ISLAMABAD: Nepal yesterday celebrated the 73rd International Everest Day in Islamabad, highlighting the enduring legacy of Mount Everest, the growing contribution of adventure tourism, and the urgent need for international cooperation to address climate change and protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Ambassador's Remarks
Speaking at a ceremony hosted by the Embassy of Nepal, Nepal’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Rita Dhital, said Mount Everest, known as Sagarmatha in Nepal, remains a symbol of human determination, endurance and international collaboration more than seven decades after the historic first ascent by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa on May 29, 1953.
Addressing diplomats, government officials, mountaineers and tourism stakeholders, the ambassador said International Everest Day commemorates a milestone that continues to inspire generations of climbers worldwide. She paid tribute not only to Everest summiteers but also to Sherpa guides, high-altitude rescue workers and support teams whose expertise and dedication make mountain expeditions possible.
Pakistani Climbers Honored
Dhital noted that during the 2026 spring climbing season, more than 1,000 climbers from 56 countries successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest. She congratulated Pakistani mountaineer Salman Ateeque, who summited Everest on May 21 this year, as well as all climbers who achieved the feat during the season. The ambassador praised the increasing participation of Pakistani climbers on Everest and other Himalayan peaks, while highlighting the achievements of renowned Pakistani mountaineers Samina Baig and Naila Kiani for inspiring a new generation of women adventurers.
Climate and Environmental Concerns
Describing Everest as a cornerstone of Nepal’s national identity and tourism economy, Dhital said mountain tourism generates employment, supports local communities and contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings. However, she warned that climate change, glacier melt and environmental degradation pose serious threats to the Himalayan region, biodiversity, cultural heritage and the livelihoods of mountain communities. She said Nepal has introduced environmental initiatives, including the “cash for trash” programme, stricter waste management measures and enhanced climber safety regulations to preserve the mountain environment. The ambassador stressed that effective international cooperation is essential to safeguard mountain ecosystems and address the global climate challenge.
Future Tourism Plans
Highlighting Nepal’s future tourism plans, Dhital said the country has designated 2027 as “Nepal Wellness Year” to promote holistic health, spiritual healing and sustainable travel. She also announced the launch of “Visit Nepal Year 2028,” a nationwide campaign aimed at attracting more international tourists while upgrading tourism infrastructure and visitor services.
Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony opened with the national anthems of Nepal and Pakistan and featured a video message from Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Shisir Khanal, along with a presentation showcasing Nepal’s famous 8,000-metre peaks. Guest of Honour Major General Irfan Arshad (retd), President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, paid tribute to Pakistani Everest climbers, while a video presentation highlighted their achievements on the world’s highest mountain. The event was also attended by Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, who spoke about opportunities for cooperation between Nepal and Pakistan in adventure tourism. Chief guest Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan delivered closing remarks, after which the Nepalese ambassador presented tokens of honour to distinguished guests and Everest summiteers.
