In a historic initiative to unite mountaineers and foster sustainable mountain tourism, the first-ever International Everest Summiteers’ Summit-2025 was inaugurated in Kathmandu today by the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey. Addressing an assembly of over 300 Everest summiteers from 25 different countries, Minister Pandey emphasized that the conservation of mountains is a shared global responsibility.
Highlighting the urgency of protecting the Himalayan environment, Pandey stated, “Mountains are not just rocky terrains; they are a bridge of civilization, culture, and coexistence. We must collectively work to conserve them for the future generations.” He noted that climate change and global warming pose serious threats to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, and therefore, immediate and sustained action is required.
The Minister extended special gratitude to the Sherpa communities, mountain guides, rescue teams, and all support staff working in high-altitude regions. He honored their selfless contributions and acknowledged their pivotal role in making mountain expeditions safer, environmentally conscious, and more meaningful. “We are not just here to congratulate the summiteers, but also to honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of those who make these ascents possible,” he added.
Everest Summiteers’ Summit-2025
One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the 1953 Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Everest expedition. His legendary climb has inspired generations of mountaineers, and his recognition at the Summit served as a tribute to Nepal’s mountaineering heritage.
Other renowned Sherpa climbers such as Mingma Sherpa and Hari Bahadur Buda were also honored for their outstanding achievements and records on Everest. Their presence at the event added a strong emotional and motivational element, as stories of bravery, resilience, and environmental awareness resonated throughout the gathering.
Speaking at the event, Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board, emphasized that adventure tourism especially mountaineering remains one of Nepal’s strongest tourism assets. “With eight of the world’s highest peaks, including Sagarmatha (Mt Everest), Nepal has unmatched potential for adventure seekers,” Joshi remarked. He expressed hope that the Summit would enhance Nepal’s image globally as a prime destination for adventure tourism.
Tankalal Ghising, Member-Secretary at the National Sports Council, expressed that the Summit would not only elevate Nepal’s global recognition but also encourage the youth and local communities to engage in mountaineering. “This platform helps establish Nepal as a hub of courageous adventurers and resilient mountain communities,” he said.
Dambar Parajuli, President of Sagarmatha Aarohi Sangh, emphasized the significance of the Summit in boosting the morale and global dignity of Sagarmatha summiteers. “This is a proud day not only for climbers but also for the Nepali people. The world is looking at Sagarmatha, and through it, at the strength of our spirit and culture,” he noted.
The event, organized by Everest Alliance Nepal, aimed to create a global forum for climbers, conservationists, tourism entrepreneurs, policy-makers, and mountain communities. Sudarshan Nepal, President of the Alliance, shared the broader objectives of the Summit. “Our goal is to promote sustainable and adventurous tourism, protect the mountain environment, and uplift the socio-economic condition of communities living in high-altitude regions,” he said.
Sudarshan Nepal further elaborated that the summit also serves as a platform for sharing inspirational mountaineering journeys, challenges faced during expeditions, and critical lessons learned on the highest peaks. The event fosters a spirit of unity among climbers and promotes knowledge-sharing across cultures and generations.
With participation from countries including India, China, USA, Pakistan, UK, Italy, Norway, Iran, Singapore, Australia, Lebanon, Morocco, and the UAE, the summit has created a rare opportunity for global dialogue on mountain conservation. Discussions revolved around balancing the growth of mountaineering tourism with ecological preservation and cultural integrity.
Minister Pandey concluded his address with a call to action: “Let this historic gathering of Everest summiteers ignite a global commitment to preserve our sacred mountains, honor the lives they have touched, and ensure that their grandeur remains for the next generations to witness.”
As Nepal continues to build its identity as a premier destination for adventure and eco-tourism, the Everest Summiteers’ Summit-2025 marks a pivotal step towards global cooperation in mountain conservation, cultural recognition, and sustainable tourism development.
This first-of-its-kind summit is expected to become an annual international platform, reinforcing Nepal’s central role in mountain tourism while advocating for responsible and inclusive development of the Himalayan region.
