Nepal celebrating 70 years of Sagarmatha ascent

KATHMANDU, April 15: It has been 70 years since the highest peak in the world, Sagarmatha, was climbed by humans. Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary were atop the Sagarmatha, Mt Everest, on May 29, 1953.

In commemoration of the human feet on the highest peak of the world, a platinum jubilee function is being organized in Nepal. Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has informed that the celebration would be held in a grand manner coming May 29. 

A celebration main organizing committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Suresh Adhikari. The committee has the representations of the Nepal Tourism Board, Mountaineering Association, Hotel Association Nepal, Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal and others. 

Preparations have begun to observe the event successfully. Even a calendar for the preparatory works has been determined, according to Mohan Lamsal of NMA. "In order to make the platinum jubilee celebration a grand event, preparation is going on to invite foreign guests," he informed, adding that all Sagarmatha climbers from across the world would be invited and conferred honour by organizing the 'Everest Summit.' 

Former chairman and chief advisor of NMA, Ang Chhiring Sherpa, said a special programme would be organized at Khumjung of Solukhumbu on May 29. The programme is scheduled to be attended by Tenjing Norgey's son Jamling Tenjing Sherpa and Hillary's son Peter Hillary. 

After concluding the formal programme at Khumjung, a separate programme will be held in Kathmandu as well. In honour of the climbers, rallies and banquets would be organized. 

Sherpa believed that the platinum jubilee celebration would bring a new wave in Nepal's tourism, as this event would be covered keenly by the international media too.

Nepal is home to eight peaks of over 8,000-meter height including the Sagarmatha. So far, some 7,000 people- national and foreign combined- have reached the top of Sagarmatha.

There is also a record-keeping competition among the climbers. Kamirita Sherpa has scaled Everest 26 times.