May 30, Kathmandu - The United States’ Deputy Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, Sarah B. Rogers, is set to arrive in Nepal on a three-day official visit, marking the most senior U.S. diplomat to visit the country in recent years.

Since the formation of Nepal’s new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, there has been a flurry of high-level visits from U.S. officials. Notably, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, have previously visited Nepal, reflecting the strengthened bilateral relations.

Rogers’ visit will include stops in India, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, making Nepal her first major stop in Central Asia following her assumption of office. While her detailed schedule remains undisclosed, a source from the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu confirmed her participation in a summit commemorating the successful ascent of Mount Everest by Mike Harker, the Public Affairs Chief at the U.S. Embassy, on Jestha 6.

Harker’s Everest climb set a new record for U.S. diplomats, making him the first diplomatic officer from the United States to summit the world’s highest peak. The embassy has organized a special event titled ‘The Ascent Summit’ on May 17 to honor his achievement, where he will be the chief guest and receive recognition for his historic feat.

The U.S. Embassy’s statement praised Harker’s accomplishment, noting, “On May 6 at 9:10 AM, Mike Harker successfully summited Mount Everest, becoming the first American Foreign Service Officer to reach the top. This achievement is a proud moment ahead of the United States’ 250th Independence Anniversary, symbolizing American courage, resilience, and spirit of exploration.”

Rogers will remain in Kathmandu until Monday, the same day Nepal’s Nationalist Party President Rabi Lamichhane departs for India. Her regional tour, which began on May 27, will continue until June 10, including a visit to New Delhi, where she engaged with Indian officials on topics such as public diplomacy, strategic communication, regional security, and strengthening U.S.-India partnerships.

Earlier, on May 7, Assistant Secretary Kapur visited Nepal for three days, holding meetings with leaders including Rabi Lamichhane, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle. Soon after, Sergio Gor, the U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, also visited Nepal, meeting with Foreign Minister Khanal and Finance Minister Wagle.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has not yet held meetings with either of these senior U.S. officials. It remains uncertain whether Rogers will meet with the Prime Minister, but sources confirm she is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Khanal and Communications Minister Bikram Rimal.

As U.S.-Nepal diplomatic engagement deepens, Rogers’ visit signifies a new chapter in the growing partnership between the two nations.