KATHMANDU: A five-member team, including Mike Harker, Public Affairs Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Nepal, and Heli Everest Captain Pastenji Sherpa, successfully reached the summit of Lobuche East (6,119m) in the Everest region early this morning.

According to Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Expedition Director at Seven Summit Treks, the team stood on the summit at around 5:15 a.m. alongside SST Director and Everest summiteer Pasang Phurba Sherpa. Guides from the SST, Tendi Sherpa and Dawa Sherpa, supported the climbers during the ascent.

Photo Courtesy: Pasang Phurba Sherpa

"This marks Mike's first successful climb above 6,000 metres," said Chhang Dawa Sherpa. "Pastenji has already summited the peak once before."

Lobuche East, often used by climbers for acclimatization before attempting higher Himalayan peaks, offers panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

Photo Courtesy: Pasang Phurba Sherpa

For Mike Harker, the Public Affairs Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Nepal, his current role is the latest chapter in a relationship with the country that began in 2006. After first visiting to hike the Annapurna Circuit, he was drawn back multiple times for trekking and monastery studies, forging a lasting connection.

Photo Courtesy: Pasang Phurba Sherpa

In his role, he directs all embassy communications and cultural programming. His extensive diplomatic career has included posts in conflict zones and key regional partners, including Bangladesh, Iraq, Pakistan, Qatar, and Egypt. He most recently served as Spokesperson in Burma, where he led crisis communications following the 2021 coup. Harker is a graduate of UCLA and holds a Master's degree from Columbia University.

Photo Courtesy: Pasang Phurba Sherpa

Meanwhile, Pasang Phurba Sherpa, an experienced climber and director at Seven Summit Treks, has summited Lobuche twice before and managed multiple Everest Base Camp operations. He has completed four of the Seven Summits — Everest, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, and Carstensz Pyramid.

Photo Courtesy: Pasang Phurba Sherpa

Photo Courtesy: Pasang Phurba Sherpa