Nepal introduces identity cards for all Everest summiteers

Nepal on Tuesday launched a new system of providing identity cards to all summiteers of Mt. Everest (Qomolongma) so that they get recognition and respect in their daily lives.

The first batch of identity cards were distributed to famous Sherpa mountaineers, without whose help, scaling Mt. Everest has become virtually impossible.

"We want that all Everest summiteers, irrespective of their nationalities, live a dignified life and that you will be known for your bravery in your neighborhood and society. This purpose will be served by the identity cards," said Tourism Secretary of Nepal Sushil Ghimire.

Ghimire was addressing a special function organized to mark the 60th anniversary of mankind's first ascent on Mt. Everest on May 29, 1953 by New Zealand's Admund Hillary and Nepal's Tenzing Norgay.

On the occasion, the prestigious Tenzing-Hillary Mountaineering Award was given away to Everest Summiteers' Association of Nepal for its outstanding works in the Himalayas, especially related to environmental protection and rescue and welfare of the mountaineers.

"I'm grateful to receive this award on behalf of our organization. It has given us more energy to better our performance," said Wangchhu Sherpa, president of the association.

Chhang Dawa Sherpa, who has scaled all 8,000 meters-plus 14 peaks of the world, received Mt. Everest National Award for his bravery and success.

Tourism Minister Ram Kumar Shrestha stamped the first batch of commemorative postal tickets of the diamond jubilee celebration, while names of the national essay competition winners were also announced.