Junko’s Everest feat remembered Kathmandu, October 31: Queen Komal today felicitated 14 women Everest summiteers including Junko Tabei, the first woman to have scaled the highest peak in the world. The summiteers were honoured on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Junko’s ascent to the top of the world. Crown prince Paras and Crown Princess Himani were also present on the occasion. Tabei said the occasion reminded her of the time in 1975 when she was honoured with Gorkha Dakhshin Bahu medal by the late king Birendra after she became the first woman to successfully summit Everest. She was speaking at a programme organised by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civilil Aviation, Himalayan Adventure Trust of Japan and Nepal Mountaineering Association here. According to Junko, a total of 118 women scaled the world’s highest peak until June 2005 and six Nepali women have climbed the peak 11 times each. “These six women are a symbol of change,” she said. “We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Japan in 2006,” she said. Tourism Minister Buddhi Raj Bajracharya, said the presence of summiteers and foreign participants show their love for the country and such programmes help draw the media’s attention which plays an important role in promoting tourism. The event, she said, is being celebrated on the eve of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan. “I hope that participants, as honorary brand ambassadors, help spread the message that Nepal is a safe destination”.