Manaslu Day
Chumnubri Rural Municipality in northern Gorkha has announced the celebration of the 69th Manaslu Summit Day for the first time at the base of the iconic peak itself. The occasion, marking nearly seven decades since the first successful ascent of Manaslu the world’s eighth-highest mountain carries both historical reverence and new aspirations for promoting sustainable tourism in the region.
During a press conference held in Gorkha’s district headquarters, local authorities confirmed that the event would honor the legendary feat accomplished on May 9, 1956, when Japanese mountaineer Toshio Imanishi and Nepali Sherpa Gyalzen Norbu became the first climbers to summit Manaslu (8,163 meters). The climb was a pivotal moment in Nepal’s mountaineering history, coming just three years after the first ascent of Mount Everest.
This year’s celebration is particularly significant because, for the first time, the Manaslu Summit Day will be observed at the foot of the mountain itself in Chumnubri, the very region that hosts this Himalayan giant. The rural municipality, often overlooked despite its natural beauty and proximity to the mountain, has taken a step forward to bring attention to its cultural and ecological richness by organizing the commemorative event locally.
The program will feature a series of activities, including a memorial tribute to the first summiteers, discussions on mountain conservation, and cultural showcases representing the indigenous Nubri and Tsum communities. The local administration has partnered with trekking agencies, conservation groups, and tourism entrepreneurs to make the celebration not just a look back at the past, but a vision for the future of tourism and environmental stewardship in the Manaslu region.
Speaking to journalists, officials emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating historical milestones in mountaineering as a way to honor the bravery of past climbers and inspire responsible exploration of Nepal’s natural heritage. “By organizing this event in Chumnubri itself, we are connecting our history with our present. It also shows our commitment to developing mountain tourism while preserving the unique culture and environment of this region,” stated a local tourism officer during the press briefing.
The Manaslu region has seen an increase in trekking activity in recent years, particularly due to the growing popularity of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Unlike other crowded trails, Manaslu offers a pristine trekking experience, with dramatic landscapes, glacial valleys, and culturally rich villages. Despite its potential, local stakeholders believe the region has not received adequate promotion or investment from the government and the broader tourism industry. Celebrations like Manaslu Summit Day are being viewed as pivotal opportunities to change that.
Chumnubri Rural Municipality, encompassing several remote villages, has long remained in the shadows compared to better-known destinations like Annapurna and Everest. The municipality’s decision to host this significant event is a statement of intent to preserve the legacy of mountaineering while fostering sustainable economic development through tourism.
The organizers also noted that this 69th edition of the Summit Day will serve as a prelude to next year’s grand 70th anniversary celebration, which they hope to host at an even larger scale with participation from national and international mountaineers, researchers, and adventurers. Plans are also in motion to document the region’s mountaineering legacy through exhibitions, oral histories, and publications.
Environmental concerns were also highlighted during the press event. The fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas, including the Manaslu Conservation Area, faces threats from climate change and unregulated tourism. Organizers stressed the importance of using platforms like Manaslu Summit Day to raise awareness about these issues and promote sustainable travel practices.
The 69th Manaslu Summit Day, while a celebration of a daring human achievement, is also becoming a call to action for policymakers, climbers, and communities to protect the Himalayas for future generations. The mountains of Nepal have long drawn the world’s attention, but it is only through collaborative and community-focused efforts that they can be preserved and cherished in the decades to come. As Chumnubri steps into the spotlight, the rest of the country and indeed the world will be watching to see how this local initiative can shape the broader narrative of mountain tourism in Nepal.
