For the first time in history, Nepal is set to host a global gathering of climbers who have summited the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest (Sagarmatha). The “Everest Summiteers’ Summit,” an international conference of Everest climbers, is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu on Jestha 13 (May 26), organized by Everest Alliance Nepal. This landmark event aims to bring together successful Everest summiteers from across the globe to celebrate their shared experiences, discuss critical mountain issues, and promote sustainable mountain tourism in Nepal.
Everest Summiteers’ Conference
According to Sudarshan Nepal, Chairperson of Everest Alliance Nepal, climbers from 16 countries have already registered to attend the inaugural summit. “As of now, 177 Everest summiteers from 16 countries have confirmed their participation,” he stated. The event has generated significant enthusiasm within the mountaineering community, with organizers expecting up to 500 climbers to attend.
Participants at the summit will include climbers from neighboring countries India and China, as well as from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, Iran, Singapore, Australia, Lebanon, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, among others. This diverse representation underscores Mount Everest’s universal appeal and the global significance of its conquest.
Sudarshan Nepal emphasized that climbing Everest is not merely a matter of wealth or opportunity it demands courage, determination, and strategic wisdom. “Summiting Everest is not something just anyone can do. It requires immense bravery, calculated risk-taking, and mental resilience,” he remarked. These qualities are what unite all those attending the summit, regardless of nationality.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, the summit will honor Kancha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the 1953 Everest expedition team led by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Kancha Sherpa, who was part of the historic ascent, will be felicitated in recognition of his pioneering contribution to mountaineering and the legacy he represents for the Sherpa community and Nepal as a whole.
Beyond the ceremonial aspects, the Everest Summiteers’ Summit will serve as a platform for in-depth discussion on pressing issues facing the Himalayas, particularly the impact of climate change. Chairman Nepal highlighted that climate change has dramatically altered the Himalayan environment, with visible effects on glaciers, snowfall patterns, and climbing routes. The summit aims to generate global awareness and explore adaptive strategies for sustainable mountaineering practices.
Furthermore, the conference will address the challenges faced by climbers during their expeditions ranging from physical dangers to logistical difficulties and provide a space for exchanging joyful and transformative stories of their ascent. “This summit is not only about technical issues; it is also a celebration of the human spirit, shared experiences, and the bond between climbers,” said Nepal.
Key global organizations and conservation groups will also participate in the summit, facilitating collaborative discussions on mountain conservation and the socio-economic aspects of mountaineering. Institutions such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Samriddha Pahad Foundation will engage directly with the summiteers through focused group sessions.
These interactions will explore topics such as preserving mountain ecosystems, managing climbing traffic on Everest, waste management on high-altitude expeditions, and community-based tourism benefits. Organizers believe this initiative will pave the way for improved cooperation between climbers, conservationists, and policy-makers.
Tourism experts view the summit as a significant opportunity to boost Nepal’s international image as a hub for high-value, adventure-based tourism. By bringing together influential climbers who often serve as ambassadors for Nepal abroad, the summit is expected to encourage repeat visits, increase tourism revenue, and foster deeper respect for Nepal’s natural heritage.
“This is more than just an event it is a milestone for Nepal’s mountaineering legacy and a strong message to the world that Nepal is ready to lead the discourse on sustainable tourism and Himalayan preservation,” said one tourism entrepreneur. With this first-of-its-kind summit, Nepal not only celebrates the bravery of those who dared to reach the top of the world but also reinforces its position as the heart of global mountaineering culture.
