Mount Everest's Diamond Jubilee...

For the past two days, I have been lucky enough to attend press conferences and award ceremonies for the Diamond Jubilee of the first ascent of Mount Everest. When I came do the internship with Tourism Times here in Kathamandu, I had no idea that this huge event was coming up. The 60th anniversary is a massive, international event for Nepal. The Himalayas provide much of the tourism to the country, and thousands of people flocked to the main activities that happened on the 29th May.

My very own press pass, and memorial pin for the Diamond Jubilee!

On the 28th, I went with Bikram and Santosh to the press meet for the jubilee celebrations, taking place at the Tourism Board headquarters near Ratna Park in Kathmandu. Here, speakers announced the importance of this anniversary, and honoured special guests who were able to make it to the pre-Jubilee day. Hilary Carlile (Sir Edmund Hillary's niece) was one of the few important guests that were welcomed to Nepal with golden sashes. Among the other people at the conference were the Seven Summiteers - seven TINY Nepali girls who were in the process of climbing the seven tallest mountains in the world. They were literally some of the smallest women I've seen, and they have reached the top of Everest. After the main speeches, all in attendance were treated to some traditional Newari food before returning home.

The next morning marked the start of the official anniversary day. Beginning at 7am, thousands of people walked from the Tourism Board HQ to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where a large stage had been erected near the old Palace. As I entered the religious site, a lovely Nepali lady placed a teeka on my forehead as a blessing. Speakers included the President of TAAN (Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal), the Minister for Tourism, and Sherpa Tenzing's grandson. It was remarkable to be a part of such a momentous day, and everyone seemed genuinely excited by the whole Jubilee. Under the shade of the large marquee, the day hadn't seemed that hot, until we left the cool and walked out into the blistering sunshine!

Mt Everest Diamond Jubilee stage in front of Narayanhiti Palace

After cooling off back at the Lighthouse, I enjoyed the glorious sunshine for a small time before we were due at Narayanhiti Palace for the main celebrations. This was the part I had most been looking forward to. We arrived at the Palace around 6pm, and just in time to see the Diamond Jubilee medals be awarded to each of the summiteers of Everest. A white silk sash was placed around each mountaineer's neck and they were given a Jubilee medal. With the medals all with their rightful owners, Sir Edmund Hillary's granddaughter (Amelia Rose Hillary) was honoured, and famous Italian mounaineer Reinhold Messner made an inspiring speech. I knew that being in Nepal on this day was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and being a part of the Everest day celebrations was something I would probably never be a part of again!

The celebrations on the evening of the 29th took place in the Palace gardens, underneath the towering facade of the Narayanhiti Palace museum. As the daylight faded and the twinkling lights of the marquees and stage lit up, the Palace stayed aglow, calmly watching over the historic day. A large Nepali dinner was served to all guests of the ceremony, and traditional Nepali Aaila (one of the strongest spirits I have ever tasted) was available by the bucket load. The food was delicious, and the surroundings were significantly more exciting than anywhere else I have ever eaten a meal. It is not every day that I can say I have had dinner at a Royal Palace!