The third edition of the Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Climbing Competition–2026, jointly organized by the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) and the US Nepal Climbers Association Inc., has been officially rescheduled.
Originally planned for January 29, 2026, the competition will now be held on May 29, 2026, due to special circumstances, according to the organizers. The revised date was formally announced during a press conference held on Sunday at Crimpanzee Adventure Hub in Kathmandu.
Paying Tribute to a Global Mountaineering Icon
The competition has been organized for the past two years in memory of Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the legendary mountaineer who, alongside Sir Edmund Hillary, became the first person to successfully summit Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) in 1953. Tenzing Norgay Sherpa remains an enduring global symbol of courage, perseverance, and mountaineering excellence.
By jointly hosting this event, NNMGA and the US Nepal Climbers Association Inc. have been actively promoting climbing as an adventure sport while strengthening Nepal’s growing sport climbing culture and encouraging youth participation in mountaineering.
May 29 Chosen for Its Historic Significance
Organizers explained that the decision to hold this year’s competition on May 29 is a tribute to the historic Everest summit achieved on the same date in 1953. From next year onward, however, the competition will return to its regular annual schedule of January 29.
They added that hosting the event on this historically significant day is a meaningful and fitting way to honor Tenzing Norgay Sherpa’s unparalleled courage, lifelong contributions, and remarkable achievements in the field of mountaineering.
Promoting Adventure Sports and Youth Engagement
The Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Climbing Competition has become an important platform for the development of Nepal’s adventure sports sector. It plays a vital role in promoting sport climbing culture, nurturing new talent, and inspiring younger generations to pursue mountaineering as a professional and recreational discipline.
Strong Support Expected from Stakeholders
The organizers expressed confidence that the 2026 edition will continue to receive active support and cooperation from government agencies, stakeholders, sponsors, media organizations, and individuals, ensuring the successful execution of the event and further strengthening Nepal’s reputation as a global hub for adventure tourism and climbing sports.
