility, and risk mapping
Flood hazard and river geomorphology
Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and cryosphere dynamics
Multi-hazard risk assessment and early warning systems
Climate change impacts on mountain geomorphology and hazards
Community-based disaster risk management
Post-disaster geological investigations and lessons learned

Theme IV: Water Resources, Hydrogeology and Environmental Sustainability

Groundwater exploration, assessment, and management
Surface water hydrology and watershed management
Springs, wetlands, and aquifer characterization in mountainous terrain
Water quality, and geo-health
Environmental geology and impact assessment
Urban geology and sustainable city development
Geological aspects of waste management and remediation
Water governance and transboundary water issues

Theme V: Mineral, Energy and Earth Resources for Sustainable Development

Mineral resources exploration and evaluation
Critical minerals and strategic resources
Responsible mining and environmental sustainability
Hydropower geology and geotechnical aspects
Geothermal energy exploration and development
Emerging geo-energy resources (hydrogen, carbon storage)
Dimension stones, industrial minerals, and construction materials
Mineral policy, regulation, and socio-economic development

Theme VI: Digital Geoscience, Remote Sensing, Policy, Education and Professional Practice

GIS and remote sensing applications in geoscience
Digital geological mapping, 3D modelling, and data management
Artificial intelligence and machine learning in geoscience
UAV/drone-based geological surveys and monitoring
Geoscience education, curriculum development, and capacity building
Ethics, professional practice, and licensing in geoscience
Science-policy interface and geoscience for policymaking
Gender, diversity, and inclusion in geoscience

CALL FOR EXTENDED ABSTRACTS

Extended Abstract Submission Guidelines

The Scientific Committee invites the submission of abstracts for oral and poster presentations across all six thematic areas and mentions the preference of either poster or oral presentation.

Abstract Format

Title: Concise and descriptive (maximum 20 words); Authors with Full names along with affiliations (presenting author to be underlined); Maximum 300 words (excluding title and author details) with a clear and brief background, objectives, methodology, key results/findings, and conclusions; 3–5 Keywords; English Language with Times New Roman Font; 11 pt; and submitted in editable format.

Abstract Template:

Extended abstract template is available here:

12th NGC Extended Abstract Template

Submission Method:

Abstracts should be submitted electronically via email to: abstract12ngc@ngs.org.np

Important Dates for Abstract Submission

All accepted abstracts will be published in the Congress Abstract Volume (with DOI).

CONGRESS FORMAT AND SIGNATURE HIMALAYAN FEATURES

The Congress will feature a dynamic and comprehensive programme including:

Opening Ceremony with distinguished guests and dignitaries
Plenary and keynote lectures by globally renowned experts
Parallel oral sessions organized by theme with rigorous peer review
Poster sessions with dedicated viewing and discussion time
Invited and special sessions on Himalayan and mountain geoscience
High-level panel discussions linking science, policy, and development
Student and early-career scientist forums with awards and mentoring
Capacity-building short courses and workshops (pre- and post-congress)
Exhibition and sponsor showcase area
Networking reception and congress dinner
Signature Himalayan Geological Field Excursions (pre- and post-congress)
Closing ceremony with congress resolutions and declaration

CONGRESS PROGRAMME SCHEDULE

Detailed day-wise programme will be provided in the Third Circular and on the congress website.

REGISTRATION

Registration Fees

Note: Student registration requires valid student ID or proof of enrollment. Registration fee includes congress materials, abstract volume, lunch, tea/coffee, and certificate of participation.

Registration Method

Online registration will be available through the congress website. Payment details and instructions will be communicated separately.

FIELD EXCURSIONS

NGC-XII, 2026 will offer Signature Himalayan Geological Field Excursions showcasing the remarkable geology of Nepal. Field excursions will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and will require separate registration and fees.

Pre-Congress Field Excursions (17–18 November 2026)

Excursion A: Kathmandu Valley Geology

Route: Within Kathmandu Valley

A one-day excursion of historical monuments, UNESCO world heritage sites, and geomorphology and geology of Kathmandu Valley is planned just before the conference start day. The total cost of this excursion is USD 100.00 per person. It includes transportation, breakfast and lunch on the day of excursion. However, the minimum number of participants for the excursion to be arranged shall be ten.

Date: 18 November, 2026

Excursion B: Engineering Geology and Disaster

Route: Kathmandu – Dhulikhel – Nepalthok – Khurkot

A two days excursion is scheduled for the observation of the disaster made by Roshi Khola with the 2024 September flood on BP Highway from Dhulikhel to Khurkot section. The total cost of the excursion is USD 200.00 per person, and it includes transportation, hotel accommodation (shared room, 1 night) and meals (a breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner).

