Nepal seeks stronger tourism partnership with Pakistan, unveils ambitious travel initiatives
Celina Ali
Islamabad: Nepal Friday sought to deepen tourism cooperation with Pakistan while positioning itself as a global destination for adventure, wellness and sustainable travel, unveiling ambitious tourism initiatives and highlighting growing people-to-people links between the two countries during celebrations marking the 73rd International Everest Day in Islamabad.
Speaking at a ceremony organized by the Embassy of Nepal, Nepal’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Rita Dhital, said the increasing participation of Pakistani climbers on Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks reflected the growing tourism and cultural connectivity between the two South Asian nations, both home to some of the world’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.
The ambassador noted that Mount Everest, known as Sagarmatha in Nepal, has evolved beyond its status as the world’s highest peak to become a global symbol of human determination, resilience and international cooperation. She recalled the historic first ascent of Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953, describing it as an achievement that continues to inspire climbers and adventurers across generations.
Highlighting the enduring appeal of Everest, Dhital said more than 1,000 climbers from 56 countries successfully reached the summit during the 2026 spring climbing season, demonstrating the mountain’s continued attraction as one of the world’s premier adventure tourism destinations.
She congratulated Pakistani climber Salman Ateeque on his successful ascent of Everest on May 21 and praised the growing presence of Pakistani mountaineers in Nepal. The ambassador also acknowledged the achievements of celebrated Pakistani climbers Samina Baig and Naila Kiani, saying their accomplishments had helped inspire a new generation of women adventurers and mountaineers in Pakistan.
Referring to Nepal’s tourism-driven economy, Dhital said mountain tourism and expedition activities remain critical sources of employment, local economic development and foreign exchange earnings. She emphasized that Nepal is increasingly focusing on sustainable and high-value tourism experiences that benefit local communities while preserving natural and cultural heritage.
As part of that strategy, she announced that Nepal has designated 2027 as “Nepal Wellness Year,” a campaign aimed at promoting the country as a global hub for holistic health, spiritual healing and wellness tourism. She further revealed that the government would launch “Visit Nepal Year 2028,” a major tourism promotion initiative designed to attract international visitors, upgrade tourism infrastructure and modernize travel services across the country.
The ambassador invited tourists, investors and adventure enthusiasts from Pakistan and around the world to participate in the upcoming campaigns and experience Nepal’s diverse tourism offerings, ranging from mountaineering and trekking to cultural and wellness tourism.
While underscoring the economic significance of tourism, Dhital also warned that the Himalayan region faces mounting threats from climate change, glacier retreat and environmental degradation. She said these challenges not only endanger fragile ecosystems and biodiversity but also threaten the livelihoods, cultural heritage and economic prospects of mountain communities.
The ambassador stressed that protecting the Himalayas requires stronger international cooperation and collective environmental action. She highlighted Nepal’s efforts to promote sustainable mountain tourism through initiatives such as the “cash for trash” programme, stricter waste management protocols and enhanced climber safety regulations aimed at preserving Everest and surrounding mountain ecosystems.
The event brought together diplomats, government officials, tourism stakeholders and renowned mountaineers from both countries. It began with the national anthems of Nepal and Pakistan and featured a video message from Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal as well as presentations showcasing Nepal’s iconic 8,000-metre peaks and tourism attractions.
Major General (retd) Irfan Arshad, President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, paid tribute to Pakistani Everest climbers and highlighted the country’s growing footprint in international mountaineering. A video presentation showcasing the achievements of Pakistani Everest summiteers was also screened during the ceremony.
Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Aftab ur Rehman Rana, emphasized the significant potential for collaboration between Pakistan and Nepal in adventure tourism, mountain expeditions and destination marketing. Chief Guest Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Tourism, delivered concluding remarks and underscored the importance of regional tourism cooperation for economic growth and people-to-people engagement.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of tokens of honour to distinguished guests and Everest summiteers, reinforcing the growing partnership between Nepal and Pakistan in promoting adventure tourism, mountain conservation and regional connectivity.