Nepal turns Everest anniversary into climbing contest
Kathmandu competition introduces lead climbing format to honour Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and inspire a new generation of climbers
PC: Phurpa Sherpa
The third edition of the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Lead Climbing Competition, to be held at Astrek Climbing Wall in Thamel on May 28–29, aims to turn a commemorative day into a sporting event, drawing climbers from Nepal and abroad to one of the country’s leading adventure-sports competitions.
The competition is jointly organised by the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association and the US Nepal Climbers Association Inc. to promote sport climbing in Nepal while honouring the legacy of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary.
This year’s event introduces lead climbing for the first time. Previous editions were limited to top-rope climbing, said Tul Singh Gurung, president of the association.
Separate men’s and women’s categories will be contested, with prize money of Rs50,000 for first place, Rs30,000 for second and Rs20,000 for third.
The opening ceremony on May 28 will be inaugurated by Fur Gelje Sherpa, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The final event on May 29 is expected to be attended by Member of Parliament Mingma Gyabu Sherpa.
The competition coincides with the anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. Organisers say May 29 has traditionally been marked by rallies and commemorative events rather than technical climbing competitions.
By introducing a more technical format, organisers hope to strengthen Nepal’s emerging sport-climbing culture and encourage younger climbers to pursue mountaineering beyond the commercial high-altitude industry.
