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Our LocationKathmandu, Nepal

The Ascent
Summit
2026

Adventure Tourism Leadership Conference — Celebrating U.S.-Nepal Cooperation in Sustainable Mountain Practices[May 31, Hotel Aloft, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal]

In partnership with

&
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A one-day conference connecting Nepal and the U.S. in mountain adventure leadership.

IconAbout The Event

Welcome to the Greatest Mountaineering Event 2026

Organized by the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu in collaboration with Seven Summit Treks.

A one-day, high-impact leadership, innovation, and partnership event serving as the finale to the 2026 Everest Climbing Season. Highlighting U.S.-Nepal cooperation, policy vision, historical ties, and adventure diplomacy.

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Expert Leaders

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Drone Showcase

Date & Time

May 31, 202608:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Location

Hotel Aloft, Thamel Kath-
mandu, Nepal
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Years of
Experience
IconTracks

Conference Highlights

Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks

Opening Remarks

Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker

Keynote Speaker

Future Opportunities
Future Opportunities

Future Opportunities

Drone Showcase
Drone Showcase

Drone Showcase

US Nepal Partnership
US Nepal Partnership

US Nepal Partnership

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Attendees
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Speakers
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Workshopd
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Guests
Shapes
Shapes
IconOur Speakers

Meet Expert Speakers

Panel Discussions

Panel 1 of 5

Sustainable Tourism in the Khumbu Region

Exploring waste management strategies, renewable energy solutions, and zero-icefall models for sustainable mountain tourism

Moderator

Dr. Baker Perry

Dr. Baker Perry

Climate Scientist & High-Altitude Researcher

5 Panelists
Dawa Yangzum Sherpa

Dawa Yangzum Sherpa

SPCC Representative

Rajesh Shrestha

Rajesh Shrestha

NTB Leadership

Dr. Sarah Mitchell

Dr. Sarah Mitchell

ICIMOD Sustainability Expert

Tenzin Norbu

Tenzin Norbu

NMA Environmental Officer

Tenzin Norbu

Tenzin Norbu

NMA Environmental Officer

Panel 2 of 5

Sherpa Leadership, Certification & Safety Standards

Advancing professional development programs, ethical practices, and industry leadership standards for mountaineering professionals

Moderator

Ang Tshering Sherpa

Ang Tshering Sherpa

President, Nepal Mountaineering Association

4 Panelists
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita

Record-Breaking Mountaineer

Mingma Gyabu Sherpa

Mingma Gyabu Sherpa

Seven Summit Treks

David Thompson

David Thompson

AMGA/IFMGA Representative

Dawa Stephen Sherpa

Dawa Stephen Sherpa

Eco Everest Expedition

Panel 3 of 5

U.S. Drone Technology & High-Altitude Solutions

Innovative drone applications, enhanced safety protocols, and collaborative technology solutions for extreme altitude operations

Moderator

Hon. Mahabir Pun

Hon. Mahabir Pun

Innovation & Technology Leader

3 Panelists
Michael Roberts

Michael Roberts

U.S. Drone Engineer

Manish Maharjan

Manish Maharjan

Garud X Pvt. Ltd. - Technical Lead

Dr. Lisa Chen

Dr. Lisa Chen

Aerospace Technology Specialist

Panel 4 of 5

Altitude Health, Nutrition & Performance

Medical innovations, physiological adaptations, and youth leadership development for high-altitude mountaineering excellence

Moderator

Dr. Dibas Shrestha

Dr. Dibas Shrestha

High-Altitude Medical Expert

4 Panelists
Subash Dawadi

Subash Dawadi

Nutrition & Performance Specialist

Dr. Amanda Foster

Dr. Amanda Foster

U.S. Sports Physiologist

Nima Rinji Sherpa

Nima Rinji Sherpa

Youth Mountaineering Leader

Dr. Prakash Thapa

Dr. Prakash Thapa

Medical Tech Innovation

Panel 5 of 5

International Branding, Media & Athlete Sponsorship

Content creation strategies, brand partnership opportunities, and market expansion for mountaineering athletes and organizations

Moderator

Marcus Williams

Marcus Williams

Global Brand & Marketing Director

4 Panelists
Jennifer Park

Jennifer Park

Social Media Strategy Expert

Kiran Joshi

Kiran Joshi

Adventure Content Creator

Rachel Thompson

Rachel Thompson

The North Face - Partnerships

Alex Martinez

Alex Martinez

Documentary Filmmaker

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IconConference Sessions

Conference Sessions

A comprehensive one-day program featuring keynotes, panel discussions, innovation tracks, and networking opportunities.

