The Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa and the Canada-Nepal Friendship and Cultural Society (CANFACS) jointly organized a special event to celebrate International Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) Day in Burnaby, Vancouver. The event was designed as part of year long celebration of the 60th year of diplomatic relations betweenNepal and Canada.

His Excellency Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal, Ambassador of Nepal to Canada, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the historic importance of the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. He commended the invaluable contribution of the Sherpa community in Himalayan adventure and mountaineering. He also highlighted Nepal’s touristic attractions and encouraged Canadian tourists to visit Nepal and enjoy adventure, culture, spirituality, and natural beauty. Ambassador Paudyal also reflected on six decades of friendly and cooperative relations between Nepal- Canada. He appreciated the CANFACS for its collaboration with the Embassy in organizing the event in Vancouver.

Prominent Everest summiteers, including the Honourable “Sherpa Dave” Rodney, Ms. Doma Sherpa, Mr. Christopher Dare, and Mr. Pemba Tshering Sherpa, shared their captivating experiences of scaling the world’s highest peak. A special documentary on Everest expeditions was displayed during the event. Ambassador Paudyal also felicitated the Everest summiteers with specially prepared plaques of honor for their courage, determination, and successful ascent to Mount Everest as well as for their contribution to promoting Nepal and Nepali mountaineering in Canada.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia the Honourable Raj Chouhan, Member of Legislative Assembly Honourable Paul Choi, Mayor of Burnaby City His Worship Mike Hurley and representatives of Nepali diaspora organizations delivered speeches on the importance of International Mount Everest Day highlighting various facets of Nepal-Canada relations over the past 60 years. President of CANFACS Mr. Navin Dhakal, President of NRNA Canada and

President of Nepali Community Society of British Columbia (NCSBC) also spoke on the name and fame of Mount Everest as the pride and identity of Nepal. They also underlined various aspects of Nepal-Canada relations and people-to-people contacts.

The event featured an array of vibrant cultural performances by Nepali and Canadian artists, reflecting the rich heritage of both countries. Highlights included traditional Nepali dances such as the Kumari Dance, Vajrayogini Dance, Tamang Dance, Limbu Dance, Lakhe Dance, and lively folk performances, alongside a spectacular Canadian native dance.

The event was attended by representatives of Nepali community organizations, entrepreneurs,community leaders, notable Canadians, and a large number of the Nepali diaspora from Canada and nearby U.S. states.

Embassy of Nepal
Ottawa
2 June 2025