KATHMANDU, May 29: Nepal is celebrating the 72nd International Everest Day today, marking the first successful ascent of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak.
On May 29, 1953, Nepali climber Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and New Zealand's Sir Edmund Hillary reached Everest's summit, setting a historic milestone in human courage and achievement. Since then, Nepal has commemorated this achievement by celebrating International Everest Day every year on May 29.
This year, the government has launched grand celebrations through a series of programs. It has formed the Main Ceremony Committee for International Everest Day under the leadership of the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
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Tourism Minister Hit Bahadur Pandey told Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) that the ministry has coordinated with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a successful celebration. He said the ministry carefully scheduled the events to avoid overlapping with Republic Day and the national budget presentation, both also falling on Jestha 15.
The day's celebration began with a morning rally that set off from the Employees Provident Fund Office in Thamel. Participants marched with themed displays, concluding with a formal event at Basantapur. Organizers plan to host the "Everest Summiteers Summit" this afternoon after the Republic Day and budget programs conclude.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will attend the summit as the chief guest. The event will include experience-sharing by record-holding climbers and discussions on promoting adventure tourism and reducing the impact of climate change on the Himalayas. Organizers will also honor several notable climbers during the program.
The Ministry of Tourism has organized Everest Day every year in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, the Department of Tourism, the Nepal Mountaineering Association, and private tourism stakeholders.
Nepal Mountaineering Association President Ang Tshering Sherpa said Nepal celebrates Everest Day every year through various programs to honor the memory of the first summit. He said climbers from around the world, including members of Hillary's family, visit Nepal to join the celebration. "We renamed Lukla Airport as Tenzing-Hillary Airport to honor the legacy," Sherpa said. "Since Everest belongs to the world, we must take serious action to protect it from the risks of climate change. Melting snow due to rising global temperatures has already exposed areas like Kalapatthar. Now is the time to focus on conserving Everest and the Himalayas."
According to data, Nepal has 1,792 peaks higher than 5,800 meters, including eight peaks over 8,000 meters. However, authorities have opened only 461 of these peaks for climbing.
This year, the Department of Tourism also plans to honor record-setting climbers and mountain tourism entrepreneurs. Organizers hope the celebration will inspire future generations to follow their mountaineering dreams while encouraging respect and protection for the Himalayan environment.
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