The Embassy of Nepal in Kuala Lumpur commemorated the 73rd anniversary of the historic ascent of Sagarmatha, the world’s highest peak, by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa with a special programme titled “Sagarmatha Diwas 2026 – A Celebration of Strength, Stories & Sustainability.”
The event brought together Malaysian mountaineers, tourism entrepreneurs, members of the diplomatic corps, tour operators, media representatives, and friends of Nepal to celebrate the enduring legacy of mountaineering and highlight the importance of sustainable tourism and mountain conservation.
The programme began with a video message from Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shishir Khanal, delivered on the occasion of International Sagarmatha Day. In his message, the Foreign Minister emphasized the global significance of Sagarmatha as a symbol of courage, resilience, and international friendship. He also highlighted Nepal’s continued commitment to preserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem while promoting responsible mountain tourism.
Nepal Reaffirms Commitment to Mountain Communities
Welcoming the guests, Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Mudita Bajracharya underscored the importance of mountaineering tourism to Nepal’s economy and cultural identity. She stated that Nepal remains dedicated to protecting mountain ecosystems and sustaining the livelihoods, traditions, and cultures of communities living in Himalayan regions.
Ms. Bajracharya noted that Sagarmatha represents not only Nepal’s natural pride but also a global heritage site that inspires adventurers and nature lovers from around the world. She stressed the need for international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges affecting mountain regions, including climate change, glacier melting, and waste management.
The event also served as a platform to recognize the contributions of mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts who have strengthened Nepal-Malaysia tourism and cultural ties over the years.
Malaysian Mountaineers Share Inspiring Experiences
One of the major highlights of the programme was the sharing of personal experiences by renowned Malaysian mountaineers who successfully scaled Sagarmatha.
Datuk Mohanadas Nagappan, one of the first Malaysians to reach the summit of Sagarmatha on May 23, 1997, reflected on the challenges faced by the Malaysian expedition team nearly three decades ago. Recalling life at an altitude of 8,000 meters, he described the climb as both physically demanding and spiritually transformative.
Paying tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the 64-year-old mountaineer said the experience of standing atop the world’s highest peak profoundly changed his perspective on life and taught him humility, resilience, and gratitude.
Another speaker, Mr. Azim Afif Ishak, who summited Sagarmatha through the China-Tibet route in 2016 and climbed Cho Oyu in 2014, highlighted the invaluable role of the Sherpa community and other indigenous Himalayan nationalities in the success of mountaineering expeditions.
Mr. Ishak, an experienced expedition leader and adventure consultant, shared emotional memories of a fellow climber who went missing during a Sagarmatha expedition in 2023. His account shed light on the risks and uncertainties associated with high-altitude mountaineering and emphasized the importance of teamwork, preparation, and local support systems.
Women’s Adventure Tourism Also Highlighted
The programme also featured Ms. Fazleen Nazrin, founder of Pajelin Trip, who spoke about her efforts to create a safe and supportive environment for women interested in outdoor adventure and camping activities.
Ms. Nazrin shared her experiences organizing trips to Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, explaining how such journeys have positively transformed participants’ views on hiking, camping, and women’s empowerment through adventure travel.
She said many women who joined the expeditions developed greater confidence, independence, and appreciation for nature and cultural exchange during their visits to Nepal’s Himalayan regions.
Recognition for Malaysia’s First Everest Summiteers
During the event, Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Bajracharya felicitated Malaysia’s first two Sagarmatha summiteers, Datuk Magendran Munisamy and Datuk Mohanadas Nagappan, by presenting them with Certificates of Recognition in appreciation of their historic achievement and contribution to mountaineering.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for promoting sustainable tourism, preserving mountain environments, and strengthening international cooperation to protect the Himalayan region for future generations.
The event reflected Nepal’s ongoing efforts to celebrate the legacy of Sagarmatha while fostering greater awareness about environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, and the spirit of adventure associated with the world’s tallest mountain.
