April 16: It has been 70 years since the highest peak in the world, Sagarmatha (Mt Everest), was climbed by humans. Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary were atop Mt Everest on May 29, 1953.    
In commemoration of the human feat on the highest peak of the world, a platinum jubilee celebration is being organized in Nepal. Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) said that the celebration would be held in a grand manner on upcoming May 29.    
A celebration main organizing committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Suresh Adhikari. The committee has the representations of Nepal Tourism Board, Mountaineering Association, Hotel Association Nepal, Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal and others.    
 Preparations have begun to observe the event successfully.

Even a calendar for the preparatory works has been determined, according to Mohan Lamsal of NMA.

"In order to make the platinum jubilee celebration a grand event, preparation is going on to invite foreign guests," he said, adding that all Everest climbers from across the world would be invited and conferred honour by organizing the 'Everest Summit.'    
Former chairman and chief advisor to the NMA, Ang Chhiring Sherpa, said a special programme would be organized at Khumjung of Solukhumbu on May 29. The programme is scheduled to be attended by Tenzing Norgay's son Jamling Tenjing Sherpa and Hillary's son Peter Hillary.    
After concluding the formal programme at Khumjung, a separate programme will be held in Kathmandu as well. Rally and banquets would be organized in the honour of the climbers.    
Sherpa said that the platinum jubilee celebration would bring a new wave in Nepal's tourism, as this event would be covered keenly by the international media too.    
Nepal is a home to eight peaks of over 8,000 meter height including Mt Everest. So far, some 7,000 people – Nepalis and foreigners – have reached atop Mt Everest.    
There is also a record keeping competition among the climbers. Kamirita Sherpa has scaled Everest for 26 times.  -- RSS