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Celebrating 1st International Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Day
Government of Nepal has announced May 29 as International Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Day to commemorate the heroic achievement of late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary for their historic ascent of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) on May 29, 1953. Government of Nepal and Tourism Board in association with various tourism associations and stakeholders of tourism are jointly organizing different programs to celebrate this day on 28 and 29 May, 2008. (See the attachment for detail program)

Objectives of this event are: to pay tribute and remember the first climbers for their heroic achievement in human history, promote Nepal as a world-class adventure tourism destination, create awareness about the importance of our mountains for our livelihood, maximize the involvement of all stakeholders for their respective roles in preserving the mountain environment and help to preserve Sagarmatha (Everest) region as an icon of Nepal.

There will be a grand procession in the morning of 29 May followed by Inaugural program in Kathmandu. Similarly, a symposium on adventure and responsible tourism, a workshop on water painting of mountain theme, a wall climbing and quiz contest programs among school/college students, mountain film festival and various programs are being organized in association and leadership of the Ministry, Nepal Tourism Board, Tourism Associations and Non-governmental organizations based in Kathmandu and Sagarmatha area. Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon in Sagarmatha region is going to coincide the event. Likewise, many foreign dignitaries related with our mountains are also joining us in celebrating this day. UAAA council meeting is being organized in Kathmandu by NMA on 29 May. TAAN is taking the lead in organizing the morning procession on 29 May at 6.30AM from Bhadrakali, Sahid Gate. We invite all to join us and express your solidarity to make this celebration a success.

Being the first program to celebrate 29 May as International Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Day, we look forward to receiving active support of the media and all our stakeholders/partners specially the Ministry, NMA and TAAN for the success of this event. We also request all concerned to provide their suggestion and comments to Nepal Tourism Board after completion of the event so that we can work to make our future celebrations more visible and effective.