May 29 has been announced as International Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Day to commemorate the heroic achievement of late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary for their historic ascent of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) on May 29, 1953.

Various programs are to be organized by Government of Nepal and Tourism Board in association with various tourism associations and stakeholders of tourism to celebrate this day on 28 and 29 May, 2008. The event aims to pay tribute and remember the first climbers for their heroic achievement in human history, promote Nepal as a world-class adventure tourism destination, create awareness about the importance of our mountains for our livelihood, maximize the involvement of all stakeholders for their respective roles in preserving the mountain environment and help to preserve Sagarmatha (Everest) region as an icon of Nepal.

A grand procession in the morning of 29 May will be followed by Inaugural program in Kathmandu. Similarly, a conference on adventure and responsible tourism, a workshop on water painting of mountain theme, a wall climbing and quiz contest programs among school/college students, mountain film festival and various programs are being organized in association and leadership of the Ministry, Nepal Tourism Board, Tourism Associations and Non-governmental organizations based in Kathmandu and Sagarmatha area. Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon in Sagarmatha region is going to co-incide the event.
 Likewise, many foreign dignitaries related with mountains are also joining to celebrate this day. UAAA council meeting is being organized in Kathmandu by NMA on 29 May. TAAN is taking the lead in organizing the morning procession on 29 May at 6.30AM from Bhadrakali, Sahid Gate.