KATHMANDU: The Everest Tourism Awards 2026 has concluded grandly in Kathmandu.

At the event, which was graced by former President Ram Baran Yadav as the chief guest, legendary climber Pertemba Sherpa—who created history as part of the first successful expedition team to summit Mount Everest via the Southwest Face in 1975—was honored with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’.

Recognizing his invaluable contribution to the tourism sector, former President Yadav honored Sherpa with the award, alongside a cash prize of PR 51,151, a ceremonial shawl, and a certificate.

Similarly, the prestigious ‘Peace Hero Award 2026’, presented in recognition of social contributions, humanitarian service, and peacebuilding efforts, was awarded to Pappu Yadav (Rajesh Ranjan).

Under the Everest Tourism Awards 2026, the ‘Everest Tourism Honor’ was bestowed upon various prominent personalities, including: Yagya Prasad Gautam, Sunar Bahadur Gurung, Vitidnan Rojanapanich (Thailand), Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, João Garcia (Portugal). Adventure Tourism Excellence Award (Mountaineering) recipients of were Prince Faisal Al Saud (Saudi Arabia), Nicole Kovalchuk (Russia), Purushottam Sanu, Kalpana Maharjan, Kunzang Chhospel Sherpa, Adriana Brownlee (UK), Jo Harvey (Australia), Kishor Shahi (Canyoning),
Ang Tshering Sherpa and Sanobabu Sunuwar (Paragliding).

The Global Mountaineering Excellence Award was presented to Nirmal Purja. Meanwhile, the ‘Tourism Excellence Personality Award’ was conferred upon Ravi Sharma Aryal, Ramesh Raj Kunwar, Ant Middleton (UK), Artists: Anmol KC, Kabita Nepali, and Neelam Poudel.

Awards were also distributed to various other organizations and individuals for their respective contributions for Viktor Grošelj (Slovenian mountaineer), Rescue Pemba French Sherpa, Pokhara Ultra Light, Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP), Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Dwarika’s Hotel, Ramesh Sapkota (Wellness), Rosa Tours & Travels, Ashok Lama (Rescue), Man Shanta Ghimire (Wildlife), Ramji Bahadur Shrestha (Sports), Narayan Bhandari (Journalism) and The Cliff Nepal (Bungee Excellence)

Speaking at the event, former President Yadav highlighted the urgent need for mountain conservation.

“We must save the mountains in this country. If we do not save the mountains, the very existence of our Earth will be at stake. Therefore, all of us—you, me, and the entire world—must unite to protect the mountains,” Yadav urged.

He further emphasized that the global community must work collectively to tackle climate change and preserve mountain ecosystems.