The 72nd International Everest Day was marked with grandeur in Kathmandu on Thursday, highlighting the global significance of Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) and promoting awareness around its conservation. A morning rally in Thamel, a symbolic march through the heart of Kathmandu’s tourist hub, and a formal event at Basantapur featured participation from government officials, tourism stakeholders, mountaineers, and local citizens alike.
Everest Day
Addressing the event, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badriprasad Pandey emphasized that Mount Everest is not only Nepal’s identity but also a matter of pride for the entire world. He underlined the importance of collective effort in safeguarding the towering Himalayan peak, which is not only a natural wonder but a symbol of human endurance and ambition.
“Sagarmatha is our pride, and the world takes pride in it too. It stands as the highest geographical point on Earth and defines Nepal’s identity globally,” stated Minister Pandey. “Through initiatives like the ‘Sagarmatha Dialogue,’ we are working to promote this identity internationally and bring global attention to the issues surrounding our mountains.”
One of the key concerns raised during the ceremony was the impact of climate change on the Himalayas. Minister Pandey warned that due to rising global temperatures, Nepal’s snow-capped mountains are at risk of turning into barren rocks like Kala Patthar, an area near Everest Base Camp already affected by glacial retreat. “The melting of Everest’s snow doesn’t just affect Nepal, it affects the entire Himalayan region and the planet as a whole,” he added. He emphasized Nepal’s efforts in organizing global discussions involving experts to highlight the environmental challenges in the Himalayan region.
The Everest Day rally, which began at the Employees Provident Fund office in Thamel, featured cultural displays and musical bands. It proceeded through the city, culminating in an official gathering at Basantapur Durbar Square. The event saw the enthusiastic participation of Minister Pandey, Acting Tourism Secretary Indu Ghimire, Director General of the Department of Tourism Narayan Regmi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board Deepak Raj Joshi, as well as numerous representatives from the private tourism sector, government employees, and members of the armed forces.
In a tribute to the pioneers of Everest mountaineering, a floral offering was made at the life-sized statues of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary, located within the premises of the Nepal Tourism Board. Senior officials of the Board, including Senior Director Hikmat Singh Aire and Senior Manager Uday Bhattarai, led the homage.
International Everest Day is celebrated annually on May 29, commemorating the first successful summit of Everest in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal and Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand. Their historic feat introduced the world to the extraordinary capabilities of human determination and the grandeur of the world’s highest peak.
To oversee the successful celebration of this global event, a main organizing committee for International Everest Day was formed under the leadership of Minister Pandey. The committee coordinated various activities across the day, including the “World Summiters’ Summit” held in the afternoon.
This high-profile event featured Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as the chief guest. The summit brought together record-holding climbers and mountaineering experts who shared their experiences and insights. The discussion centered on adventure tourism promotion, environmental protection, and how climate change has been impacting the Himalayas.
In recognition of their extraordinary achievements and contributions to Nepal’s mountaineering and tourism sectors, several renowned climbers were also honored during the summit.
Adding to the celebratory spirit, Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was opened to the public in honor of the day, symbolizing Nepal’s commitment to integrating its rich cultural heritage with tourism.
This year’s International Everest Day not only celebrated the heroism and spirit of mountaineering but also served as a reminder of the urgent need to preserve the Himalayas for future generations. As climate change poses increasing threats to Nepal’s iconic landscapes, events like these play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
The day ended with a resounding message: Every effort counts when it comes to protecting Everest, and Nepal is leading by example. Through unity and global cooperation, the world can continue to cherish the legacy of Sagarmatha, the crown jewel of the Himalayas and the pride of Nepal.
