-1780253073.webp)
KATHMANDU, May 31: The Ascent Summit 2026 was held in Kathmandu on May 31, bringing together climbers, expedition leaders, rescue professionals, innovators, journalists, and tourism stakeholders from Nepal and around the world to discuss the future of Everest and mountain exploration.
The one-day event, presented by the U.S. Embassy Nepal in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board and Seven Summit Treks, took place at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel. It focused on key issues including expedition safety, tourism development, innovation, leadership, and the evolving systems of Himalayan mountaineering.
The summit featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, expert sessions, storytelling programs, cultural performances, and interactive exhibits aimed at strengthening collaboration within the global mountaineering community and linking it with tourism, media, business, innovation, rescue systems, and youth engagement.
US Under Secretary highlights innovation and tourism ties at As...
Prominent participants included renowned climbers and expedition leaders such as Conrad Anker, Justin Sackett, Ben Ayers, Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, Lakpa Sherpa, Tenzin David Sherpa, Mingma David Sherpa, and other leading voices from Nepal and abroad.
U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers delivered keynote remarks, highlighting opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Nepal in tourism, innovation, and economic partnerships. She emphasized leadership, safety, and technology in improving expedition experiences in the Himalayas.
Remarks were also delivered by Sumnima Udas, Member of the House of Representatives and Chair of the International Relations and Tourism Committee, and Scott Urbom, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Nepal.
A key highlight of the summit was the recognition of the 10-member Elite Sherpa Team, also known as the Everest Rope Fixing Team, for their contribution to the 2026 Everest climbing season. The team was honored for fixing ropes and establishing safety systems in challenging sections of the mountain, enabling safer passage for climbers.
The event also featured cultural performances and immersive installations, including “The Yeti,” a sculpture made from approximately 90 kilograms of waste collected from Everest, and “A Day in a Climber’s Life,” an exhibit showcasing high-altitude expedition life.
Organizers said the summit served as a platform to connect Nepal’s mountaineering heritage with global innovation and to promote safer, more sustainable, and more collaborative adventure tourism practices.
