Everest Alliance Nepal (EAN), a leading organization dedicated to environmental preservation, climber safety, and ethical mountaineering practices, ushered in the New Year 2026 with an ambitious series of programs across Nepal’s most iconic trekking routes. The initiative targeted the Everest Base Camp Trail, the Annapurna Base Camp Trail, the Tilicho Lake Trekking Trail, and the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking Trail, mobilizing over 150 dedicated national and international volunteers to promote waste management awareness and sustainable tourism in Nepal’s high-altitude regions.
While participants across all trails delivered New Year’s messages advocating for clean trails, hands-on clean-up operations were carried out along the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking Trail in coordination with the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).
Focus on Ghorepani Poon Hill: Hands-On Clean-Up
The primary clean-up operation was conducted along the scenic Ghorepani Poon Hill – Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Trail, situated within the protected Annapurna Conservation Area. The program was led by the Everest Alliance Nepal (EAN) President, Mr. Sudarshan Nepal, Chief Advisor Mr. Achyut Guragain, and Mr. TANG Xuechao, Liaison & Outreach Coordinator for the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA). The team also included the Everest Alliance Nepal’s Country Representatives, Mr. Nasuh Mahruki from Turkey and Mrs. Suvidha Kadlag from India, both accomplished Everest summiteers, symbolizing a global collaboration for local conservation.
Supported by Pelliot, the official gear sponsor providing essential outdoor equipment, volunteers scoured the trail from Nangethanti to Ghorepani, collecting non-biodegradable waste and handing it over to the established collection center, ensuring proper disposal. Although the trail was relatively clean, participants emphasized meticulous attention to even small accumulations of waste, sending a symbolic New Year’s message promoting responsible trekking and sustainable tourism.
Volunteer Engagement and Community Collaboration
Integral to the initiative was strong community involvement. Everest Alliance Nepal (EAN) organized interactive sessions with local Aama Samuha (Mothers’ Group) and the Hotel Management Committee overseeing accommodations along the trail. Discussions centered on practical solutions for solid waste management, revealing challenges such as a lack of infrastructure for recycling or upcycling waste.
Community members advocated for a permanent waste processing center to enable eco-friendly practices, including converting plastics into reusable materials and composting organic waste. Everest Alliance Nepal (EAN) officials pledged ongoing support for community-driven initiatives, highlighting the importance of local partnerships in ensuring sustainable practices along trekking routes.
Iconic New Year Sunrise at Poon Hill
The event reached its pinnacle on January 1, 2026, as volunteers ascended to the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 meters to witness the New Year sunrise. Amid the breathtaking Himalayan panorama, participants delivered messages promoting sustainable tourism, “leave no trace” practices, and community-inclusive development. Simultaneously, volunteers stationed along other trails relayed similar messages, creating a unified chorus advocating environmental responsibility across Nepal’s high-altitude trekking routes.
A Global Effort for Himalayan Conservation
“Everest Alliance Nepal (EAN)’s programs transcend simple litter collection; they are a vital call to action for sustainable tourism and preservation of our natural heritage,” said Mr. Sudarshan Nepal, Everest Alliance Nepal (EAN) President. “By collaborating with international experts, local communities, and partners, we are addressing climate change and waste management in the Himalayas, ensuring these majestic landscapes endure for future generations.”
The program complements Everest Alliance Nepal (EAN)’s broader initiatives, including the second Everest Summiteers Summit scheduled for May 2026 in Kathmandu. The summit will bring together climbers, conservationists, and tourism stakeholders to discuss climate adaptation, ethical tourism, and ecosystem restoration strategies.
Everest Alliance Nepal (EAN) is a dynamic organization committed to the safety of climbers, environmental sustainability, and responsible tourism in the Himalayas. Through advocacy, education, and collaborative initiatives, EAN addresses climate change, tourism pressures, and preservation of Nepal’s high-altitude ecosystems.
