Ascent Summit 2026 underway in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: The Ascent Summit 2026 is taking place in Kathmandu today, with the US Embassy in Nepal, in partnership with Seven Summit Treks, hosting the event. The summit is bringing together climbers, expedition leaders, athletes, journalists, rescue professionals, innovators and cultural figures connected to Everest and mountain exploration.

The US Embassy in Nepal said the one-day summit aims to explore how Everest is changing and what that means for the future of mountaineering and expedition tourism. The embassy said the programme includes keynote sessions, panel discussions, expert dialogues, storytelling, performances, mountain culture events and athlete presentations intended to share operational knowledge and first-hand experiences from the mountains.

The summit is featuring national and international mountaineering figures, including Conrad Anker, Justin Sackett, Ben Ayers, Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, Tenzin David Sherpa, Mingma David Sherpa and Lakpa Sherpa, alongside expedition professionals from Nepal and abroad. A special ceremony will honour leading members of the Sherpa community.

Photos: Ripesh Maharjan/Media9

United States Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers is scheduled to deliver keynote remarks. Mike Harker, Public Affairs Chief at the US Embassy in Nepal, will present, and Conrad Anker will give the closing remarks. The US Embassy in Nepal and Seven Summit Treks said the speakers will address experiences, opportunities and lessons from Everest and discuss international collaboration and the leadership needed to shape the future of mountaineering.

Featured sessions include 'On the Mountain: Operations & Realities — Managing Everest on the Ground,' which will look at logistics and coordination behind Everest expeditions; 'The People Who Lead: Guides, Training & Safety,' focused on leadership and evolving safety practices; and 'The Changing Face of Everest Tourism,' an interactive debate on accessibility, commercialisation and the future of the Everest experience.

Cultural programming is showcasing dance by Kabita Nepali, a theatrical piece titled 'Life on Everest' by Bashana Timilsina, and musical performances by Ujjan Shakya and Raju Lama. Exhibits include 'The Yeti,' a sculpture made from roughly 90 kilograms of waste collected from Everest, and 'A Day in a Climber’s Life,' an installation illustrating life and operations during high-altitude expeditions.

The US Embassy in Nepal and Seven Summit Treks said the summit aims to strengthen collaboration within the mountaineering community and expand connections across tourism, technology, media, culture, rescue systems, business and youth audiences. Participants are expected to gain insights into expedition logistics, guiding culture, rescue systems, leadership, technology, tourism partnerships and athlete experiences from high-altitude expeditions.

Climbers, mountaineers, adventure athletes, trekking and climbing guides, Sherpas and expedition workers, rescue professionals, expedition operators, tourism leaders, adventure brands, outdoor gear companies, educators and media professionals connected to Nepal’s mountaineering and adventure tourism ecosystem are attending the event.