Standing in the freezing, thin air at the 8,848.86-meter summit of Mount Everest, Texas-based Nepali climber Amrit Pariyar achieved more than a personal milestone.
At 12:16 a.m. Nepal time on May 21, 2026, Pariyar reached the top of the world’s highest peak carrying a banner with a stark message: “Stop Rape, Save Daughters.”
For Pariyar, the successful ascent was the culmination of years of preparation and a deeply personal mission to use the global visibility of mountaineering to combat sexual violence, abuse, and gender-based discrimination in his home country.
“The increasing cases of gender-based violence, discrimination against women, rape, and abuse in Nepal deeply affected me,” Pariyar said. “I believed that if I could carry this message to the highest place on Earth, the world would notice.”
Originally from Tallkot Khati in the Pokhara Municipality-19 region of Nepal, Pariyar moved to the United States in 2018. He currently resides in Texas with his wife, Sulochana Pariyar, and their two daughters, Suprina and Subrina.
Pariyar, who grew up inspired by the majestic peaks surrounding his childhood home, said his motivation to advocate for women’s safety intensified after becoming a father.
“When my daughters were born, my concern became even more personal,” Pariyar said. “I felt a strong responsibility to raise my voice for all daughters and women who deserve to live safely and with dignity.”
The successful Everest climb follows a grueling four- to five-year training period marked by significant setbacks. In 2022, Pariyar attempted to climb Mount Manaslu but was forced to turn back at Camp 4 due to severe weather. In 2024, his attempt to climb Ama Dablam ended prematurely near Namche Bazaar when he became seriously ill.
For his 2026 Everest expedition, Pariyar partnered with AltiPro Trek and Expedition, citing the team’s long-standing reputation for mountaineering safety, professionalism, and honesty.
Before moving to the United States, Pariyar completed his early education at Shree Bindeshwari Lower Secondary School and earned his School Leaving Certificate (SLC) from Shree Bharati Bhawan Higher Secondary School. He later graduated from the Kantipur Institute for Health Science in Pokhara and spent nearly five years working as a dental hygienist in and around the Kaski district.
Pariyar, the son of Ramu and Deaumaya Pariyar, has two siblings, one older and one younger. He considers social work a primary lifelong hobby.
“For me, climbing is not only about reaching a summit,” Pariyar said. “It is a mission to create awareness, inspire action, and contribute to a safer and better future for the next generation.”
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
