Everest base camp, site for future gay weddings. Photo: Ilker Ender

Gay couples could soon have their weddings in the shadow of the world’s highest mountain if plans by a Nepalese politician go ahead.

Sunil Babu Pant, founder of the gay-rights group the Blue Diamond Society, and a communist legislator in the Himalayan republic, plans to organise ceremonies at Everest base camp and other mountain locations. Mr Pant is the country’s only openly gay legislator.

The fledgling republic legalised same-sex marriage in 2008 and is now keen to capitalise on the pink economy.

Mr Pant wants to attract gay visitors to an area of the world notoriously unwelcoming to gay men and women. A new constitution due to be approved this year has had input from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender campaigners.

Mr Pant told the Daily Telegraph: “Most Asian countries don’t welcome gay visitors, so we can have the maximum benefit for the Nepal economy which is fragile after years of war.

“The Government is hoping to increase the number of tourists from 400,000 to one million next year and has taken a positive attitude to welcoming gay and lesbian visitors to help meet their ambitious target.”

Plans include elephant-back processions, honeymoons and wedding ceremonies in exotic locations high in the Himalaya.