Setting the strategic tone with high-level dignitaries highlighting U.S.-Nepal cooperation, policy vision, and adventure diplomacy.

Speakers

  • His Excellency, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal
  • Welcome remarks by Conference Dignitary (TBA)
  • Historical Ties: American Mountaineers & the Himalaya (TBA)

Exploring waste management, renewable energy adoption, zero-icefall-carry models utilizing drones, and government policies for sustainable mountain tourism.

Speakers

  • SPCC Representative
  • Dr. Baker Perry
  • NTB/NMA Leadership
  • ICIMOD Sustainability Expert

Key Topics

  • Waste management solutions
  • Renewable energy adoption
  • Zero-Icefall-carry models utilizing drones
  • Government & institutional policies

Highlighting Sherpa participation in industry leadership, guide certification pathways, safety protocols, professionalism, and ethical leadership.

Speakers

  • Ang Tshering Sherpa / Dawa Stephen Sherpa
  • Pasang Lhamu Akita
  • U.S. Guiding Representative (AMGA/IFMGA)

Key Topics

  • Sherpa participation in industry leadership
  • Guide certification pathways
  • Safety, professionalism, and ethical leadership

Premiere of the Everest drone demonstration film featuring oxygen transport and waste retrieval operations. Showcasing U.S.-Nepal tech collaboration.

Speakers

  • U.S. Drone Engineer/Manufacturer
  • Garud X Pvt. Ltd. (Technical Lead)
  • Hon. Mahabir Pun (Innovation & Technology)
  • SST Drone & Operations Team

Key Deliverables

  • Film premiere: Oxygen transport Base Camp to Camp 2
  • Waste retrieval demonstration (~500kg target)
  • Extended demonstration to Camp 3 (if feasible)
  • SOPs for drone safety
  • Government permitting insights
  • U.S.-Nepal tech collaboration roadmap

Featuring American innovation culture, gear design breakthroughs, brand partnerships, climbing storytelling, and media engagement.

Speakers

  • Conrad Anker
  • Ed Viesturs
  • Alex Honnold / Jimmy Chin (subject to availability)

Key Topics

  • American innovation culture
  • Gear design breakthroughs
  • Brand partnerships
  • Climbing storytelling & media

Discussing high-altitude physiology, injury prevention, expedition nutrition science, and medical tech innovations.

Speakers

  • Subash Dawadi
  • Dr. Dibas Shrestha
  • U.S. Sports Physiologist (TBA)
  • Nepali High-Altitude Medical Professional
  • Nima Rinji Sherpa (Youth in Mountaineering)

Key Topics

  • High-altitude physiology
  • Injury prevention
  • Expedition nutrition science
  • Medical tech innovations
  • Youth leadership in mountaineering

Facilitated collaboration between U.S. gear companies and Nepali/International athletes through structured roundtables and 7-minute "match" meetings.

Participants

  • The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Garmin
  • Nepali climbers and athletes
  • U.S. influencers and creators
IconConference Feature

Conference Feature

The event serves as the finale to the 2026 Everest Climbing Season, featuring:

01

Film Premiere

The premiere of the U.S.-Nepal high-altitude drone demonstration film (oxygen delivery & waste retrieval) shot during April-May on Everest.

02

Adventure Tourism Expo

A curated adventure tourism expo with U.S. brands, Nepali companies, innovators, and agencies.

03

Strategic Sessions

Five or similar strategic conference sessions including policy, sustainability, Sherpa leadership, high-altitude innovation, athlete branding, and altitude health.

