Mt. Everest Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

The Government of Nepal organized “Mt. Everest Diamond Jubilee Celebrations” betweenMay 26 and 29, 2013 to mark the first ascent to the Mt. Everest on May 29, 1953. This was a special occasion in the world history of mountaineering. The celebration also gave Nepal an unprecedented opportunity to promote Nepal as one of the best adventure destinations in the world.

The Diamond Jubilee-Celebrations are unique to Nepal and as such great importance is attached to them by the Government of Nepal. As part of the celebrations, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board and Nepal Mountaineering Association in close association with the entire industry partners, especially in tourism and aviation sectors, organized various activities in Sagarmatha region and Kathmandu.

Nepal celebrated Mt. Everest Diamond Jubilee on May 29 remembering the two heroic souls: Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary amidst a grand function. The historic event started with the procession from Bhrikutimandap led by the families of Tenzing and Hillary in a horse-cart buggy, followed by the buggies that carried famous mountaineers like Reinhold Messner, 21 time Everest climber Phurba Tashi Sherpa, last surviving member of 1953 Everest Expedition team Mr. Kancha Sherpa ended at Basantapur Durbar Square. The procession was followed by large number of people from all walks of life including Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Ram Kumar Shrestha, Secretaries of different ministries. Traditional Nepali musical instruments and police band were played throughout the procession cheered by by-standers.

In the evening , a special program was organized in the Narayanhiti Palace to celebrate this event. The Chairman of Council of Ministers Khil Raj Regmi felicitated the personalities related with Mt. Everest climbing with certificate. Among the prominent persons felicitated were Reinhold Messner, 21 time Everes climber Phurba Tashi Sherpa, last surving member of 1953 Everest Expedition team Mr. Kancha Sherpa, Amelia Rose Hillary, granddaughter of Sir Edmund Hillary, Tashi Tenzing Sherpa, grandson of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, Elizaneth Hawley, an American former journalist and chronicler of Himalayan expeditions and many others.

Ms. Amelia Rose Hillary has been appointed as Brand Ambassador of Nepal Tourism Board and Mt. Everest Diamond Jubilee amidst the program.

Earlier, on May 28, Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sushil Ghimire handed over the Tenzing Hillary Award to Everest Summiteers Association amidst the function. In the same function, he also inaugurated the postal and photo exhibition at Nepal Tourism Board.

In a function organized at Hillary Park in Khumjung on May 26 as a part of the 60th anniversary, Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Shushil Ghimire, said that the government was committed to making tourism a sustainable industry.

A tree planting ceremony was held at the function. Carliele Hillary, vice-chair of the Himalayan Trust and niece of the late Sir Edmund Hillary, planted a tree in the park in memory of her uncle. Government officials, the New Zealand ambassador and other diplomats were among those attending the function.

International Everest Conference was also organized Khumjung on May 26. Technical sessions were held at Khumjung School Auditorium, in which working papers on global warming and its effect on the Himalayas were presented. Main presentation was done by Dr. Ganesh Raj Joshi, Secretary of Nepal Government. Mr. Frits Vrijlandt, President of UIAA and Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa, Honorary Member of UIAA also made presentations on the occasion. Program was participated by acclaimed summiteers, government officials, national and international journalists and local people.

Nepalese tourism stakeholders will cherish the jubilant and festive-mood with the series of events marking the 60th anniversary.

For further information
Mt. Everest Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Secretariat
Nepal Tourism Board
Bhrikuti Mandap
Kathmandu
Nepal
Email: everest@ntb.org.np

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