Pokhara International Airport witnessed a momentous occasion today as Mathias Herzog, the son of the legendary French mountaineer Maurice Herzog, the first person to summit Annapurna I, was given a grand and culturally rich welcome to Nepal. The event marks the 75th anniversary of the historic first ascent of Annapurna (8,091 meters), achieved in 1950 by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal.
Nepal Tourism Board, in collaboration with TAAN Gandaki Pokhara and all major associations affiliated with the Pokhara Tourism Council, jointly organized a welcome ceremony at Pokhara International Airport to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the first ascent of Annapurna Peak.
In a vibrant display of Nepali hospitality and culture, panche baja, a traditional musical ensemble, echoed across the airport premises, captivating the distinguished guests and onlookers alike. The welcome also featured garlands, traditional khada (ceremonial scarves), and cultural performances symbolizing Nepal’s deep respect for the mountaineering community and international friendship.
Mathias Herzog, Son of Legendary Annapurna Climber
Joining Mathias Herzog on this significant visit was Nepal’s celebrated mountaineer, Purnima Shrestha, renowned for her multiple Himalayan summits and contributions to women’s empowerment through mountaineering. Their joint presence not only paid homage to past achievements but also highlighted ongoing international cooperation in promoting Nepal’s mountaineering heritage.
Also in attendance were representatives from NMA Gandaki Province (Nepal Mountaineering Association) and NTNC – Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), showcasing collaborative efforts in environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, and mountain legacy preservation in the Annapurna region.
The French delegation’s visit is expected to deepen Nepal-France relations, particularly in the realms of tourism, cultural exchange, and environmental protection. Speaking at the welcome event, local officials emphasized the importance of such historical milestones in strengthening the identity of Pokhara and the Annapurna region as premier global trekking and mountaineering destinations.
Mathias Herzog expressed his deep gratitude and emotional connection to Nepal, saying, “It is incredibly touching to be welcomed so warmly in the land where my father made history. This journey is not just a personal one, it is a tribute to the mountain that forever connected France and Nepal.”
The visit of Mathias Herzog is part of a broader campaign to celebrate “75 Years of Annapurna Summit”, with planned events including commemorative treks, exhibitions, and environmental awareness initiatives across the region. This historic welcome not only celebrates a pioneering mountaineering feat but also reinforces Nepal’s enduring spirit of adventure, hospitality, and cultural pride on the world stage.
