An initiative by U.S. Embassy Nepal in collaboration with Seven Summit Treks, Ascent Summit 2026 invites you to experience the Everest region through the eyes of the people who are living it. The summit brings together experts from Nepal and around the world to explore the future of Everest, adventure tourism, high-altitude leadership, safety, culture, and technology in the Himalaya.
Ascent Summit 2026 is open to climbers, guides, Sherpas, high-altitude workers, expedition operators, policymakers, adventure tourism businesses, gear brands, rescue and safety professionals, outdoor educators, industry associations, and anyone interested in responsible tourism, expedition logistics, client safety, product innovation, workforce development, and Nepal's global role in adventure tourism.
May 31 | Aloft Hotel, Kathmandu
About The EventIs a one-day gathering in Kathmandu, shaped by the people who know the mountains best: climbers, guides, operators, researchers, and decision-makers working on the ground.
Organized by U.S. Embassy Nepal in collaboration with Seven Summit Treks, the summit connects global and Nepali voices across mountaineering, expedition operations, and high-altitude innovation.
The program focuses on practical, experience-led conversations. It explores how expeditions operate, what kind of leadership is required at extreme altitude, and how the mountain continues to evolve. Alongside the sessions, the summit creates space for meaningful networking and curated experiences, allowing participants to engage directly with peers, experts, and industry leaders.
With more than 30 speakers from across the ecosystem, the summit will focus on:
A closer look at how high-altitude expeditions are planned, managed, and carried out.
Focuses on preparation and safety, helping participants understand risk management.
Celebrates Nepal’s mountain legacy through performances, including dance, music, and storytelling.
How the Everest experience is evolving for climbers and operators.
A look at the responsibility, pressure, and skills required on the mountain.
First hand perspectives from those who have pushed their physical and mental limits.
Highlights personal Everest stories that shape leadership, perspective, and life beyond the climb.
Explores global partnerships, sponsorship value, and long-term visibility in adventure platforms.
Connects Nepali realities with global insights on mountaineering, tourism, and innovation.
Ascent Summit 2026 brings together climbers, guides, expedition operators, policymakers, and industry leaders from Nepal and around the world to discuss adventure tourism, mountain leadership, and the future of climbing in the Himalaya.
The summit features keynote sessions, panels, dialogues, and interactive debates on how Everest expeditions are planned, managed, and experienced today. It also includes cultural performances, including music, Sherpa dance, and drama, to connect participants with the stories and communities behind the mountains.
Through real experiences and practical conversations, Ascent Summit 2026 creates a space to learn, connect, and explore the future of mountaineering in Nepal.
Ascent Summit 2026 is open to people working in or connected to mountaineering, adventure tourism, and high-altitude operations, including:
Anyone interested in responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, client safety, expedition logistics, product innovation, workforce development, and Nepal's global role in adventure tourism.
Conference FeatureThe event serves as the finale to the 2026 Everest Climbing Season, featuring:
A curated space featuring global and Nepali brands, companies, and innovators from the adventure tourism sector.
Focused sessions covering expedition leadership, Sherpa roles, athlete journeys, and altitude health.
A dedicated segment connecting athletes and brands for future collaboration.
Participation from athletes, creators, brands, policymakers, and tourism leaders from Nepal and beyond.
Designed spaces for conversations, connections, and future partnerships.
Conference HighlightsA larger than life Yeti sculpture built from 90 kg of waste collected from Everest. A physical reminder of what the mountain carries and what needs to change.
A walk-through of a climber’s setup on the mountain, from tents and cooking gear to technical equipment, showing what daily life at altitude really looks like.
Aloft Hotel
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
May 31, 2026
08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Secure Your BoothLimited exhibition space available. Register early.