Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli arrived today at Annapurna Rural Municipality–4, Narchyang of Myagdi district to participate in the 75th anniversary celebration of the historic first ascent of Annapurna I. The event, organized by Annapurna Rural Municipality, marks the Diamond Jubilee of the first successful climb of the 8,091-meter peak, which took place on June 3, 1950.
Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun informed that the Diamond Jubilee event is being held in honor of French mountaineer Maurice Herzog, who, along with Louis Lachenal, became the first human to summit an 8,000-meter mountain, Annapurna I, exactly 75 years ago today.
Prime Minister Oli Attends Annapurna I 75th Anniversary
As part of the commemorative program, Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to inaugurate a new trekking trail to Annapurna Base Camp, unveil an open-air museum, and reveal statues of renowned climbers. These initiatives aim to further promote the cultural and mountaineering significance of the region.
Accompanying the Prime Minister are Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey, and State Minister for Energy, Irrigation and Water Resources Khamba Bahadur Garbuja, among other dignitaries.
Annapurna I, located at the border of Myagdi, Kaski, Manang, and Mustang districts, holds a unique place in mountaineering history. The base camp and access trail to the summit fall within the geographical boundaries of Narchyang in Annapurna Rural Municipality–4, Myagdi.
Due to its distinction as the first 8,000-meter peak climbed by humans, Annapurna I is often referred to as the “Eldest of the Himalayas.” The 1950 climb by Herzog and Lachenal preceded the successful ascent of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, by three years. According to Ward Chairperson Lok Bahadur Pun of Annapurna–4, the celebration not only honors this historic achievement but also highlights the beginning of Nepal’s mountaineering tourism and its role in introducing the Himalayas to the world.
This is the first time the anniversary is being celebrated directly at the foothills of Annapurna I. In the past, the day was observed primarily in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Kaski. All necessary preparations for the Diamond Jubilee have been completed, Pun added.
The ongoing celebration, which began on Jestha 17, will conclude in Pokhara on Jestha 22, with various programs scheduled to promote the legacy of Annapurna I and to enhance Nepal’s global profile as a premier destination for mountain tourism.
