Renowned Nepali mountaineer Prakash Raj Pandey has embarked on his next major expedition to climb Carstensz Pyramid, the highest peak in Oceania, as part of his mission to summit the tallest mountains on all seven continents. In a special ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli handed over the national flag of Nepal to Pandey, extending heartfelt wishes for a safe and successful ascent.
During the farewell program, Prime Minister Oli praised Pandey’s dedication, expressing hope that the mountaineer would not only achieve personal glory but also further enhance Nepal’s reputation in global mountaineering. The Prime Minister emphasized that Pandey’s journey would inspire young Nepalis to pursue challenging goals while showcasing the country’s rich mountaineering heritage to the world. Pandey is scheduled to depart for Indonesia on August 11, where Carstensz Pyramid is located.
A Proven Record of Himalayan Conquests
Pandey is no stranger to the world’s highest and most challenging peaks. Over the years, he has successfully scaled a significant number of Himalayan mountains, including Mount Everest, Manaslu, and Ama Dablam. In June 2024, he successfully climbed Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe, marking the start of his Seven Summits challenge. Just a few months later, in November 2024, he conquered Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.
Continuing his momentum, Pandey scaled Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak in Argentina, in February this year. With these achievements, he has already completed summits on three continents and is now turning his attention to Oceania.
A Mountaineer from Ramechhap with a Vision
Originally from Tilpung, Likhu Tamakoshi-7 in Ramechhap district, Pandey now resides in Mahalaxmi Municipality-2, Lalitpur. Alongside his mountaineering pursuits, he is also actively involved in social service and environmental advocacy. His climbing journey began in 2016, and just two years later, in 2018, he successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest. Since then, Pandey has continued to climb various peaks both in Nepal and abroad, steadily advancing toward his dream of completing the Seven Summits challenge.
Advocacy for Climate Change Awareness
For Pandey, mountaineering is not just a personal ambition, it is also a platform for raising awareness about climate change. Speaking about his upcoming expedition, he stated that through each of his climbs, he aims to draw attention to the adverse effects of global warming, especially in mountainous regions. He explained that mountain communities like those in Nepal are already facing the impacts of melting glaciers, unpredictable weather patterns, and changes in biodiversity.
“Being from a mountainous country, I have seen firsthand how climate change is altering our environment. As climbers, we witness these changes closely, and it is our responsibility to raise awareness and push for effective policies to address this crisis,” Pandey said.
Supported by Makalu Outfit and International Recognition
Pandey’s current expedition is being supported by Makalu Outfit, a well-known mountaineering and trekking company in Nepal, which is sponsoring his climbing gear for this challenging mission. Over the years, Pandey has earned recognition not only within Nepal but also internationally for his perseverance, discipline, and advocacy work. His Seven Summits journey is being closely followed by adventure enthusiasts and environmentalists worldwide. By completing each summit, he hopes to represent Nepal’s unmatched climbing spirit while promoting sustainable tourism and environmental protection.
The Road Ahead in the Seven Summits Mission
After Carstensz Pyramid, Pandey will still have two more peaks to climb to complete the Seven Summits: Mount Denali in North America and Mount Vinson in Antarctica. These expeditions are considered among the most challenging in the series due to their extreme weather conditions and logistical complexities.
Nevertheless, Pandey remains confident and motivated. “Every mountain teaches me something new, about nature, about resilience, and about myself. I see this journey not only as a physical challenge but also as a way to inspire others to chase their dreams despite difficulties,” he remarked.
Inspiration for Nepal’s Next Generation of Climbers
Pandey’s determination, combined with his message on climate change, makes his mission particularly significant for Nepal. As a country renowned for producing some of the world’s most skilled climbers, Nepal has always been at the forefront of global mountaineering. Pandey’s achievements are expected to encourage more young Nepalis to engage in outdoor sports, environmental advocacy, and responsible tourism.
The farewell event at Baluwatar reflected the nation’s pride in its climbers, with officials, well-wishers, and members of the mountaineering community expressing their support for Pandey’s safe and successful return.
