Nepal celebrates Sagarmatha Day highlighting Everest, tourism cooperation ties

Event in Karachi brings diplomats and climbers together to honour Everest legacy, climate concerns, and Nepal–Pakistan tourism collaboration.

KARACHI: The Embassy of Nepal in Islamabad hosted a ceremony to mark the 73rd International Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) Day, celebrating the world’s highest peak and its significance as a symbol of Nepal’s identity, pride, and natural heritage.

The event, themed “Sagarmatha, the Highest Peak of the World: Identity and Pride of Nepal,” brought together Everest summiteers, senior government officials, diplomats, and representatives from Pakistan’s tourism industry.

According to a press release, Nepal’s Ambassador to Pakistan Rita Dhital highlighted the historic first ascent of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, noting that climbing the peak requires exceptional endurance, determination, and international cooperation.

She said the Spring 2026 climbing season witnessed a record number of successful ascents, including climbers from Pakistan, and expressed concern over the environmental impact of climate change on Himalayan glaciers. She stressed the need for global cooperation to address environmental degradation.

The ambassador also outlined Nepal’s tourism and environmental initiatives, including the “cash for trash” cleanliness campaign, and announced upcoming programmes such as Nepal Wellness Year 2027 and Visit Nepal Year 2028 aimed at promoting sustainable tourism.

A video message from Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal was also presented during the ceremony, alongside audiovisual presentations showcasing Himalayan landscapes and adventure tourism opportunities.

Speaking at the event, Pakistani officials including Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Aftab Ur Rehman Rana, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Alpine Club of Pakistan emphasized strengthening cooperation between Nepal and Pakistan in mountaineering and tourism.

The event concluded with Ambassador Dhital honouring four Pakistani Everest summiteers, recognizing their achievements and sharing their climbing experiences with attendees.

Participants underscored the importance of knowledge exchange, tourism collaboration, and environmental awareness in strengthening regional ties between the two countries.