Date: 17 – 18 November, 2026

Post-Congress Field Excursions (22–26 November 2026)

Excursion C: Central Nepal Himalayan Transect

Route: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Beni – Jomsom

A five days excursion is scheduled for the observation of the N-S section of the Lesser and Higher Himalaya. The total cost of the excursion is USD 700.00 per person, and it includes transportation, hotel accommodation (shared rooms, 4 nights) and meals (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners).

Date: 22 – 26 November, 2026

Excursion D: Siwaliks and Sub-Himalayan Geology

Route: Kathmandu – Hetauda – Amlekhgunj corridor

A two days excursion is scheduled for the observation of Siwaliks and Sub-Himalayan Geology from Hetauda to Amlekhgunj section. The total cost of the excursion is USD 200.00 per person, and it includes transportation, hotel accommodation (shared room, 1 night) and meals (a breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner).

Date: 22 – 23 November, 2026

Excursion E: Lesser to Higher Himalayan Geology

Route: Kathmandu – Dhulikhel – Dolalghat – Barhabise

A two days excursion is scheduled for the observation of Lesser Himalaya and Higher Himalaya section along the Kodari Highway. The total cost of the excursion is USD 200.00 per person, and it includes transportation, hotel accommodation (shared room, 1 night) and meals (a breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner).

Date: 22 – 23 November, 2026

Excursion F: Hydropower and Engineering Geology Field Visit

Route: Selected hydropower project sites in the central Nepal

A two days excursion is scheduled for the observation of Engineering geology of hydropower, tunnelling, dam sites, slope stability, and geological hazard management. The total cost of the excursion is USD 200.00 per person, and it includes transportation, hotel accommodation (shared room, 1 night) and meals (a breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner).

Date: 24 – 25 November, 2026

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

NGC-XII, 2026 will recognize outstanding contributions to Himalayan and mountain geoscience through the following awards:

Best Oral Presentation Award (Student categories)
Best Poster Presentation Award (Student categories)
Young Scientist Award (for researchers under 35 years of age)
Toni Hagen Award
Peter Molnar Award

Nomination and selection criteria will be announced separately.

SPONNSORSHIP AND EXIBITION OPPERTUNITIES

NGC-XII, 2026 offers valuable opportunities for organizations, companies, and institutions to enhance their visibility and engage with the global geoscience community through sponsorship and exhibition.

Sponsorship Categories

Exhibition Space

Exhibition booths will be available for companies, publishers, instrument manufacturers, software developers, government agencies, and international organizations. Booth sizes and pricing will be communicated separately.

Contact for Sponsorship and Exhibition: info@ngs.org.np

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL

Venue

The congress will be organized in The Malla Hotel which is among the finest luxury 5-star hotel located in the heart of Kathmandu, around Thamel and near to Tribhuvan International Airport (https://www.themallahotel.com). The venue is well equipped with modern conference facilities, exhibition areas, and accessible infrastructure.

Accommodation

Kathmandu offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. A list of recommended hotels with negotiated congress rates will be provided in the Third Circular and on the congress website.

Travel and Visa

Visa: You can find the details of visa on (https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/)

Invitation

Official invitation letters for visa purposes will be issued upon request after registration.

Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the main international gateway to Nepal.

Local Transport

Arrangements for airport transfers and congress venue transportation will be communicated to registered participants.

DATES

19–21 November 2026

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

International Advisory Committee

Senior representatives from IUGS, IAEG, and other international geoscience organizations

Leading international experts in Himalayan geology, engineering geology, climate science, and earth system sciences

