In a grand celebration of Nepal’s mountaineering legacy, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) successfully hosted the 72nd International Sagarmatha Day and officially announced the World Summiteers Summit 2025 on Thursday at Hotel Yak & Yeti, Kathmandu. The high-level event brought together renowned climbers from Nepal and abroad, government officials, mountaineering experts, environmentalists, and tourism stakeholders to reflect on the triumphs and challenges of the Himalayan region.
Prime Minister Calls for Responsible Climbing and Sustainable Tourism
The event’s chief guest, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, stressed the urgent need to preserve Mount Everest, calling for a revision of climbing standards and greater environmental responsibility. “Not everyone should climb Everest,” said the Prime Minister. “We must rethink our standards and protect the mountain for future generations.” He also emphasized the importance of public participation in Nepal’s ongoing tourism policy reforms to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.
Minister Pandey and Chief Minister Karki Commit to Reform and Collaboration
Tourism, Culture, and Civil Aviation Minister Badri Prasad Pandey, who chaired the program, announced that the ministry is working on structural and policy reforms to enhance tourism management. He committed to strengthening partnerships with the private sector and making future Sagarmatha Day celebrations even more impactful.
Supporting the views shared by other dignitaries, Chief Minister of Koshi Province Hikmat Kumar Karki highlighted the vital importance of cooperation between all levels of government. He stressed that effective federal coordination is essential to address the complex issues facing Nepal’s mountainous regions.
Karki also drew attention to the growing threat of climate change in the Himalayas. He emphasized that the environmental challenges confronting these fragile ecosystems demand immediate and strategic action to safeguard both nature and the communities that depend on it.
NTB CEO Joshi: “Mountains Demand Shared Responsibility”
Delivering a compelling keynote address, NTB CEO Deepak Raj Joshi introduced the vision for the World Summiteers Summit 2025, describing it as a global platform for sustainable mountaineering, responsible tourism, and mountain conservation. “This summit is not just about reaching summits, but about building legacies, for people, for nature, and for generations to come,” said Joshi. “The Himalayan region is facing urgent challenges, from climate change to the vulnerability of mountain communities. The need for collective action has never been greater.”
He underscored the central role of Himalayan communities, calling them the true stewards of the sacred mountains. “Any meaningful dialogue about the Himalayas must include their voices, their concerns, and their aspirations,” Joshi added.
Joshi also made a clarion call for a culture of shared responsibility towards mountain preservation. “Let’s move forward together for a brighter future for our mountains,” he concluded.
Honoring Heroes and Inspiring Future Generations
The celebration featured a panel discussion titled “Climbing for a Cause: Mountaineering as a Platform for Advocacy and Change”, where summiteers and experts discussed how mountain sports can be tools for social, environmental, and cultural impact.
In recognition of extraordinary mountaineering achievements, the Sagarmatha National Award was presented to Mingma Gyaljen Sherpa for climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters without supplemental oxygen, a rare and remarkable feat that drew widespread admiration.
Unveiling the Future of Mountain Diplomacy
The event concluded with the unveiling of the World Summiteers Summit 2025 logo and a video presentation outlining Nepal’s plan to host this major biennial gathering. The summit will bring together climbers, researchers, policymakers, and local communities to strengthen Nepal’s image as a hub for responsible mountaineering and conservation leadership.
A Pledge for the Himalayas
With powerful speeches and a unified spirit, the 72nd Sagarmatha Day reaffirmed Nepal’s global leadership in adventure tourism and mountain conservation. The event served as a rallying call for cooperation, awareness, and action to protect the Himalayas, one of the world’s most treasured natural and cultural heritages.
