Nepal gears up for Everest Day

KATHMANDU, May 26: Preparations are afoot to celebrate third International Everest (Sagarmatha) Day on May 29 by organizing different activities at home and abroad. Nepal has been observing May 29 as Everest Day every year to commemorate the first ascent of the tallest peak in the world.



The celebration will begin with a colorful procession from the premises of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Everest summiteers, government officials and tourism entrepreneurs, among others will participate in the rally. [break]



Addressing a press meet in Kathmandu, Prachanda Man Shrestha, CEO of NTB said the government would give away Tenzing Hillary Award to a person making significant contribution for the development of Khumbu region.



“As a part of celebrating the day, SAARC Secretary General will nominate 20th time Everest summiteers Apa Sherpa as Goodwill Ambassador of SAARC. Sherpa will also be designated as Goodwill Ambassador of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign,” Shrestha added.



Everest summiteers from more than 50 countries are expected to attend the rally. The government has already decided to provide gratis visa to the climbers of Mt Everest and Dhaulagiri.



NTB said in a statement that the government had also decided to waive 50 percent royalty for climbing Mt Dhaulagiri this season to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the first ascent of Mt Everest. The government will also honor Everest summiteers with medals amidst a grand function on May 29.



Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Sharat Singh Bhandari said promotional activities like this would boost Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign.

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