“Mount Everest Way” Honors Jackson Heights’ Nepali Community

The United Sherpa Association Buddhist Temple in Jackson Heights reflects the growth of the Nepali community in Queens. Photo via Google Maps.

By David Brand

Jackson Heights’ growing population of Nepali immigrants and Nepali-Americans have put their community on the map.

On Saturday, the city will recognize the community’s influence and contributions to the region at an official street co-naming ceremony at 75th Street and 31st Avenue — henceforth known as “Mount Everest Way.”

In December, the City Council approved the street co-naming in Jackson Heights, the hub of the city’s Nepali community. At least 10,000 Nepalis live in New York City and, Mount Everest — the Himalayan giant known in Nepal as Sagarmatha — remains a powerful cultural symbol.

Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki, Nepal’s Ambassador to the United States; Pushpa Raj Bhattarai, Consul General of Nepal in New York; and various other Nepali community leaders will participate in the event along with Councilmember Costa Constantinides.