Powerful Alliance for Climate Resilience: Nepal and Pakistan Forge Path in Mountain Adventure and Environmental Cooperation

The strategic and symbolic bond between Nepal and Pakistan has received a powerful boost as both nations move towards a shared vision of climate resilience and mountain adventure. Marking the 72nd International Sagarmatha Day, Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan, Rita Dhital, highlighted opportunities for cooperation that celebrate not just the spirit of adventure, but also mutual concern for environmental preservation.

Mountains as a Shared Asset for Adventure and Unity

Nepal and Pakistan are home to some of the world’s highest and most iconic peaks. From Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) to K2, these towering landmarks are not only magnets for adventure tourism but also deeply significant for their ecological importance. As Ambassador Dhital remarked, “The beauty and grandeur of mountains inspire people to reach higher.” This sentiment underpins growing bilateral interest in promoting sustainable mountaineering.

Pakistani Climbers Achieving Global Recognition

The ambassador praised Pakistani climbers for their heroic achievements during the 2024 pre-monsoon climbing season. Five Pakistani mountaineers successfully summited Everest, Kanchenjunga, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri in Nepal, earning widespread admiration.

“Their courage and resilience have made headlines in Pakistan and raised the profile of Pakistani climbers internationally,” Ms. Dhital noted.

This success not only reflects personal valor but also strengthens the case for closer Nepal-Pakistan climate resilience and mountaineering ties.

Nepali Sherpas and K2: A Testament to Mountaineering Excellence

Ambassador Dhital also recalled the historic 2022 winter expedition where a team of ten Nepali mountaineers scaled Pakistan’s K2, often deemed the world’s toughest mountain. This feat emphasized the Sherpa community’s unmatched expertise and endurance.

She highlighted Nepal’s well-established training ecosystem for adventure sports, mentioning the Nepal Mountaineering Association as a hub for developing Alpine skills. This sets the stage for meaningful collaboration with Pakistan’s Alpine Club.

Collaboration Opportunities in Alpine Training

The Nepalese envoy proposed formal cooperation between Nepal Mountaineering Association and Alpine Club of Pakistan to enhance human resource development in mountain sports. Shared training programs, joint expeditions, and exchange visits could enrich both nations’ capabilities and tourism offerings.

Such partnerships would position Nepal-Pakistan climate resilience and adventure diplomacy as a benchmark for other mountain-rich regions grappling with similar challenges.

Shared Vulnerability in a Warming World

Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, both Nepal and Pakistan are among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Landslides, floods, droughts, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are becoming increasingly common.

Nepal alone has over 2,070 glacial lakes, with 21 classified as high-risk. These natural reservoirs are melting at unprecedented rates due to rising temperatures, putting millions at risk downstream.

Sagarmatha Sambad 2025: Elevating Global Dialogue

Nepal’s commitment to climate advocacy was on display at the recent Sagarmatha Sambad 2025, a high-level summit held in Kathmandu from May 16–18. The dialogue brought together global stakeholders to discuss climate change, mountain ecosystems, and the future of humanity.

In a timely gesture, the UN has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, reinforcing the urgency of mountain-focused climate action.

Water Towers of Asia: Climate and Livelihoods

The Hindukush Himalaya, stretching over 800 km, serves as the “Water Tower of Asia.” This critical region supplies water and ecosystem services to over 1.9 billion people in South and Central Asia.

As glacier-fed rivers like the Indus and Ganges face threats from climate change, the consequences for agriculture, biodiversity, and urban water supplies are dire.

Ambassador Dhital emphasized that preserving mountain ecosystems is not just a local issue—it’s a global imperative.

Call for International Climate Justice and Finance

The envoy called for Nepal and Pakistan to present a united front in global climate forums. Together, they can advocate for:

• Climate justice
• Climate finance
• Reparations for loss and damage

As developing nations with minimal emissions but high exposure, their voices are essential in demanding fairer environmental policies.

This is particularly crucial ahead of the upcoming UNFCCC COP30, where mountain nations aim to secure better support from wealthier, high-emitting countries.

Conclusion: Towards a Resilient and Adventurous Future

The potential for Nepal-Pakistan climate resilience and mountaineering cooperation is vast and exciting. From adventure diplomacy to coordinated climate advocacy, both nations are in a unique position to lead by example.

Ambassador Dhital’s vision—rooted in the legacy of Sagarmatha and K2—signals a future where courage, collaboration, and climate responsibility go hand in hand.

External Resources

• Nepal Mountaineering Association
• Alpine Club of Pakistan
• UNFCCC – Climate Change Conferences
• International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation – UN

Internal Links

• Climate Change in Pakistan: Rising Mountain Risks
• Top Mountaineering Destinations in South Asia
• Understanding Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)