On April 7, 2025, the highly anticipated Annapurna I (8,091m) Expedition team successfully reached the summit of one of the world’s most perilous peaks. Annapurna I, the 10th highest mountain among the 14 eight-thousanders, is notorious for its treacherous conditions, making it one of the most challenging climbs in the world. This remarkable achievement highlights the dedication and skill of the expedition team, led by the veteran and senior climbing guide, Mr. Lakpa Nurbu Sherpa, who played an integral role in the crucial rope-fixing during the final 800 meters of the ascent.
Mr. Lakpa Nurbu Sherpa, known for his extensive experience in high-altitude climbing, took on the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the team by coordinating with other climbing guides and overseeing the rope installation in the most dangerous sections of the climb. His leadership and expertise were essential in guiding the climbers through Annapurna I’s treacherous terrain.
The summit was reached at different times by the team members, with the first climber, Ms. Anni Katri Penttila from Finland, reaching the summit at 8:22 AM. She made history as the first Finnish female climber to reach the Annapurna I summit. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Lakpa Nurbu Sherpa summited, continuing his legacy as one of the most accomplished Sherpas in Nepal’s mountaineering community.
At 9:10 AM, a second group of climbers summited, including Mr. Bartlomiej Andrzej Paczoski from Poland, Mr. Sanu Sherpa from Nepal, a double 14 Peaks record holder, and Ms. Liliya Ianovskaia from Canada, who also became the oldest woman to summit Annapurna I. Other climbers in this group included Mr. Migma Dorchi Sherpa, Mr. Dawa Nurbu Sherpa, Ms. Zeng Xiaoyun, the first Singaporean to summit Annapurna I, and Mr. Pem Lakpa Sherpa.
The final summit group reached the peak at 9:20 AM, with Mr. Pavlo Sydorenko from Ukraine and Mr. Lakpa Nurbu Sherpa. The last climbers, Mr. Nathaniel James Douglas from the United States and Mr. Pechhumbe Sherpa, reached the summit at 11:00 AM, marking the end of a successful ascent by the team. This successful summit of Annapurna I stands as a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and leadership displayed by the climbers, especially the leadership of Mr. Lakpa Nurbu Sherpa, whose efforts played a key role in ensuring the team’s safety and success.
The summit was not just a personal triumph for the climbers but also a significant achievement for the mountaineering community. As the climbers begin their descent, we wish them all the best for their safe return. Their accomplishments on Annapurna I will go down in the annals of mountaineering history as a symbol of perseverance and bravery in one of the most dangerous environments on Earth.
