Nepal is set to mark a historic milestone in global mountaineering as it prepares to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Mount Manaslu and Mount Lhotse, commemorating 70 years since their first successful ascents in 1956. The celebrations, jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), will feature a series of events throughout 2026 aimed at honoring mountaineering history while promoting Nepal as a premier global tourism destination.
Historic Peaks and Their Legacy
The year 2026 marks seven decades since the first ascents of both iconic Himalayan peaks. Mount Manaslu was successfully summited on May 9, 1956, by a Japanese expedition team alongside Nepali climber Urken Tshering Sherpa. Just weeks later, on May 18, 1956, Mount Lhotse was first climbed by Swiss mountaineers Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger.
These historic climbs not only expanded the boundaries of human endurance but also cemented Nepal’s reputation as the heart of high-altitude mountaineering. Over the decades, thousands of climbers from around the world have followed in their footsteps, contributing to Nepal’s global recognition in adventure tourism.
Celebration Schedule and Key Events
According to organizers, the Manaslu Platinum Jubilee celebrations will take place on May 9 and 10, 2026, in Samagaon, Gorkha, and at the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara. Meanwhile, the Lhotse Platinum Jubilee will be observed on May 21, 2026, in the Khumbu region.
The announcement was made during a press meet led by Sudan Subedi, Senior Officer at the Nepal Tourism Board, with participation from diplomatic representatives including Maximilian Ritzmann and Purab Kayastha. The events will include exhibitions, cultural programs, mountaineering discussions, and international participation from climbers, historians, and diplomats.
Honouring the First Ascenders
A major highlight of the Jubilee celebrations will be the unveiling of statues dedicated to the first Lhotse summiteers, Ernst Reiss, Fritz Luchsinger, and Urken Tshering Sherpa. These statues are being prepared in coordination with the Nepal Tourism Board and will serve as permanent tributes to their historic achievements.
Bodh Raj Bhandari, Second Vice President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, said the celebrations will include special honour ceremonies recognizing pioneering climbers and their families. He noted that these programs aim to acknowledge both national and international contributions to mountaineering.
Strengthening Tourism and Global Promotion
Sunil Sharma, Officiating Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, emphasized that the Jubilee is not merely commemorative but part of a broader tourism strategy. According to him, coordinated programs will be conducted across the Chumnubri (Manaslu region) and Khumbu (Lhotse region), focusing on international promotion and destination branding.
He believe that such initiatives will further position Nepal as a leading hub for mountaineering, trekking, and cultural tourism. With increased global attention, the Jubilee is expected to drive tourism growth and highlight both established and emerging trekking routes.
Cultural Integration and Local Participation
Nima Lama, Chairperson of Chumnubri Rural Municipality, highlighted the importance of integrating local culture into the celebrations. He noted that more than 3,000 climbers have summited Mount Manaslu since its first ascent, and the Jubilee offers an opportunity to showcase the region’s cultural richness.
The events will feature traditional performances, local cuisine, and heritage exhibitions from the Chum Valley and surrounding Himalayan communities, providing visitors with an immersive cultural experience alongside mountaineering history.
International Relations and Diplomatic Significance
President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Fur Gelje Sherpa, described the Platinum Jubilee as a landmark moment not only for Nepal but also for the global mountaineering community. He stressed that the first ascents of Manaslu and Lhotse played a vital role in strengthening diplomatic relations between Nepal, Japan, and Switzerland. According to him, these historic expeditions laid the groundwork for enduring international cooperation and goodwill, which continues to benefit Nepal’s tourism and cultural exchange.
3D Model Inauguration and Key Highlights
A major highlight of the Manaslu celebrations will be the inauguration of a 3D model of Mount Manaslu at the International Mountain Museum. The model will be unveiled by the chief guest, MAEDA Toru, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Nepal, alongside distinguished dignitaries. This installation is expected to symbolize the historic Nepal–Japan mountaineering connection and serve as an educational attraction for visitors and researchers alike.
A Global Gathering for the Future of Tourism
The Platinum Jubilee celebrations are expected to draw climbers, diplomats, tourism experts, and visitors from across the globe. Through a combination of commemoration, cultural integration, and strategic promotion, Nepal aims to reinforce its identity as a world leader in mountain tourism.
Organizers say the year-long celebrations will not only honor the legacy of the first ascenders but also contribute to sustainable tourism development, ensuring that the benefits of mountaineering reach local communities while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Himalayas. With its rich mountaineering history and growing global appeal, Nepal is poised to use this historic occasion to celebrate the past while shaping the future of adventure tourism.
