Kathmandu, April 30: President Bidya Devi Bhandari honoured several mountaineers amid a programme held here today marking the 60-years of ascent of Mount Manaslu and Mount Lhotse.

President Bhandari feted Pasang Lamu Sherpa, first Nepali female mountaineer to Mount K2, first mountaineer to Mount Manaslu Minoru Higeta, First female mountaineer to Mount Everest Junko Tabei among others with the letter of appreciation.

At the Diamond Jubilee Celebration jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Nepal Mountaineer Association (NMA), President Bhandari stated that the Himalayas were important monument carrying the unique identity of its own.

The President expressed confidence that the recommendations to be furnished by the experts during the conference, deliberating on the challenges and opportunities of mountain tourism in Manaslu and Lhotse area, will be very important in mitigating the impact of climate change.

On the occasion, the Head of the State paid her tribute to the national and international mountaineers, researchers and guides who lost their lives during expeditions to various mountains peaks. She also extended condolences to the bereaved families.

Also speaking at the event, Minister for Information and Communications Sherdhan Rai reaffirmed that the government has accorded high importance to the development and promotion of tourism in view of the majestic Himalayas and the trekking trails of Nepal that would lure any tourist interested in adventurous tourism.

Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prem Kumar Rai believed that the conference deliberating on the challenges and opportunities to promote mountain tourism will also be fruitful for tackling the effects of climate change.

Likewise, Member-Secretary of NMA Ang Tshering Sherpa said that the festivity would help reinvigorate the tourism sector by disseminating a positive message that Nepal is a safe destination.

Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Masashi Ogawa believed that the Diamond Jubilee Celebration would be fruitful in further strengthening the ties between Nepal and Japan.

Japanese mountaineer Higeta who scaled Mount Manaslu gushed that his fascination towards Nepal was also growing since the first successful ascent of Mount Manalsu 60 year ago.

The event saw the participation of several national and international mountaineers as well as the high-ranking officials of government of Nepal.

Mount Manaslu, the eight highest peak of the world, was first scaled in May 9, 1956 whereas Mount Lhotse, the fourth highest, in May 18 the same year. RSS