Nepal Marks 72nd International Everest Day with Celebrations and Calls for Conservation

Photo: Nepal Tourism Board / Twitter

Kathmandu: Nepal is celebrating the 72nd International Everest Day today to commemorate the historic first ascent of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal and Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand on May 29, 1953.

Various events have been organized across the country to mark the occasion. The Government of Nepal has formed a Main Celebration Committee led by the Minister of Tourism to oversee this year’s commemorations.

Speaking on the significance of the day, Nepal Mountaineering Association President Ang Tshering Sherpa said Everest Day is observed annually to honor the legacy of the first successful summit. He noted that climbers from around the world, including members of Hillary’s family, visit Nepal to participate in the celebrations.

Sherpa emphasized the importance of protecting Everest and the Himalayas from the growing threats of climate change. “The melting snow has already exposed areas like Kalapatthar. We must act now to preserve Everest for future generations,” he said. He also recalled that Nepal renamed Lukla Airport to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in recognition of the duo’s historic achievement.

Nepal is home to 1,792 peaks over 5,800 meters, including eight that rise above 8,000 meters. However, only 461 of these mountains have been opened for climbing so far.