Britain's What's On Event Guide
Kangchenjunga: from sacred summit to sustainable future
In 1955, Joe Brown and George Band became the first to summit Mt. Kangchenjunga — the world’s third-highest peak at 8,586m.
Now, 70 years later, we honour that legendary ascent with a powerful celebration of heritage, nature, and future vision.
Speakers Mingma David and Levison Wood, rare expedition footage produced by John Porter, Alpine Club, film from Kangchenjunga
At the heart of this celebration lies the “Five Pillar Plan”, inspired by Kangchenjunga’s name — “The Five Treasures of Snow”:
1. Environment & biodiversity conservation
2. Sustainable tourism infrastructure
3. Human capital & economic development
4. Smart technology
5. Destination marketing
This event honours mountaineering legends, Sherpa guides, and indigenous communities like the Limbu, Sherpa, and Rai, whose culture and resilience continue to shape the soul of these sacred mountains.
But it’s more than a tribute — it’s a call to action:
Promote responsible mountain tourism
Champion Himalayan conservation
Empower local voices
Safeguard the future of Kangchenjunga for generations to come
Help Himalayan Trust UK support the Five Pillar Plan and the local communities of the region
Kangchenjunga 70 isn’t just a tribute — it’s a call to protect these majestic peaks, respect the communities who live among them, and ensure the next 70 years are guided by responsibility, inclusivity, and awe.
Let’s keep the legacy alive — with every step, story, and summit.
Now, 70 years later, we honour that legendary ascent with a powerful celebration of heritage, nature, and future vision.
Speakers Mingma David and Levison Wood, rare expedition footage produced by John Porter, Alpine Club, film from Kangchenjunga
At the heart of this celebration lies the “Five Pillar Plan”, inspired by Kangchenjunga’s name — “The Five Treasures of Snow”:
1. Environment & biodiversity conservation
2. Sustainable tourism infrastructure
3. Human capital & economic development
4. Smart technology
5. Destination marketing
This event honours mountaineering legends, Sherpa guides, and indigenous communities like the Limbu, Sherpa, and Rai, whose culture and resilience continue to shape the soul of these sacred mountains.
But it’s more than a tribute — it’s a call to action:
Promote responsible mountain tourism
Champion Himalayan conservation
Empower local voices
Safeguard the future of Kangchenjunga for generations to come
Help Himalayan Trust UK support the Five Pillar Plan and the local communities of the region
Kangchenjunga 70 isn’t just a tribute — it’s a call to protect these majestic peaks, respect the communities who live among them, and ensure the next 70 years are guided by responsibility, inclusivity, and awe.
Let’s keep the legacy alive — with every step, story, and summit.
Thursday 5 June
Royal Geographical Society, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AR
6.30 pm (doors open at 5.30 pm), £25 pp
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