Nepal sets world record for highest altitude fashion show on land

Organisers say the location was chosen to raise awareness about climate change, sustainable fashion and promote Nepal as a tourism destination.

The show was held at KalaPathar, Nepal on 26 January 2020. Source: Instagram/@officialmadalinadoroftei

Nepal has set a new Guinness World Record by hosting a fashion show 5,644 metres above sea level.  

Eighteen models from Nepal, Finland, Italy, Singapore and Sri Lanka hit the catwalk at Kala Patthar, near Mount Everest base camp on 26 January 2020.

Miss Universe Nepal 2018 Manita Devkota was among those involved.

World record for highest altitude fashion show held in Nepal Source: Everest Fashion Runway

The 45-minute event was organised to coincide with the Nepal's government latest tourism campaign, Visit Nepal 2020. 

Organisers of the Mt Everest Fashion Runway say their goal is to promote "sustainable fashion and spread awareness about climate change around the world".

"The participants used Nepali organic and biodegradable clothing made of felt, Yak wool and pashmina."

The members of the team did not use any products that cause climate change, organisers say.

The models along with the support team trekked for 11 days from Lukla, the gateway to Mount Everest, to reach Kala Patthar.

"We drank boiled snow to save 7,000 litres of water," said said Italian-Serbian male model Alessandro Egger.

Highest altitude fashion show in Nepal. Source: @officialmadalinadoroftei

Nepali fashion brand Kasa co-organised the world record attempt.

"Nepal will not only be known as the land of Lord Buddha and the Himalayas but also as a sustainable fashion hub to the world," organisers said.

The journey of the participants will be documented in an eight-episode reality TV show to be broadcast by MTV USA and MTV Canada in April/May 2020.