The Platinum Jubilee celebration marking the 70th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Mount Lhotse was celebrated in Kathmandu on Thursday with a series of commemorative programs, exhibitions, and discussions highlighting the mountain’s historic legacy and the future of Himalayan tourism.
The Platinum Jubilee events were jointly organized by the Nepal Mountaineering Association and the Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal at Yala Maya Kendra.
Honoring the First Ascent of the World’s Fourth-Highest Peak on the Platinum Jubilee of Mt. Lhotse
Mount Lhotse, standing at 8,516 meters, was first successfully summited on May 18, 1956, by renowned Swiss mountaineer Ernst Reiss via the West Face route. The climb remains one of the most significant milestones in Himalayan mountaineering history.
Nepal’s contribution to the mountain’s climbing history was also remembered during the celebration. Urkien Tshering Sherpa, who reached the summit on May 8, 1977, was recognized as the first Nepali climber to scale Mount Lhotse.
Photo Exhibition and Panel Discussion Organized on the Platinum Jubilee of Mt. Lhotse
As part of the jubilee celebration, organizers hosted a special photo exhibition showcasing rare and historic images from the first successful Lhotse expedition. A panel discussion focusing on the history, achievements, and future of Himalayan mountaineering was also held.
Prominent Nepali climbers Mingma Sherpa and Dawa Yangzum Sherpa shared their mountaineering experiences, including stories from their expeditions on Mount Lhotse and other eight-thousanders.
Mingma Sherpa is recognized as the first Nepali individual to complete all 14 mountains above 8,000 meters, while Dawa Yangzum Sherpa became the first Nepali woman to achieve the same feat.
Government Raises Concerns Over Climate Change
Speaking during the program, Director General of the Department of Tourism, Ramkrishna Lamichhane, stressed that climate change and environmental degradation are increasingly threatening Nepal’s mountains and mountaineering tourism industry.
He warned that fragile Himalayan ecosystems are under growing pressure due to the rising impacts of global warming and increasing human activity in mountain regions.
Lamichhane also highlighted the issue of waste management in the mountains, noting that the current climbing season recorded one of the highest numbers of successful Everest summits, increasing environmental pressure in the Himalayas.
He called for cooperation from climbers, tourism stakeholders, and international partners to protect the mountain environment for future generations.
NMA Reaffirms Commitment to Mountain Tourism on the Platinum Jubilee of Mt. Lhotse
President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Fur Gelje Sherpa, said the association has continued to promote Nepal’s mountain tourism through training programs, international tourism campaigns, and commemorative events.
He emphasized that Nepal’s mountaineering sector has played a major role in strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties with countries around the world.
“As an alpine club and technical partner of the Government of Nepal, the NMA remains committed to promoting Nepal’s mountaineering sector globally,” he said.
Fur Gelje Sherpa further revealed that Nepal is home to additional mountains above 8,000 meters that are yet to receive international recognition. According to him, the association plans to formally raise the matter during the upcoming UIAA General Assembly scheduled to be held in Nepal this October.
Swiss Ambassador Expresses Gratitude
Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Danielle Meuwly thanked all dignitaries, climbers, and participants for joining the celebration and honoring the historic achievement. The panel discussion was moderated by noted journalist and writer Kanak Mani Dixit.
Exhibition to Continue at Nepal Tourism Board
Historic photographs and archival materials from the first Mount Lhotse expedition attracted significant interest during the event. Organizers announced that the exhibition will continue at the premises of the Nepal Tourism Board from Friday through next Wednesday.