Names to be announced in the Third Circular

National Advisory Committee

Honorable Minister, Minister of Energy, Water Resource and Irrigation
Honorable Minister, Ministry of Industry, commerce and Supplies
Chief Executive, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority
Chairman, Rastrapati Chure Terai Madhesh Conservation Development Board
Vice Chancellor, Tribhuvan University
Vice Chancellor, Kathmandu University
Vice Chancellor, Pokhara University
Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies
Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport
Secretaries, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation
Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
Vice Chancellor, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology
Dean, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University
Director General, Department of Water Resources and Irrigation
Director General, Department of Mines and Geology
Director General, Department of Electricity Development
Executive Director, Water Resources and Energy Research Center
Mr. Nirendra Dhoj Maskey
Mr. Achyuta Nanda Bhandari
Dr. Bishal Nath Upreti
Dr. Krishna Prasad Kaphle
Dr. Ramesh Man Tuladhar
Dr. Megh Raj Dhital
Dr. Jagadishwar Nath Shrestha
Dr. Amod Mani Dixit
Dr. Danda Pani Adhikari
Dr. Ananta Prasad Gajurel
Mr. Sarbajit Prasad Mahato
Mr. Sagar Kumar Rai
Mr. Rajendra Prasad Khanal
Mr. Ram Prasad Ghimire
Dr. Vishnu Dongol
Dr. Prakash Chandra Adhikary
Dr. Ram Bahadur Sah
Dr. Naresh Kazi Tamrakar
Dr. Santa Man Rai
Dr. Dibya Ratna Kansakar
Dr. Soma Nath Sapkota
Dr. Sudhir Rajaure
Mr. Jayraj Ghimire
Dr. Tara Nidhi Bhattarai
Mr. Pratap Singh Tater
Mr. Govinda Sharma Pokhrel
Mr. Shyam Bahadur K.C.
Dr. Pitambar Gautam
Dr. Lila Nath Rimal
Dr. Dev Prasad Jaisi
Dr. Krishna Kanta Panthee
Mr. Subas Chandra Sunuwar

Organizing Committee

Mr. Bhaskar Khatiwada
Dr. Ananta ManSingh Pradhan
Dr. Upendra Baral
Dr. Basanta Raj Adhikari
Mr. Shiv Kumar Baskota
Ms. Sarmila Paudyal
Mr. Churna Bahadur Wali
Dr. Dinesh Pathak
Mr. Uttam Bol Shrestha
Dr. Kabi Raj Paudyal
Mr. Dinesh Nepali
Mr. Khila Nath Dahal
Dr. Ganesh Nath Tripathi
Mr. Dev Kumar Syngbo
Mr. Shailendra Shrestha
Mr. Ajay Raj Adhikari
Dr. Kabita Karki
Dr. Champak Babu Silwal
Mr. Mukunda Paudyal
Dr. Subodh Dhakal
Dr. Raju Sarkar
Dr. Mike Searle
Dr. Mary Hubbard
Dr. Rodolfo Carosi
Dr. Christian France-Lanord
Dr. Harutaka Sakai
Mr. Govinda Ojha
Ms. Manju Subedi
Mr. Binod KC
Mr. Roshan Neupane
Dr. Prakash Pokhrel
Dr. Dilli Ram Thapa
Mr. Dhirendra Prasad Pandey
Mr. Ram Datta Joshi
Dr. Moti Lal Rijal
Dr. Suman Panthee
Mr. Tshiring Dorje Lama
Dr. Dinesh Chandra Devkota
Ms. Monika Jha
Dr. Janak Bahadur Chand
Mr. Ashish KC
Dr. Deepak Chamlagai
Mr. Tikaram Paudyal
Mr. Aniruddha Poudel
Mr. Krishna Basnet
Dr. Bishwa Raj Silwal
Mr. Narayan Banskota
Dr. Kumar Khadka
Mr. Sujan Devkota
Mr. Khagendra Dahal
Mr. Deepak Gautam
Dr. Suchita Shrestha
Dr. Lok Bijay Adhikari
Dr. Krishna Chandra Devkota
Mr. Subarna Khanal
Dr. Saunak Bhandari
Ms. Durga Khatiwada
Mr. Subash Acharya
Mr. Saurav Khanal
Mr. Manoj Khatiwada
Mr. Dipendra Laudari
Mr. Anil Khatri
Dr. Ashok Sigdel
Mr. Nabaraj Neupane
Yagya Murti Aryal
Dr. Lalit Kumar Rai
Dr. Purushottam Adhikari
Mr. Arvinda Kumar Mishra
Dr. Kumud Raj Kafle

IMPORTANT DATES

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

First Circular

First-Circular.pdf

Second Circular

Second-Circular.pdf

ORGANIZER

Congress Secretariat

Nepal Geological Society (NGS)
Lainchaur, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977-9851431322
info@ngs.org.np
www.ngs.org.np

KEY CONTACTS

Dr. Ananta Man Singh Pradhan
Convener, 12th Nepal Geological Congress
convenor12ngc@ngs.org.np

Dr. Upendra Baral
Co-Convener, 12th Nepal Geological Congress
coconvenor12ngc@ngs.org.np

Mr. Bhaskar Khatiwada
President, Nepal Geological Society
president@ngs.org.np

Mr. Shiv Kumar Baskota
General Secretary, Nepal Geological Society
generalsecretary@ngs.org.np

The Nepal Geological Society cordially invites geoscientists, researchers, professionals, and students worldwide to participate in the 12th Nepal Geological Congress (NGC–XII, 2026) and contribute to advancing Himalayan and mountain geoscience.