News Summary
Prepared after editorial review.
- At the second ‘Everest Summitiers Summit–2026’ held in Kathmandu, 176 Everest climbers from 26 different countries were honored with special medals and certificates.
- Kamirita Sherpa, who set a new world record by summiting Everest for the 32nd time, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- On the eve of the event, President Ramchandra Paudel participated in the ‘Summiters Breakfast’ and met with Everest climbers.
May 26, Kathmandu – At the second edition of the ‘Everest Summitiers Summit–2026’ ceremony, 176 Everest climbers from 26 countries were honored.
Organized by Everest Alliance Nepal in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the grand event held on Wednesday in Kathmandu recognized the climbers with special medals and certificates.
The honorees were felicitated by the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadga Raj Paudel, Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Everest Alliance Chairperson Sudarshan Nepal, President of Nepal Tour and Travel Agents Association (NATTA) Kumar Mani Thapaliya, Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Chairperson Sagar Pandey, and others.
Tourism Minister Paudel lauded the courage and determination of the Everest climbers and emphasized the need to promote safe and sustainable mountain tourism.
He underscored the importance of improving climbers’ safety, strengthening emergency rescue systems, and economically empowering local Himalayan communities. The minister also expressed concern over the serious impacts of climate change observed in the Himalayas.
According to him, the pace of glacier melting, decline in biodiversity, and growing challenges in waste management are increasing. He stressed that the conservation of the Himalayas is not only Nepal’s responsibility but a shared global obligation.
Senior mountaineer and Seven Summit Treks operator Mingma Sherpa highlighted that Nepal’s mountains continue to attract tourists worldwide and pointed out the vital role Sherpa guides play in ascent expeditions. He stated, “Today’s Sherpas are faster and better trained than before, always ready to ensure climbers reach the summit safely.”
Everest Alliance Nepal Chairperson Sudarshan Nepal shared that the Everest Summitiers Summit event, initiated last year to honor Everest climbers, has expanded its reach by the second edition.
“We started this program last year to recognize Everest climbers. Following the success of the first edition, its importance and scope have become clearer. This event is now well-known not just in Nepal but internationally,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to the government, particularly the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Nepal Tourism Board, for their support in making the event grand. He also assured ongoing efforts to work in coordination with all stakeholders to further expand and strengthen the program in the future.
The chairperson explained that the event aims to unify voices for the future of the Himalayas and recognize the unique courage and contributions of Everest climbers. The initiative supports elevating Nepal’s mountain tourism to the global stage and honoring brave climbers.
During the event, Kamirita Sherpa, who successfully summited Everest for the 32nd time, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, multiple-time female Everest climber Lakpa Sherpa and others also received recognition.
The occasion was elevated by the special participation of President Ramchandra Paudel at the pre-event ‘Summiters Breakfast,’ where he met with the climbers. The organizers believe this boosted the event’s prestige both nationally and internationally.
