Jun 06, Kathmandu - The Nepalese Embassy in Islamabad celebrated the 73rd International Everest Day by organizing a program on Friday with the slogan ‘The World’s Highest Peak, Everest: Nepal’s Identity and Pride’.

In the program that began with a special video message on Everest Day by Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, Nepal’s Ambassador to Pakistan Rita Dhital recalled the historic day of the first successful ascent of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, and said that the Everest expedition was the result of extraordinary willpower, endurance and cooperation.

Ambassador Dhital expressed concern about the increasing environmental degradation and glacier melting in the Himalayan region due to climate change and said that effective international cooperation was needed to address it. He spoke about the efforts being carried out by Nepal, including the ‘Cash for Trash’ cleanup campaign, and informed that the goal is to establish Nepal as a sustainable and high-value tourism destination through important tourism campaigns such as ‘Nepal Wellness Year-2027’ and ‘Visit Nepal Year-2028’.

The program was also addressed by Prime Minister's Tourism Advisor and National Tourism Coordinator Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Managing Director Aftab Ur Rehman Rana, and Alpine Club of Pakistan President Irfan Arshad.

They emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences and practices in the field of mountaineering between Nepal and Pakistan, as well as expanding cooperation.

On the occasion, Ambassador Dhital honored four Pakistani climbers who successfully climbed Mount Everest. They also shared their climbing experiences with the participants.

Embassy Counselor Purushottam Dhungel provided information about the potential of adventure tourism in Nepal.

The program showcased the panoramic views of the world's highest mountains and ranges, and audio-visual materials related to adventure tourism activities.

The program was attended by Pakistani Everest climbers, high government officials, ambassadors and high commissioners of various countries, diplomats, and representatives of the tourism sector.