Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey, has stated that the ministry is currently focused on policy and structural reforms to promote sustainable tourism development in Nepal. Addressing a special event organized on the occasion of the 72nd International Sagarmatha Day and the announcement of the ‘World Summiteers Summit–2025’, the Minister emphasized the need for immediate legislative changes to uplift this sector.
Speaking at the program organized by the Main Ceremony Committee on Thursday, Minister Pandey assured that the government is in the final phase of bringing a new Tourism Policy and an updated Tourism Act that will serve as crucial foundations for enhancing Nepal’s image as a global travel destination. He highlighted the importance of broadening partnerships with the private sector and said, “The government will ensure that the private sector gets a wider platform to collaborate and grow within the tourism ecosystem.”
Sagarmatha Day, which commemorates the historic first ascent of Mt. Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, was celebrated with grandeur this year and is set to be even more prestigious in the coming years, according to the Minister. “We envision making the Sagarmatha Day celebration more magnificent, inclusive, and internationally recognized,” he added.
Provincial Commitment to Conservation
Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Mr. Hikmat Kumar Karki, also addressed the program, stressing the urgent need for the preservation and cleanliness of Mt. Everest and the surrounding Himalayan region. “Mount Everest is not just Nepal’s pride; it is a global heritage. Climate change poses a real threat to its ecosystem. We must act decisively to mitigate its effects,” he said. He further emphasized that Koshi Province is committed to working in coordination with the federal government to advance environmental conservation initiatives.
Nepal Tourism Board’s Strategic Vision
Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), echoed similar sentiments, saying that Mt. Everest stands as a symbol of Nepal’s dignity and glory. He called for focused efforts on its conservation, stating, “Sagarmatha is not only our natural treasure but also a tourism icon for the world. Protecting it ensures long-term economic sustainability for Nepal.”
Mountaineering Sector Seeks Legislative Reforms
Highlighting the need for sector-specific reforms, Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), underlined the importance of updating the old Tourism Act to prioritize mountaineering-related activities. He stressed that modern challenges in the mountain tourism sector require modern legislative backing.
The event also featured a special interactive session with world-renowned mountaineers. Record-holding climbers such as Mingma David Sherpa, Sanu Sherpa, Purnima Shrestha, Phunjo Lama, Kunzang Chopel Sherpa, Nima Rinji Sherpa, and Dawa Tenji Sherpa shared their mountaineering experiences and perspectives. Their stories shed light on the challenges and opportunities that Nepal’s high-altitude tourism holds.
National and International Recognition
On the occasion, several individuals who have significantly contributed to Nepal’s mountain tourism were honored with prestigious awards. Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli presented the International Sagarmatha Award to Mingma Gyalje Sherpa. The award, which includes a certificate and a cash prize of NPR 100,000, recognizes his exceptional achievement of climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters without supplemental oxygen, a record in itself.
Similarly, the Tenzing Hillary Study and Research Award worth NPR 50,000 was awarded to Pradeep Basyal and Ankit Adhikari, the authors of the notable book Sherpa Book, for their research contributions. The Tenzing Hillary Search and Rescue Award was conferred on Lakpa Nurbu Sherpa and Captain Maurizio Folini for their outstanding work in high-altitude rescue operations.
Furthermore, the Tenzing Hillary Record-Holding Mountaineer Award was presented to Nima Rinji Sherpa, while Lakpa Sherpa was honored with the Pema Doma Women Mountaineer Award. These awards recognize the enduring spirit, bravery, and contributions of mountaineers who continue to elevate Nepal’s prestige globally.
The event also included recognition of numerous other individuals who have played key roles in the development of mountain tourism and mountaineering in Nepal.
Moving Toward World Summiteers Summit 2025
This year’s celebration served as a launching platform for the upcoming World Summiteers Summit–2025, a global gathering of top mountaineers and tourism stakeholders. The summit aims to create dialogue and collaboration on mountain sustainability, responsible tourism, safety, and climate adaptation strategies in high-altitude regions.
The planning committee hopes the summit will not only bring international attention to Nepal’s unique mountain resources but also stimulate investment, research, and innovation in mountain tourism infrastructure.
The 72nd International Sagarmatha Day celebration highlighted the collective commitment of the government, private sector, mountaineers, and international stakeholders to uplift Nepal’s tourism sector through inclusive and progressive reforms. With upcoming policy changes, global summits, and recognition of tourism heroes, Nepal is set to reshape its identity as a premier destination for adventure, nature, and cultural tourism.
As Minister Pandey reiterated, “This is the right moment to transform Nepal into a world-class tourism hub, and we are determined to make that happen through strategic partnerships and policy innovation.”
