The 73rd International Everest Day Observed Across Nepal

The 73rd International Sagarmatha (Everest) Day was observed across Nepal today with various programs and events highlighting mountain tourism, environmental conservation, and safe mountaineering practices.

The day is celebrated annually on May 29 to commemorate the historic first successful ascent of Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953. This remarkable achievement remains a proud milestone in mountaineering history and symbolizes courage, determination, and international friendship.

Recognized as a symbol of Nepal’s national pride, tourism potential, and global identity, Mt. Everest continues to play a vital role in the country’s economy by generating employment opportunities and contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings through mountain tourism and expedition activities.

As part of the celebration, a rally started at 7:00 AM from opposite the Sanjayakosh Building and concluded at Rastriya Nach Ghar. The program was followed by speeches and addresses delivered by Honorable Khadak Raj Paudel, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Mukunda Prasad Acharya, Government Secretary.

Government agencies, tourism entrepreneurs, mountaineering organizations, trekking associations, and local bodies organized awareness programs focusing on sustainable mountain tourism, climber safety, waste management, and environmental protection in the Himalayan region.

During the event, stakeholders emphasized the urgent need to prioritize mountain conservation, citing the growing impacts of climate change, glacier melting, and environmental degradation in the Himalayas. Speakers also highlighted the importance of responsible tourism and preserving mountain ecosystems for future generations.

According to the Department of Tourism, the government collected approximately NPR 1.08 billion in royalty fees from Everest expeditions during the current climbing season.

Meanwhile, a record-breaking 1,008 climbers successfully summited Mt. Everest during the 2026 spring climbing season, according to Khim Lal Gautam, Coordinator of the temporary field office established at Everest Base Camp by Nepal’s Department of Tourism.

The successful climbing season once again demonstrates Nepal’s leading position as one of the world’s premier mountaineering destinations and reflects the growing global interest in Himalayan expeditions and adventure tourism.