KATHMANDU, MAY 11

What began as a challenging trek to the foothills of the world's highest peak evolved into a unique blend of literature, patriotism, culture and mountain tourism as participants of the "Sagarmatha Darshan Yatra-2083" carried poetry to the lap of Mount Everest Base Camp.

The 14-day expedition, which brought together retired and serving civil servants, tourism entrepreneurs, social workers and artists, culminated in the first edition of the "Sagarmatha Sahitya Utsav–2083", a three-day literary festival held at high-altitude locations including Kala Patthar, Everest Base Camp and Pattale-Dhap.

The journey began from Kathmandu and passed through the iconic Himalayan trail stretching across Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuche before reaching Everest Base Camp. But beyond the physical endurance of the trek, organizers and participants say the literary dimension of the journey gave it a deeper emotional and cultural meaning.

Retired Lieutenant General of the Nepali Army, poet and lyricist Krishna Prasad Bhandari recited poems at Kala Patthar, Everest Base Camp and Pattale, paying tribute to the Himalayas through verse. Amid cold winds and towering snow-covered peaks, Bhandari's poetry reflected themes of Nepali identity, nature, family, labor and patriotism.

During the first session of the literary festival at Gorakshep and Kala Patthar on May 5, he recited lines celebrating Nepal's natural beauty and culture: "The earth is beautiful, woven with nature's love, > The moon beautiful on a full-moon night, flowers of spring, > Snow beautiful upon the mountains - beloved Nepal..."

Participants said the verses created a rare sense of warmth and emotional connection even in the freezing Himalayan environment. Another poem recalling village life, parents and childhood memories deeply moved the audience: "A hut built lovingly by father is beautiful, Food cooked by mother's hands is the finest..."

The second day's program at Everest Base Camp on May 6 focused on national unity and the contribution of generations of Nepalis, especially soldiers. Bhandari recited a poem originally composed during Mahashivaratri and Army Day, honoring the spirit of the Nepali people and the Nepali Army.

The poem emphasized Nepal's ethnic diversity and collective identity: "I am Rai, Kumai, Majhi and Tharu, I am Dom, Chamar, Chhetri and Newar... I am the Nepali soldier who sacrifices for the soil." The performance resonated strongly among participants, many of whom described the experience as emotionally powerful against the dramatic Himalayan backdrop.

The final event of the festival took place on May 8 at Pattale-Dhap along the Solu–Okhaldhunga border area. The session was chaired by tourism entrepreneur Ishwari Poudel, while comedian and actor Manoj Gajurel attended as chief guest. The program was hosted by social worker Ramesh Baral, the conceptualizer of the literary festival. In a poem titled "Sagarmatha," Bhandari portrayed Everest not merely as a mountain of snow but as a living symbol of civilization, inspiration and national pride. Participants said the combination of literature and nature transformed the trek into a spiritual and artistic experience rather than just a physical expedition.

Organisers believe the event successfully connected tourism promotion with Nepali literature and cultural identity. According to Iswari Paudel, managing director of Himalayan Guides Nepal Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd., the primary objective of the trek was to encourage more Nepalis to explore domestic tourist destinations. Festival conceptualiser Ramesh Baral said similar literary tourism programs would be organized in other destinations in the future to promote tourism through literature and creative arts. The event was organised with support from Kailash Helicopter Services, Selen Hospitality, local governments and various media organizations including Radio Taplejung and Radio Tamor.