KATHMANDU: Nepal is celebrating the 72nd International Everest Day today, commemorating the historic first ascent of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. The day is being marked with a series of events organized nationwide.
On May 29, 1953, Nepali climber Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary made history by reaching the summit of Everest, showcasing extraordinary human courage and endurance.
Since then, May 29 has been celebrated annually as International Everest Day to honor their achievement.
This year, the government has decided to observe the day with grandeur. A main celebration committee, led by the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, has been formed to oversee the events.
Tourism Minister Hit Bahadur Tamang said that necessary coordination has been made with all relevant agencies to ensure a successful celebration.
The event has been carefully scheduled so as not to clash with Republic Day and the budget presentation in Parliament, both also taking place today.
A morning rally featuring thematic tableaus began at the Employees Provident Fund office in Thamel and concluded with a formal program in Basantapur. In the afternoon, following the national events, a program titled the ‘Sagarmatha Summit’ will be held.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is expected to attend the main event, which will feature speeches, experience-sharing by record-holding climbers, and discussions on promoting adventure tourism and tackling the effects of climate change on the Himalayas. Notable mountaineers will also be honored during the event.
Everest Day has been celebrated annually under the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, Department of Tourism, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), and various private sector stakeholders.
NMA President Ang Tshering Sherpa highlighted that climbers from around the world, including members of the Hillary family, come to Nepal to participate in the celebrations.
He noted that Lukla Airport was renamed Tenzing Hillary Airport in honor of the pioneering climbers.
“Everest is a global heritage and a shared asset,” Sherpa said. “With the visible impacts of climate change—such as melting snow and exposed rock—urgent action is needed for the conservation of Everest and our mountain ecosystems.”
According to official statistics, Nepal is home to 1,792 mountains above 5,800 meters, including eight peaks over 8,000 meters. Of these, only 461 are currently open for climbing.
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