A historic exhibition featuring rare photographs that commemorate Slovenian climbers’ pioneering ascents of Mount Makalu and Annapurna I was officially inaugurated at the International Mountain Museum (IMM) in Pokhara. This milestone event celebrates decades of mountaineering history and marks a significant moment in Nepal-Slovenia relations in the field of mountain tourism.
Slovenian Mountaineering Legacy
The photo exhibition, organized within the premises of the IMM, honors the first Slovenians who successfully reached the summits of the 8,000-meter giants Mount Makalu in 1975 and Annapurna I in 1995. These ascents remain iconic milestones in the global mountaineering community and reflect the deep connection between Slovenian climbers and Nepal’s majestic Himalayas.
The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by the Honorable Minister for Forest and Environment, Mr. Bhes Bahadur Poudel; Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Mr. Dhan Raj Acharya; Slovenian Ambassador to India, Her Excellency Ms. Mateja Vodeb Ghosh; and legendary Slovenian climber Mr. Viktor Groselj.
Among the distinguished guests were the climbers who were part of the historic 1975 Makalu expedition. Mr. Viktor Groselj, Mr. Ivan Kotnik, Mr. Stane Klemenc, and Mr. Bojan Pollak all made the journey from Slovenia to Nepal to be present at this commemorative event. Their presence added a profound emotional and historic significance to the occasion.
During the ceremony, Honorable Minister Mr. Poudel expressed his deep appreciation for the historic relationship between Nepal and Slovenia in the field of mountaineering. He also pledged governmental support for the Nepal Mountaineering Association’s (NMA) plan to construct a botanical garden within the IMM premises. “The museum is not only a place to celebrate achievements but also a platform to promote conservation, education, and sustainable tourism,” he stated.
Slovenian Ambassador Ms. Vodeb Ghosh, speaking on the occasion, emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and professional ties between the two nations. She committed to garnering support for the Manang Mountaineering School and similar training programs that enhance the skills and safety of Nepali climbers. “This exhibition is more than a remembrance; it is a renewal of our shared commitment to mountain heritage,” she said.
The President of the Slovenian Alpine Association, Mr. Miro Eržen, shared his joy at being able to host such a program in Nepal, a country that holds a special place in the hearts of Slovenian climbers. He thanked the Nepal Mountaineering Association and the IMM for their cooperation and hospitality.
Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), emphasized the need to support both the IMM and the Manang Mountaineering School. “The International Mountain Museum has been preserving Nepal’s mountaineering legacy, while the Manang Mountaineering School has been instrumental in producing competent professionals for mountain tourism,” he said. “We must support and promote these institutions to ensure the sustainable development of mountain tourism in Nepal.”
Adding a warm and personal touch, Mr. Dharma Raj Panthi welcomed all dignitaries and participants, appreciating their presence and interest in Nepal’s mountain heritage. His words reflected the deep hospitality and cultural value Nepal places on such international cooperation.
The exhibition is not only a nostalgic look back at the golden days of Slovenian mountaineering achievements but also a testament to the evolving collaboration between Slovenia and Nepal in promoting adventure tourism, mountaineering education, and cultural understanding.
In a related development, a professional development workshop titled “Museum and Professionalism” was held for the IMM staff. The session was facilitated by Dr. Suresh Suras Shrestha, Executive Director of the Narayanhiti Palace Museum. The workshop focused on enhancing the professionalism, documentation techniques, and curatorial skills of museum staff, ensuring that exhibitions like these continue to deliver value to visitors and researchers alike.
This exhibition serves as an inspiring reminder of what international collaboration in mountaineering and cultural heritage can achieve. It is open to the public at the International Mountain Museum and is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, researchers, and mountaineering enthusiasts in the days to come. With the shared history of high-altitude conquests and growing cooperation in tourism and training, Nepal and Slovenia continue to scale new heights together, both literally and metaphorically.
