Nepal’s mountaineering community came together to celebrate International Everest Day, marking the 72nd anniversary of the first successful climb of Mount Everest. On May 29, 1953, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay reached the summit, a historic achievement honored annually.
The celebration in Kathmandu was led by Nepal’s Minister for Culture and Tourism and included a city walk and a gathering at the old palace. Ang Tshering, head of Kathmandu-based Asian Trekking, emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of Hillary and Norgay. He described the event not just as a mountaineering celebration but also as a festival for Nepal and the world.
Nepal is home to eight of the world’s highest peaks, attracting hundreds of international climbers each year. These adventurers rely on thousands of local guides and support staff who carry equipment, prepare food, and assist them during their weeks-long expeditions in the mountains.
The end of May also signals the conclusion of the spring climbing season, before the monsoon brings challenging weather. Jiban Ghimire of Shangri-La Nepal Trek noted that this day is also about gathering the climbing community to mark the season’s end.
According to Nepal’s Department of Mountaineering, by the end of May, 468 foreign climbers from 57 countries had permits to climb Everest, along with nearly an equal number of Nepalese guides. Many climbers reached the summit, though officials are still verifying the exact numbers. Climbers must provide proof of their summit and confirm they have removed all their garbage to receive official certification.
A highlight of the season was Sherpa guide Kami Rita, who set a new record by summiting Everest for the 31st time, further cementing his place in mountaineering history.