The French Embassy in Nepal and Alliance française Kathmandu jointly organized the launch of the Nepali translation of Annapurna Premier 8000, a seminal mountaineering account authored by Maurice Herzog, leader of the historic 1950 Franco-Nepali expedition that achieved the world’s first ascent of an 8,000-metre peak. The event marked the 75th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Mount Annapurna, a milestone that occupies a special place in global and Nepali mountaineering history. The launch ceremony was held at Alliance française Kathmandu and brought together distinguished personalities from Nepal’s tourism, mountaineering, media, and diplomatic communities.
Distinguished Presence at the Launch Event
Among those present were Dhan Raj Acharya, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City; Purnima Shrestha, renowned Nepali mountaineer and Goodwill Ambassador for the 75th anniversary of Annapurna’s first ascent; Chhiring Doma Lama, spouse of the late Sonam Walung Sherpa, the first Nepali to summit Annapurna in 1977; Phur Gelje Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA); Tej Gurung, Chairperson of the Maurice Herzog Trekking Trail; Kunda Dixit, Publisher of Nepali Times; and Virginie Corteval, the French Ambassador to Nepal. The event highlighted the enduring cultural, historical, and people-to-people ties between Nepal and France, forged through mountaineering and exploration.
Making a Historic Account Accessible to Nepali Readers
Originally written in French, Annapurna Premier 8000 chronicles the dramatic and groundbreaking 1950 expedition that placed Annapurna on the world mountaineering map. The Nepali edition, financed by the French Embassy in Nepal and published by Fine Print, makes this landmark narrative accessible to a wider Nepali readership for the first time.
The translation was completed by Rijendra Shrestha and Ashok Shakya, both French language teachers at Alliance française Kathmandu. Their work enables Nepali readers, students, and mountaineering enthusiasts to engage directly with a foundational text in Himalayan climbing history.
Ambassador Highlights Nepal–France Friendship
Addressing the audience, French Ambassador Virginie Corteval emphasized the book’s historical and symbolic importance. She expressed hope that Nepali readers would “enjoy discovering this unique story of adventure with phenomenal resonance, a defining moment in the history of mountaineering that forged the friendship still uniting Nepal and France today.” She further noted that the translation reflects France’s respect for Nepal’s Himalayan heritage and its people, who have played a vital role in shaping global mountaineering.
Readings, Discussion, and Reflections on Annapurna
During the program, translators Ashok Shakya and Rijendra Shrestha read selected passages from the Nepali edition, offering the audience a glimpse into Herzog’s gripping narrative. A conversation between Purnima Shrestha and Kunda Dixit explored multiple dimensions of mountaineering, the enduring allure of Annapurna, and the evolving relationship between climbers, communities, and the mountains. The discussion also reflected on how narratives of exploration have changed over time, increasingly recognizing the contributions of Nepali climbers and local communities.
Posthumous Honour to Sonam Walung Sherpa
A key moment of the ceremony was the posthumous recognition of Sonam Walung Sherpa, the first Nepali mountaineer to successfully summit Mount Annapurna in 1977. The Nepal Mountaineering Association formally honoured his contribution through a letter of appreciation, acknowledging his role in advancing Nepal’s mountaineering legacy. The letter was jointly handed over to Sherpa’s family by NMA President Phur Gelje Sherpa and Pokhara Mayor Dhan Raj Acharya, symbolizing national recognition of his achievement.
Preserving Mountaineering Heritage
The launch of the Nepali translation of Annapurna Premier 8000 not only commemorated a historic ascent but also underscored the importance of preserving Himalayan mountaineering heritage through accessible literature. Organizers emphasized that such initiatives help inspire future generations while strengthening cultural and historical understanding. The event concluded with a shared call for deeper cross-cultural collaboration and continued efforts to document and celebrate Nepal’s central role in the world of mountaineering.
