The US Nepal Climber Association Inc. has marked the 71st International Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) Day remembering the first successful summit of Mt Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary in 1953.

During a series of events in the New York City on May 29, Sherpa climbers and Nepali community residing in the US also appealed all to protect mountain culture and environment abiding by the ethics of mountain climbing.

Offering the morning prayers at a local monastery, USNCA executives, members and well wishers paid tribute to climbers and mountain workers who lost their lives while working in the mountains. They also expressed serious concern over the ongoing unhealthy completion which has tarnished the image of mountain climbing in Nepal.

Passang Nima Sherpa, President of USNCA, said that there was a need to review the existing practices in the climbing sector which go beyond the established norms and ethics of real adventure. 'Unhealthy practices in the name of setting world records have adversely affected the mountaineering sector,' Sherpa said, adding that climate crisis was also posing a big threat to mountain environment.

Tourism goodwill ambassador for the US Binod Adhikari lauded the role of Sherpa community in preserving mountain culture and tradition.

'Being the backbones to the success of mountaineering, Sherpa climbers have also playing a key role in promoting the Nepal's tourism in the international market,' he said. Adhikari also asked USNCA to develop a proposal in which he would lobby with the government to set up the world's biggest award for the Everest Day.

USNCA's founding president Serap Jangbu Sherpa said that stakeholders should join hands in protecting and preserving the mountain culture and environment. Sherpa also asked the stakeholders to explore innovative approaches to promoting Everest expeditions sustainably.

'On this day, all need to make a commitment for the commencement of mountaineering expeditions in a sustainable manner that respects the mountain's ecosystem, preserves its cultural heritage, and benefits local communities,' USNCA's second vice president Pasang Sherpa added.

USNCA's first vice president Mingmar Lama, UNCSA's ex board member Pema Chhewang Sherpa, General Secretary Jangbu Sherpa, Secretary Kaji Sherpa, treasurer Lakpa Nuru Sherpa, co-treasurer Lalpa Gelu Sherpa, executive members Lakpa G Sherpa, Da Ongchu Sherpa, Dawa Jangbu Sherpa, Mingmar T Sherpa, Kaji Sherpa, Pasang Sherpa, Domi Sherpa, Churim Sherpa and Ngima G Sherpa among others were present on the occasion. on June 1, USNCA is also hosting a musical night on the occasion of Everest Day.