The North Face has announced “Mountain Quest” in Nepal as part of its regional celebration of International Everest Day 2026, combining adventure sports, environmental awareness, and Himalayan culture through a series of events across the country.
The initiative is part of the brand’s Spring/Summer 2026 campaign, Never Just a Hike, aimed at promoting exploration, endurance, and community engagement across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Organizers said the program reflects a broader effort to connect outdoor enthusiasts with Nepal’s Himalayan environment while encouraging responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
Annapurna Base Camp Expedition Highlights APAC Adventure Spirit
As part of the campaign, eleven explorers from across the APAC region completed a journey to Annapurna Base Camp, one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking destinations. According to organizers, the expedition symbolized resilience, personal challenge, and deeper engagement with nature in the Himalayas, reinforcing the campaign’s theme of pushing human limits through outdoor exploration.
Nepal’s First-Ever Night Trail Run Set for Gokarna
A major highlight of the program is Nepal’s first-ever Night Trail Run, a 7.5-kilometre race scheduled to take place at Gokarna Forest Resort on May 29. The race was announced during a press conference in Kathmandu, where organizers confirmed that the event will be held as part of International Everest Day celebrations.
Race Director Binesh Tuladhar said the night trail run is being organized for the first time in Nepal and aims to introduce a new format of endurance racing in the country’s outdoor sports scene. The race will feature Elite and Regular categories, with a cut-off time of 60 minutes for elite runners and 90 minutes for regular participants.
Prize Structure and Participation Details
Participation in the 7.5 km trail run has been set at a registration fee of Rs 1,000. Organizers said participants will receive a The North Face T-shirt, race bib, medal, and certificates, with T-shirts limited to the first 400 registrants.
Winners of both male and female categories will receive cash prizes, with the first-place finisher awarded $200, the second-place finisher $150, and the third-place finisher $100. The event is expected to attract both local and international runners, adding a new dimension to Nepal’s growing trail running community.
Environmental Commitment Through Everest Clean-Up Support
As part of the initiative, The North Face announced that $5 will be donated to the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee for every completed run. The contribution will support the Everest Clean-Up Project, aimed at reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability in the Everest region. Organizers said the campaign is designed to directly link sports participation with environmental responsibility, encouraging athletes to contribute to conservation efforts in the Himalayas.
Community Support and Knowledge Sharing Events
The program will also include a product donation ceremony in support of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, aimed at strengthening the country’s professional mountaineering community. In addition, a panel discussion featuring international outdoor and mountaineering experts will be held, with participation from prominent climbers including Dawa Yangzum Sherpa and Conrad Anker. The discussion will focus on the theme “Heroes vs. Unsung Heroes” in the context of exploration, mountaineering, and mountain stewardship.
Celebration of Adventure, Endurance, and Purpose
The North Face said “Mountain Quest” is designed as a platform where adventure, endurance, and environmental responsibility come together, while highlighting Nepal’s deep cultural and geographical connection to the Himalayas.
The event will conclude with an awards ceremony for trail run participants, followed by a live musical performance. Organizers expressed confidence that the initiative will help promote Nepal as a global hub for adventure sports while encouraging sustainable practices in high-altitude tourism and outdoor recreation.
