Nepal’s tourist capital, Pokhara, along with the Annapurna region, has played a pivotal role in establishing Nepal’s global identity as a premier destination for Himalayan and adventure tourism. This legacy began with a historic feat on June 3, 1950, when French mountaineers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal, along with their Nepali Sherpa teammate Ađyarke Sherpa, successfully summited Annapurna I (8,091 meters) the first-ever ascent of a peak over 8,000 meters.
Accomplished without supplemental oxygen under extreme weather and geographical challenges, this achievement marked Nepal’s introduction to the world as a land of high adventure and awe-inspiring mountain grandeur.
To honor this extraordinary milestone, June 3 is celebrated every year as Annapurna Ascent Day, recognizing the significance of this event in shaping Nepal’s mountaineering legacy. This year, 2025 (2082 BS), marks the 75th anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) of the first ascent of Annapurna I. A series of elaborate programs have been planned, inviting dignitaries, mountaineers, researchers, and cultural representatives from both Nepal and France to celebrate this historic moment.
A 14-member French delegation, including Mathias Emmanuel Maximilien Herzog (son) and Ethan Simon Jacques Herzog (grandson) of Maurice Herzog, has arrived in Nepal to participate in this jubilee celebration. The group also includes researchers, cultural envoys, and veteran mountaineers closely associated with the history.
On the Nepali side, the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province, has taken the lead in organizing the event with support from tourism entrepreneurs, media personnel, and key stakeholders. The celebrations include a historic trek from Narchyang to the North ABC, replicating the original 1950 route used by Herzog’s team.
Tentative Program Schedule (May 30 – June 5, 2025 | Jestha 16 – 22, 2082)
| Date (AD / BS) | Program Details | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 30, 2025 (Jestha 16) | Arrival of French cultural troupe; Welcome ceremony; Press meet and Nepali cultural show | Pokhara |
| May 31, 2025 (Jestha 17) | Start of commemorative trek: Pokhara → Narchyang → Humkhola → Overnight at Sandhikharka | Pokhara to Sandhikharka |
| June 1, 2025 (Jestha 18) | Trek: Sandhikharka → Bhusket Mela → North Annapurna Base Camp Activities: French musical performance, interaction programs | North Annapurna Base Camp |
| June 2, 2025 (Jestha 19) | Return trek: Annapurna Base Camp → Bhusket → Overnight at Humkhola Activities: Cultural programs and discussions about Herzog | Humkhola |
| June 3, 2025 (Jestha 20) | Return to Narchyang; Statue unveiling ceremony of Maurice Herzog, Louis Lachenal, and Sonam Wangchu Sherpa in presence of the Prime Minister Historical presentation on Annapurna Ascent | Narchyang |
| June 4, 2025 (Jestha 21) | Sunrise event and French musical show Interaction with French and Nepali teams Return to Pokhara via Ghorepani | Ghorepani to Pokhara |
| June 5, 2025 (Jestha 22) | Handover of original climbing gear used during the 1950 ascent to the International Mountain Museum Opening of photo exhibition on Annapurna’s mountaineering history | Pokhara |
Special Highlights
- Annapurna Marathon (5th Edition): Originating from Annapurna Base Camp to Ghandruk, this challenging marathon has been held annually since 2017. This year, it will witness participation from over 80 runners, including 10 international athletes.
- Statue Unveiling Ceremony: In a moment of reverence and tribute, statues of Maurice Herzog, Louis Lachenal, and Sonam Wangchu Sherpa will be unveiled in Narchyang with the Prime Minister of Nepal as the chief guest.
Historical and Cultural Background
The original route to Annapurna I was taken in 1950 through Narchyang village in Myagdi district, passing beneath Nilgiri South Himal via traditional shepherd paths like Humkhola and Bhusket Mela. That same path remains a prominent trail today, especially for expeditions and trekkers headed to Annapurna’s northern face. Several of the 14 peaks of the Annapurna massif lie across the Myagdi and Kaski districts, with the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) region, east of Machhapuchhre, now among the most iconic trekking routes in Nepal.
This Diamond Jubilee celebration not only honors a mountaineering milestone but also serves as a platform to promote tourism, reinforce Nepal-France friendship, and showcase Nepal’s enduring heritage as a destination for adventure seekers. Through a blend of cultural exchange, history, and Himalayan spirit, the event invites global and local participants alike to celebrate a timeless achievement in the lap of the Annapurna mountains.
