The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), in collaboration with various organizations, has announced an elaborate celebration to mark the 70th anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Kangchenjunga. The event aims to honor the historic climb while promoting the mountain as a prime destination for adventure tourism.
Honoring the Legacy of Kangchenjunga’s First Ascent
Mount Kangchenjunga, standing at 8,586 meters, is the third-highest peak in the world. The first successful ascent was made on May 25, 1955, by British climbers Joe Brown and George Band. The upcoming 70th-anniversary celebrations will take place in different locations, including Taplejung and Kathmandu, with various programs aimed at raising awareness about the mountain’s tourism potential.
The celebrations are being organized in collaboration with Samriddha Pahad and the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council. According to the organizers, a series of events will be held in Lelep, Taplejung, from April 18 to April 20, 2025. A grand special program will take place in Kathmandu on April 24, 2025, where stakeholders from the mountaineering and tourism sectors will gather to discuss the promotion of Kangchenjunga.
Press Conference Highlights
During a press conference held in Kathmandu, the NMA revealed details of the event and encouraged stakeholders to actively participate in the celebrations. Senior Vice President of NMA, Mr. Thakur Raj Pandey, highlighted the importance of using this occasion as a platform to attract more climbers and trekkers to Kangchenjunga.
“Mount Kangchenjunga is the third-highest peak in the world, and it was first ascended 70 years ago. However, very few tourists visit this mountain,” said Pandey. “Let’s turn this celebration into an opportunity to promote Mount Kangchenjunga and increase its global recognition.”
General Secretary of NMA, Mr. Mohan Lamsal, pointed out the various challenges that expedition operators face in bringing climbers to Kangchenjunga. He emphasized the need for government policy amendments to boost tourism in the region.
“As expedition operators, we face many challenges in bringing tourists to Mount Kangchenjunga. It’s far from Kathmandu, and the distance makes it an expensive expedition,” Lamsal explained. “Moreover, the various taxes imposed by the government have made our business even more expensive and unaffordable. The government needs to introduce supportive policies to make the region more accessible.”
Call for Collective Efforts
The Chief Executive Officer of Samriddha Pahad, Mr. Sanjib Neupane, who is also a co-partner in organizing the event, called on all stakeholders to support the initiative.
“Our mountains represent our prosperity. We should promote them for the overall growth of our nation,” Neupane stated. “We expect support from all stakeholders to make this event a success. By highlighting Kangchenjunga’s significance, we can encourage more mountaineers and tourists to explore this hidden gem.”
Promoting Kangchenjunga as a Key Adventure Destination
Despite being one of the tallest mountains in the world, Kangchenjunga does not attract as many climbers as Everest or Annapurna. Organizers of the 70th-anniversary event hope that the celebrations will shine a spotlight on the mountain’s potential and lead to increased footfall from international and domestic tourists.
The Kangchenjunga region is known for its pristine natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Trekkers and climbers who visit the area experience breathtaking views, traditional Himalayan hospitality, and challenging yet rewarding trails. The region is also home to the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, which protects rare wildlife species such as the snow leopard and red panda.
Stakeholders believe that with better promotion, improved infrastructure, and favorable government policies, Kangchenjunga could emerge as a premier mountaineering destination. Efforts are being made to improve accessibility, reduce permit costs, and encourage sustainable tourism practices that will benefit both the local communities and adventurers seeking a unique Himalayan experience.
The 70th-anniversary celebrations of Kangchenjunga’s first ascent mark an important milestone in Nepal’s mountaineering history. As preparations continue, organizers are hopeful that the event will successfully raise awareness about Kangchenjunga’s significance and attract more visitors to the region.
With a collaborative effort from the government, tourism entrepreneurs, local communities, and international mountaineering bodies, Nepal can position Kangchenjunga as a sought-after destination for climbers worldwide. The upcoming celebrations serve as a crucial step toward unlocking the mountain’s untapped potential in the global adventure tourism industry.
