US diplomat calls for international collaboration in tourism, safer expedition in Nepal Himalayas

Kathmandu: A top US diplomat on Sunday highlighted the importance of international collaboration in supporting tourism and safer expedition experiences in Nepal Himalayas.

US Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B Rogers also advocated the use of new technology in the adventure and mountaineering sector while speaking at Ascent Summit 2026.

Sumnima Udas, chair of Nepal Parliament's International Relations Committee, also attended the event, an initiative by the US Embassy in Kathmandu organised in partnership with the country's Tourism Board.


Blessed with an almost 800-kms long Himalayan range with eight peaks that are more than 8,000 metres, including Mt Everest, and numerous other locations for trekking, Nepal draws hundreds of thousands of adventure lovers and mountaineers from across the world each year.

Underlining strong ties between the United States and Nepal through entrepreneurship, and innovation, Rogers also highlighted leadership, new technology, safety, and international collaboration in supporting tourism and safer expedition experiences in the Himalayas, a statement from the American Embassy said.

During the event, diverse experts and innovators discussed how combining Nepal's mountaineering tradition with American technology can improve climber safety and boost local tourism and also mean business enhancement for US companies.

The Summit brought together more than 1400 climbers, expedition leaders, innovators, outdoor brands, and tourism leaders, it said.