Embassy of Nepal in Canberra Celebrates International Mountain Day with Mt Everest Summiteers’ Felicitation Program

On the occasion of International Mountain Day, the Nepali Embassy in Canberra, Australia, orchestrated a grand Mt Everest Summiteers’ Felicitation Program in collaboration with the Australian Himalayan Foundation. The event, aimed at promoting tourism in Nepal, took place in Canberra on Monday.

Nepali Ambassador Kailash Raj Pokharel extended a warm welcome to distinguished guests, emphasizing Nepal’s enchanting tourism destinations, particularly the majestic snow-capped peaks of the high Himalayas. Ambassador Pokharel expressed gratitude to the attendees for their heroic achievement of summiting the world’s highest mountain and commended them for their efforts in promoting Nepal in Australia. He also acknowledged their philanthropic contributions to various charitable and non-profit organizations benefiting Nepalis.

Greg Mortimer, the first Australian to conquer Mt Everest, shared his exhilarating experience of the climb, expressing gratitude to the Nepali Embassy for organizing a program that brought together fellow mountain climbers. Lhakpa Sherpa, a five-time Mt Everest climber, highlighted the remarkable achievements of Nepali climbers.

The program featured speakers such as Andrew Judge, CEO of the Australian Himalayan Foundation, Gabrielle Kanizay, the youngest Australian to reach the Mt Everest summit, and George Hillary, grandson of Sir Edmund Hillary. Each speaker praised the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas in Nepal and expressed appreciation for the Nepali Embassy’s initiative to felicitate Australian Mt Everest climbers.

Among the attendees were Mt Everest climbers from Australia, the Assistant Secretary from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of Australia, representatives from the Australian Himalayan Foundation and Reach for Nepal, Australian media representatives, and leaders from the Nepali community.

A total of 37 Australian Mt Everest climbers were honored during the felicitation ceremony, receiving letters of recognition, traditional Nepali Khada scarves, and Nepal Flag-pins. The event not only celebrated the achievements of these climbers but also strengthened the bond between Nepal and Australia through shared admiration for the awe-inspiring Himalayan landscapes.