In a heartfelt tribute to French mountaineering legend Maurice Herzog, a statue was unveiled in his honor at the Annapurna Base Camp on Tuesday. The ceremony, held in the presence of Herzog’s descendants and key figures from Nepal’s tourism sector, marked 75 years since Herzog became the first person to successfully summit Annapurna I, the 10th highest peak in the world.
The commemorative event was highlighted by a cake-cutting ceremony led by Herzog’s son, Mathias Herzog, and grandson, Simon Jacques, symbolizing the family’s emotional return to the mountain that etched Maurice Herzog’s name in history. Herzog led the 1950 French expedition that made the historic first ascent of Annapurna I (8,091 meters), marking a milestone in the history of Himalayan mountaineering.
Annapurna Base Camp
The statue was unveiled in the presence of several dignitaries, including State Minister for Energy Khamba Bahadur Garbuja, French Ambassador to Nepal, and President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal. Their participation underscored the international recognition of Herzog’s achievement and its deep connection to Nepal’s mountaineering heritage.
Representing Nepal’s tourism and conservation sectors, the event was also attended by Mani Raj Lamichhane, Director of Nepal Tourism Board (Pokhara), Krishna Acharya, President of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki Chapter, and Babulal Tiruwa, Senior Officer of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), along with numerous tourism entrepreneurs and community representatives.
In a symbolic and historic gesture, the ice axe used by Maurice Herzog during the 1950 Annapurna ascent was officially handed over to Nepal during the event. The handover served as both a historical memento and a gesture of goodwill, further deepening Franco-Nepali ties in the field of mountaineering and tourism. Speaking at the event, Mathias Herzog expressed deep gratitude for the honor bestowed on his father and acknowledged Nepal’s pivotal role in enabling his father’s legacy.
“This statue not only honors Maurice Herzog’s courage but also celebrates the enduring friendship between France and Nepal through the spirit of the Himalayas,” he said. The event, organized with the support of local tourism stakeholders, was also seen as a celebration of the historical, cultural, and environmental significance of the Annapurna region. Annapurna I remains one of the most revered and technically challenging peaks in the world, drawing climbers and trekkers from across the globe.
State Minister Kham Bahadur Garbuja remarked, “Maurice Herzog’s ascent put Nepal on the global map of mountaineering. We are proud to celebrate such historic ties and will continue to promote responsible tourism in this region.” The unveiling of the statue is expected to become a new point of interest for trekkers visiting the Annapurna Base Camp, adding cultural and historical depth to the popular trekking destination. Tourism officials believe this tribute will also encourage more French and international visitors to explore the Annapurna region.
Nepal Tourism Board’s Mani Raj Lamichhane highlighted the board’s ongoing efforts to link Nepal’s mountaineering history with tourism promotion. “Honoring the pioneers of Himalayan exploration contributes to both tourism growth and cultural preservation,” he stated. With the installation of Maurice Herzog’s statue, Annapurna Base Camp now stands not only as a breathtaking natural destination but also as a monument to human perseverance, international friendship, and Nepal’s central role in the history of global mountaineering.
