A one-day conference connecting Nepal and the U.S. in mountain adventure leadership.
About The ConferenceOrganized 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.
The Ascent Summit Conference is a high-level platform for thought leadership and actionable outcomes in adventure tourism. With an expected attendance of 120-150 participants, including eminent mountaineers, policy makers, industry innovators, athletes, influencers, and institutional representatives, the event emphasizes the following core thematic areas:
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Bilateral cooperation in adventure tourism
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U.S. leadership in outdoor innovation
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Sustainable practices in the Khumbu and Himalaya
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Sherpa leadership and workforce advancement
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Deployment of U.S. drone technologies for safety and conservation, waste retrieval, and logistical transport
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International branding and athlete sponsorship ecosystems
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Altitude health and resilience
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National/international policy frameworks
One of the major highlights of the event is a series of speakers’ keynote sessions and panel discussions to explore multiple dimensions of adventure tourism and leadership in the Himalaya. Similarly, the conference also integrates cutting-edge demonstrations, such as the premiere of a documentary film on a U.S.-Nepal high-altitude drone project, which showcases real-world applications for oxygen delivery and waste management on Everest. It aims at promoting equitable representation across sectors, ensuring competitive neutrality among guiding companies and balanced U.S.-Nepali participation. Success metrics include tracking U.S. brand engagements, waste retrieval volumes (target: 600 kg), drone achievements, media impressions, culminating in a comprehensive impact report.
Tracks
Our Speakers
Exploring waste management strategies, renewable energy solutions, and zero-icefall models for sustainable mountain tourism
Dr. Baker Perry
Climate Scientist & High-Altitude Researcher
Dawa Yangzum Sherpa
SPCC Representative
Rajesh Shrestha
NTB Leadership
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
ICIMOD Sustainability Expert
Tenzin Norbu
NMA Environmental Officer
Tenzin Norbu
NMA Environmental Officer
Advancing professional development programs, ethical practices, and industry leadership standards for mountaineering professionals
Ang Tshering Sherpa
President, Nepal Mountaineering Association
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita
Record-Breaking Mountaineer
Mingma Gyabu Sherpa
Seven Summit Treks
David Thompson
AMGA/IFMGA Representative
Dawa Stephen Sherpa
Eco Everest Expedition
Innovative drone applications, enhanced safety protocols, and collaborative technology solutions for extreme altitude operations
Hon. Mahabir Pun
Innovation & Technology Leader
Michael Roberts
U.S. Drone Engineer
Manish Maharjan
Garud X Pvt. Ltd. - Technical Lead
Dr. Lisa Chen
Aerospace Technology Specialist
Medical innovations, physiological adaptations, and youth leadership development for high-altitude mountaineering excellence
Dr. Dibas Shrestha
High-Altitude Medical Expert
Subash Dawadi
Nutrition & Performance Specialist
Dr. Amanda Foster
U.S. Sports Physiologist
Nima Rinji Sherpa
Youth Mountaineering Leader
Dr. Prakash Thapa
Medical Tech Innovation
Content creation strategies, brand partnership opportunities, and market expansion for mountaineering athletes and organizations
Marcus Williams
Global Brand & Marketing Director
Jennifer Park
Social Media Strategy Expert
Kiran Joshi
Adventure Content Creator
Rachel Thompson
The North Face - Partnerships
Alex Martinez
Documentary Filmmaker
Conference SessionsA 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.
Exploring waste management, renewable energy adoption, zero-icefall-carry models utilizing drones, and government policies for sustainable mountain tourism.
Highlighting Sherpa participation in industry leadership, guide certification pathways, safety protocols, professionalism, and ethical leadership.
Premiere of the Everest drone demonstration film featuring oxygen transport and waste retrieval operations. Showcasing U.S.-Nepal tech collaboration.
Featuring American innovation culture, gear design breakthroughs, brand partnerships, climbing storytelling, and media engagement.
Discussing high-altitude physiology, injury prevention, expedition nutrition science, and medical tech innovations.
Facilitated collaboration between U.S. gear companies and Nepali/International athletes through structured roundtables and 7-minute "match" meetings.
Conference FeatureThe event serves as the finale to the 2026 Everest Climbing Season, featuring:
The premiere of the U.S.-Nepal high-altitude drone demonstration film (oxygen delivery & waste retrieval) shot during April-May on Everest.
A curated adventure tourism expo with U.S. brands, Nepali companies, innovators, and agencies.
Five or similar strategic conference sessions including policy, sustainability, Sherpa leadership, high-altitude innovation, athlete branding, and altitude health.
A structured athlete-brand matchmaking segment for future collaborations.
Engagement of U.S. and Nepali adventure athletes, influencers, brands, government representatives, and tourism stakeholders.
U.S.-Nepal InnovationA groundbreaking demonstration of U.S. drone technology assembled in Nepal for sustainable mountain logistics and environmental preservation on Mount Everest.
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.
A documentary film of the drone's operation will be premiered in the conference.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
Expo & VendorsMeet a range of institutions from multiple industries in the conference venue.
Secure Your BoothLimited exhibition space available. Register early.
Hotel Aloft
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
May 31, 2026
08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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