04

Athlete-Brand Matchmaking

A structured athlete-brand matchmaking segment for future collaborations.

05

Stakeholder Engagement

Engagement of U.S. and Nepali adventure athletes, influencers, brands, government representatives, and tourism stakeholders.

Shapes
Shapes
Shapes
IconU.S.-Nepal Innovation

Drone Showcase

A groundbreaking demonstration of U.S. drone technology assembled in Nepal for sustainable mountain logistics and environmental preservation on Mount Everest.

Project Highlights

  • Film premiere: Oxygen delivery & waste retrieval
  • U.S. drone components assembled in Nepal
  • Real footage from April-May Everest operations
  • Technical lead: Garud X Pvt. Ltd.

Technical Partners

Garud X Pvt. Ltd.

Kathmandu-based aerospace company specializing in UAS design, manufacturing, and aerial solutions for challenging terrain.

U.S. Embassy Nepal

Facilitating import of high-capacity batteries and drone components with diplomatic support.

Operational Objectives

A documentary film of the drone's operation will be premiered in the conference.

Waste Retrieval

Transport at least 600 kg of waste from Camp 1 to Base Camp

Waste collected in designated tents will be transported to Kathmandu and handed over to SPCC for final disposal.

Oxygen Transport

Ferry oxygen cylinders from Base Camp to Camp 1

Each cylinder weighs ~6 kg. The drone will carry up to 3 cylinders per flight (≈18 kg payload) with multiple shuttle operations.

Experiential Conference Highlights

The Yeti

The Yeti will be a larger (than a human) figurine made completely out of the retrieved waste from Everest. A total of 90 kgs (~200 pounds) of waste will be molded into sculpting the Yeti which symbolizes the urgency of waste management on the fragile Himalaya and the sustainable approaches that can be taken to manage the mountain waste.

The Khumbu Icefall Experience

For the attendees to experience what it's like to climb or cross through one of the most treacherous sections of Everest climbing, a replica model of the Khumbu icefall ladder will be set in the conference. Brace yourself, it's not going to be an easy crossing!

A Day in Climber's Life

Another special highlight of the event is to show attendees and visualize how a typical day in a climber's life and stay at the mountains is like. With all gears and equipment used in climbing Everest, a dedicated space will have everything from tents to cooking equipment to technical climbing gears a climber uses to climb Everest

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Listen from the Attendees

Simone Moro

Simone Moro

Mountain Guide

Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu,vis detraxit periculis ex,nihil expetendis in mei an pericula euripidis,hinc partem ei est. Eost ei nisl graecis,vix aperiri consecquat an.

★★★★★
★★★★★
Reinhold Messner

Reinhold Messner

Alpine Climber

Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu,vis detraxit periculis ex,nihil expetendis in mei an pericula euripidis,hinc partem ei est. Eost ei nisl graecis,vix aperiri consecquat an.

★★★★★
★★★★★
Edurne Pasaban

Edurne Pasaban

Mountain Climber

Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu,vis detraxit periculis ex,nihil expetendis in mei an pericula euripidis,hinc partem ei est. Eost ei nisl graecis,vix aperiri consecquat an.

★★★★★
★★★★★
Ben Ayers

Ben Ayers

Drone Engineer

Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu,vis detraxit periculis ex,nihil expetendis in mei an pericula euripidis,hinc partem ei est. Eost ei nisl graecis,vix aperiri consecquat an.

★★★★★
★★★★★
IconExpo & Vendors

Meet Us Here

Meet a range of institutions from multiple industries in the conference venue.

U.S. & International

The North FaceMountain HardwearPatagoniaColumbiaOsprey

Nepali Institutions

TAANNTBPATAGarud X Pvt. Ltd.Kathmandu UniversityNATHM

International Partners

ICIMODWWFHimalayan DatabaseEverest Live
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Exhibition Booths

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Limited exhibition space available. Register early.

Location

Hotel Aloft

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal

Date

May 31, 2026

Timing

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM