Nebel's mountaineering fraternity celebrates 72-year anniversary of Everest peak conquest
Nepal marks the 72nd anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Everest with International Everest Day celebrations. The event commemorates the historic climb made by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953.
The day saw a rally of climbers, guides, and mountaineering enthusiasts in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital. The celebration included a walk around the city and a gathering at the old palace. The government and mountaineering community are recognizing the achievement and contribution of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.
Ang Tshering, who runs Kathmandu-based Asian Trekking, said, "We are celebrating May 29 as the international Sagarmatha (Everest) day because the world needs to continue to recognize the achievement and contribution of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay." He added that the event was not just a celebration for the mountaineering community but also a festival for Nepal and the world.
Mount Everest, standing at 8,849 meters, is one of eight highest peaks in the world. Each year, hundreds of foreign climbers travel to Nepal to attempt the challenging mountain. The climbers hire thousands of locals to assist with their climb, providing employment opportunities in the tourism sector.
According to Nepal's Department of Mountaineering, 468 foreign climbers from 57 countries received permits to climb Everest by the end of May. Kami Rita, a famous Sherpa guide, successfully climbed Everest for the 31st time on Tuesday, breaking his own record for the most climbs to the top of the world-famous mountain.
International Everest Day is also a tribute to the rich cultural heritage, environmental responsibility, and the ongoing spirit of adventure of Nepal's mountaineering community. The day serves as an opportunity for education and awareness of environmental stewardship and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The celebration organised by Ang Tshering and the mountaineering community used the occasion of International Everest Day to emphasize the importance of recognizing the achievement and contribution of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, not only in the realm of sports, but also in terms of Nepal's rich lifestyle and cultural heritage. The tourism sector, with its focus on finance and technology, has seen significant growth due to the influx of foreign climbers seeking to conquer Mount Everest, providing employment opportunities for locals and encouraging sustainable travel practices.
