The Consulate General of Nepal, Hong Kong successfully organized a special event titled “Nepal: Peaks and Peace 2026” to commemorate the 2570th Buddha Jayanti and the 73rd International Sagarmatha Day, showcasing Nepal’s unique identity as the birthplace of Lord Buddha and home to Mount Everest. The event highlighted Nepal’s dual global recognition, spiritual enlightenment through Buddhism and extreme physical endurance through the Himalayas.
Nepal Positioned as a Bridge Between Spirituality and Adventure
In his address, Acting Consul-General Mr. Satish Gurung emphasized that Nepal stands uniquely at the intersection of spiritual enlightenment and mountaineering excellence. He described the country as the home of both “ultimate physical endurance and profound spiritual awakening.”
He also acknowledged Hong Kong’s strong and long-standing connection with Nepal’s climbing community, especially in mountaineering and Himalayan expeditions.
Mr. Gurung further highlighted Nepal’s ongoing efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure, improve hospitality services, and enhance regional connectivity, particularly around Lumbini, and encouraged deeper engagement in travel and tourism collaboration.
New Zealand Reaffirms Historic Himalayan Connection
Mr. Peter Lund, Consul-General of New Zealand, spoke about the deep and enduring relationship between New Zealand, Sagarmatha (Everest), and Nepal. He reflected on the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary and the continued work of the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation in Nepal, emphasizing the strong bond between New Zealand and the Sherpa community.
Cultural Ceremonies and Documentary Showcase
The evening began with a mangal paath pooja conducted by the gurus of the Namo Buddha Buddhist Centre Hong Kong, setting a spiritual tone for the event.
This was followed by a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by Acting Consul-General Mr. Satish Gurung and special guest Mr. Wei Wenxiu, Director-General (Consular) of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong SAR.
Guests also viewed a documentary highlighting Lumbini, focusing on its significance as the birthplace of Lord Buddha and its archaeological and cultural importance.
High-Level Diplomatic Participation and Cultural Exchange
The reception was attended by members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, including Hon. Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, Hon. Holden Chow Ho-ding, and Hon. Prof. Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, along with Consuls-General, members of the Consular Corps, tourism and hospitality leaders, chamber representatives, and Nepali community members. The event served as a platform for strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and tourism ties between Nepal and international partners.
Nepali Cuisine and Himalayan Wines Showcase Cultural Heritage
The Consulate also hosted a dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine, including popular dishes such as momo and chhoila, offering guests a taste of Nepal’s rich culinary heritage. In collaboration with Tagera Traders, the event additionally showcased wines from the Manang Valley, further promoting Nepal’s emerging agro-tourism and high-altitude specialty products.
