KATHMANDU:- One hundred and seventy-six climbers from 26 countries who successfully summated Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) have been honoured during the second edition of the ‘Everest Summiteers Summit–2026’ today.     

Organised by the Everest Alliance Nepal in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the event held in Kathmandu today honoured 176 Everest climbers from 26 countries with special medals and certificates.

The climbers were honoured by Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Khadga Raj Paudel, Secretary of the Ministry Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Chairman of Everest Alliance Nepal Sudarshan Nepal, President of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Kumar Mani Thapaliya, and Chairman of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Sagar Pandey, among others.

At the programme, Tourism Minister Paudel praised the courage and determination of the Everest climbers. He emphasised the need to promote safe and sustainable mountain tourism.

Minister Paudel mentioned that special attention should be given to improving climbers’ safety, strengthening emergency rescue systems, and economically empowering local Himalayan communities.

He expressed concern about the serious impacts of climate change observed in the Himalayan region. The Tourism Minister mentioned the melting of glaciers, loss of biodiversity, and the increasing challenges of waste management. He stated that the conservation of the Himalayas is a shared responsibility not only of Nepal but of the entire world.

Senior mountaineer and Director of Seven Summit Treks, Mingma Sherpa, stated that the mountains of Nepal are attracting tourists from around the world. He mentioned that the role played by Sherpa guides in mountain climbing is significant.

Sudarshan Nepal, Chairman of Everest Alliance Nepal, said that the ‘Everest Summiteers Summit’ has been organised for the past two years to honour climbers who have successfully climbed the world’s highest peak.

He said that the programme was organised with the aim of appreciating the unique courage and contribution of Everest climbers to the highest peak in the world in a united voice for the future of the Himalayas. The President of Nepal stated that this would help elevate Nepal’s mountain tourism globally and honour the brave climbers.

At the programme, Kami Rita Sherpa, who set a world record by summiting Mount Everest for the 32nd time, Lakpa Sherpa, the woman who has climbed Everest the most times, and climbers from various countries were honoured.

Earlier today, President Ramchandra Paudel had attended the ‘Breakfast With Everest Summiteers’ and met with the climbers on the occasion.(RSS)