Preparations are underway in Narchyang, located at the foothills of the majestic Annapurna I, to celebrate the 76th Annapurna Ascent Day next week with a series of sporting, trekking, and cultural programmes.
The celebration will take place in Narchyang of Annapurna Rural Municipality–4 in Myagdi district, the gateway to the Annapurna Base Camp and one of the routes leading to the 8,091-metre Annapurna peak. The mountain lies across the borders of Myagdi, Kaski, Manang, and Mustang districts and holds a historic place in global mountaineering history.
According to Ward Chairperson Lok Bahadur Pun, the event will feature a range of activities including a long-distance race from Annapurna Base Camp to Narchyang, a trekking programme along the Humkhola–Base Camp trail, and cultural performances celebrating local traditions and Himalayan heritage.
Historic Significance of Annapurna
Annapurna occupies a unique place in mountaineering history as the first mountain above 8,000 metres ever climbed by humans. On June 3, 1950, a French expedition team led by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal successfully reached the summit of Annapurna I, three years before the first successful ascent of Mount Everest.
The historic ascent is widely regarded as a milestone that opened the door to modern Himalayan mountaineering and helped introduce Nepal’s mountains to the world. Chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality, Bharat Kumar Pun, said the day is celebrated every year to commemorate the beginning of Nepal’s mountaineering and tourism history.
“Annapurna is known as the eldest mountain because it was the first 8,000-metre peak climbed by humans,” he said. “The celebration honours the beginning of Nepal’s tourism development, mountaineering history, and the global recognition of the Himalayas.”
Base Camp–Narchyang Race to Offer Cash Prizes
One of the major attractions of this year’s celebration will be the Annapurna Base Camp–Narchyang open race competition for both men and women. The 36-kilometre race will offer a cash prize of Rs 100,000 to the winner and Rs 60,000 to the runner-up, organisers said.
Participants joining the trekking and racing programme will begin their journey from Narchyang through Humkhola toward Annapurna Base Camp on Jestha 17 (May/June), while the closing ceremony featuring cultural programmes will take place after the teams return on Jestha 20. Local officials believe that such adventure and cultural events will help further promote the Annapurna region as an emerging trekking and mountain tourism destination.
Budget Allocated for Celebration
To organise the event, Annapurna Rural Municipality has allocated Rs 1 million in the current fiscal year. Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun said the Annapurna Ascent Day was previously celebrated mainly in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Annapurna Base Camp areas located in Kaski district. However, from last year onwards, the celebration has been organised within the actual geographical area connected to the mountain route in Myagdi district. The municipality believes hosting the celebration in Narchyang will help promote local tourism, create economic opportunities, and highlight the region’s mountaineering heritage.
Annapurna Base Camp Emerging as Popular Tourist Destination
Situated at an altitude of 4,190 metres above sea level, Annapurna Base Camp has increasingly become a popular destination for domestic and international tourists in recent years. According to tourism promoter Tej Gurung, the destination has gained popularity due to improvements in trekking trails, infrastructure, accommodation facilities, and promotional activities. “Because of easier access and shorter trekking duration, Annapurna Base Camp has become a preferred destination for trekkers,” Gurung said.
The trekking route from Narchyang to Humkhola now includes around 20 kilometres of road access, while a 22-kilometre basic trekking trail has been developed from Humkhola to Annapurna Base Camp. The trail allows visitors to reach the base camp within two days of trekking, making it comparatively accessible for adventure enthusiasts.
‘Virgin Destination’ for Trekkers
Tourism professionals say the Annapurna Base Camp route from Narchyang remains relatively untouched compared to more commercial trekking routes in Nepal. Guide Lakpa Angwu Sherpa of Sherpa Alpine Trekking described the route as a “virgin destination” for trekkers seeking unique and less crowded Himalayan experiences.
The route offers scenic views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri mountain ranges, riverside trails along the Mistri Khola, dramatic waterfalls, unique landscapes, alpine forests, rare vegetation, and opportunities to observe wildlife. Trekkers can reach the base camp in two days and return on the third day, making it an attractive short trekking destination for both domestic and foreign visitors.
Maurice Herzog Trail and Growing Recognition
The Annapurna route in Myagdi gained wider recognition after local tourism activist Tej Gurung led efforts in 2068 B.S. to identify and promote the fact that Annapurna and its base camp geographically fall within Myagdi district. Later, in 2077 B.S., Annapurna Rural Municipality officially mapped the trekking route and named it the “Maurice Herzog Trail” in honour of the French climber who led the first successful Annapurna expedition. Local authorities and tourism stakeholders hope that the continued promotion of the trail and Annapurna Ascent Day celebrations will further strengthen the region’s tourism identity and attract more trekkers, climbers, and adventure travellers to western Nepal.
