Nepal marked International Everest Day on May 29th, celebrating the 72nd anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's historic Mount Everest summit in 1953. Celebrations in Kathmandu honored the legacy of this first successful ascent.
The day highlighted human courage and international collaboration. Mountaineering advocates emphasized the inspiration drawn from Hillary and Norgay's feat, encouraging adventurers globally. Events in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar drew climbers and historians.
Discussions also addressed mountaineering's environmental impact, advocating for stronger waste reduction and ecological protection policies to preserve the Himalayan ecosystem. Several initiatives are underway, including waste cleanup projects supported by organizations like Nepal Life Insurance and BYD's Cimex Charity Foundation, utilizing drone technology for waste removal. New regulations also require climbers to adhere to stricter waste disposal measures. The economic significance of mountaineering for Nepal remains substantial, with permit fees reinvested in infrastructure, conservation, and local development.