May 29 is celebrated as International Sagarmatha Day to commemorate the first ascent of the tallest peak on earth by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa back in 1953.[break]
The celebrations have begun with the kick-off of Namche Festival and Sagarmatha Tourism Coordination Forum Meeting in Namche Bazar from Sunday. The meeting will last till Tuesday.
Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) has announced free one night accommodation to foreign mountaineers, who reached the summit of Mt Everest this season, and their spouse. Mountaineers can enjoy the facility within a year of their successful ascent.
Speaking at a press meet on Sunday, L B Baniya of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said unveiling of a new trekking route and tourism magazine, and cultural programs will also be organized on the day.
The government is giving away Tenzing-Hillary Everest Award to a person, contributing for the development of Khumbu region
Likewise, Trekking Agencies´ Association of Nepal (TAAN) TAAN is unveiling Lumbasumba trekking trail in eastern Nepal to mark the day. The association is also giving away three different awards to people making significant contribution in the promotion of mountain tourism.
Tourism stakeholders are also taking out a colorful procession on the day. The procession will begin from Thamel and conclude in the premises of NTB. “Launching of commemorative postal stamp, documentary show and blood donation are the other programs that will be organized on the day,” Pradhan added.
Similarly, Himalaya Expeditions is organizing Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon in the Everest region on May 29.
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