Kathmandu: Nepal’s mountaineering community came together on Thursday to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the first successful ascent of Mount Everest, commemorating the legendary 1953 summit by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, the iconic Sherpa guide.
The occasion, observed annually as International Everest Day, featured a vibrant city rally and a commemorative event at Kathmandu’s historic old palace.
Led by Nepal’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, the celebration paid tribute not only to the original climbers but also to the enduring spirit of adventure that continues to define Himalayan mountaineering.
“May 29 is celebrated globally as Sagarmatha Day to honour the unparalleled achievement of Hillary and Norgay.
It’s a day for both recognition and inspiration,” said Ang Tshering Sherpa, founder of Asian Trekking and a veteran of the mountaineering world.
Describing the day as a celebration not just for climbers but for all of Nepal and its international partners, Tshering emphasised the global significance of Everest and its impact on Nepal’s cultural and economic landscape.
Nepal is home to eight of the world’s 14 tallest peaks, drawing hundreds of climbers each year during the busy spring season.
These expeditions fuel a crucial part of the local economy, providing employment to thousands of Nepalese as guides, porters, cooks, and support staff.
“Everest Day also marks the official close of the spring climbing season,” explained Jiban Ghimire of Shangri-La Nepal Trek.
“It’s a moment to celebrate the season’s achievements and bring the mountaineering community together before the monsoon sets in.”
According to Nepal’s Department of Mountaineering, 468 foreign climbers from 57 countries received permits to attempt Everest this spring, accompanied by a comparable number of Nepalese guides.
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Many reached the 8,849-metre (29,032-foot) summit, though final figures are still being verified.
Climbers must submit summit evidence and prove proper waste disposal before receiving official certification.
A highlight of this year’s season was veteran Sherpa Kami Rita, who broke his own world record by reaching Everest’s summit for the 31st time earlier this week—an extraordinary feat that further underscores the Sherpa community’s unmatched expertise and resilience in high-altitude climbing.
