KATHMANDU, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Nepal's former foreign minister Shailendra Kumar Upadhyaya, aged 80, is set to embark on an adventurous expedition of scaling Mt. Qomolangma, the world's highest mountain.

A golfer hits a shot against the background of Mount Qomolangma, the world's highest peak at 8,848 metres (29,029 ft), near Namche Bazar, Nepal, March 5, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Upadhyaya announced his ambitious plan at a press conference held in Kathmandu Sunday.

    Speaking at the press conference, Tourism Minister Hisila Yami said Upadhyay's bid should be an encouragement to youths.

3 Nepali celebrities to ride to north Mt. Qomolangma base camp

    KATHMANDU, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Three Nepali celebrities are riding motorcycles to Mt. Qomolangma base camp.

    Olympian Deepak Bista, pop singer Nima Rumba and TV presenter and model Suraj Singh Thakuri are going to climb the north Mt. Qomolangma Base Camp in China by riding motorcycle from Kathmandu, from July 18.

    Morang Auto Works, the sole authorized dealer of YAMAHA motorcycles for Nepal, is providing the opportunity for the riding enthusiasts of FZ 16 to be a part of "Road Trip to Mt. Qomolangma".  Full story