The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki marked the historic occasion of the 76th Anniversary of the first successful ascent of Annapurna I with a grand tourism promotion and felicitation program in the scenic Dordi region of Lamjung. The two-day event, held in Shree Manjang Lamagaun of Dordi Rural Municipality, brought together government officials, tourism entrepreneurs, local representatives, and world-renowned mountaineers under a shared vision of promoting Nepal’s trekking destinations and strengthening the mountain tourism economy.
Under the slogan highlighting Nepal’s natural and cultural richness, “From the Himalayas to hidden trails, Nepal continues to inspire the world”, the event focused on exploring new trekking routes, preserving traditional trails, and promoting sustainable tourism in the Gandaki region.
The program also served as a platform to commemorate the 76 years of Annapurna Ascent since the historic achievement of June 3, 1950, when French mountaineers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal successfully summited Annapurna I, marking the world’s first ascent of an 8,000-meter peak.
Three Everest Summiteers Honored on Annapurna Ascent Day
On the occasion of Annapurna Ascent Day, three prominent Nepali mountaineers were honored for their outstanding contributions to Himalayan climbing and adventure tourism. Mountaineer Purnima Shrestha of Gorkha, Narendra Shahi of Lamjung’s Raina Municipality, and Manraj Gurung of the same region were felicitated during the event organized as part of the tourism promotion campaign in Dordi Rural Municipality on Jestha 20 and 21.
The felicitation was presented by Gandaki Province Minister for Industry and Tourism Yashoda Rimal, who praised the climbers for their dedication and contribution to Nepal’s global identity as a Himalayan nation. Speaking at the event, Minister Rimal stated that the provincial government has placed tourism at the center of its development strategy. She emphasized that upcoming policies and programs will prioritize infrastructure expansion, promotion of new destinations, and strengthening rural tourism economies.
The event was jointly organized by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Tourism of Gandaki Province, Nepal Tourism Board, Dordi Rural Municipality, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). TAAN Gandaki President Krishna Prasad Acharya said the celebration was not only a tribute to Annapurna’s historic ascent but also a commitment to identifying and promoting new trekking routes in less-explored regions like Dordi.
Annapurna Ascent Day: A Historic Reminder for the World
Annapurna Ascent Day is observed globally to commemorate one of the most significant milestones in mountaineering history. On June 3, 1950, French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal achieved the first successful ascent of Annapurna I, becoming the first humans to summit an 8,000-meter peak.
This achievement marked a turning point in global mountaineering history and placed Nepal at the center of world adventure tourism. The 76th anniversary celebration of Annapurna Ascent in Lamjung was therefore not just a regional event, but part of a global remembrance of human endurance, exploration, and Himalayan heritage.
Dordi Emerging as a New Trekking Destination
One of the key highlights of the event was the strong emphasis on developing Dordi as an emerging trekking hub. Tourism entrepreneurs and local representatives highlighted that traditional trekking routes in Nepal are increasingly affected by road expansion, commercialization, and environmental pressure.
TAAN Gandaki President Acharya noted that many popular trails are losing their original trekking charm due to motorable road access. He stressed the urgent need to identify alternative routes that offer authentic Himalayan experiences. According to him, the Dordi region offers untouched landscapes, peaceful environments, and culturally rich villages that are ideal for camping-based trekking experiences. He added that these trails can attract both domestic and international tourists seeking less crowded Himalayan journeys.
Local government representatives also shared that multiple trekking routes have already been identified in the region. These include short, medium, and long-distance trails connecting Lamjung, Gorkha, and surrounding districts. Dordi Rural Municipality Chairperson Yubaraj Adhikari informed that at least three major trekking routes have been identified, including a three-day trail connecting Nauthar Sera to Shree Manjang via Ilampokhari, Liphelek, and Damrang.
Another ten-day route connects Liphelek to Damrang, Notache, Ukhand, Memepokhari, Komrodanda, Bhalepokhari, and Hiletaksar, while an eight-day route passes through Peace Hill and Bhulbhule. He also highlighted a major inter-district trekking corridor connecting Barpak–Sulikot, Ajirkot, Dudhpokhari, Dordi, and Thulagi of Gorkha with Ghermu of Lamjung, which is being promoted as the “Himal–Himachuli Great Lake Circuit.”
Call for Sustainable Tourism and Trail Preservation
Speakers at the program stressed the importance of preserving traditional trekking routes that are rapidly disappearing due to infrastructure development. They urged the government and tourism stakeholders to focus on sustainable tourism models that balance development with environmental conservation.
Tourism entrepreneur Jitu Gurung, who is originally from Shree Manjang, highlighted the immense potential of the region. He said that the lakes, high-altitude landscapes, and Himalayan views of Lamjung’s Dordi region can attract significant tourism if properly promoted.
He further added that homestay development, local hospitality training, and infrastructure improvement are essential to transform the area into a competitive tourism destination. Local representatives also expressed confidence that promoting these new routes would directly benefit rural economies by creating employment opportunities and increasing local income sources.
Honoring Nepal’s Mountaineering Icons
A major attraction of the event was the detailed recognition of three prominent mountaineers whose achievements have contributed significantly to Nepal’s global image in adventure tourism.
Purnima Shrestha: From Photojournalism to World Record Holder
Purnima Shrestha, originally from Arughat in Gorkha, represents one of Nepal’s most inspiring female mountaineers. Starting her career as a photojournalist, she entered the world of mountaineering after covering Everest Marathon in 2017.
Since her first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 2018, she has climbed multiple 8,000-meter peaks including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, and K2. She has successfully completed multiple Everest ascents and made global headlines by climbing Everest three times within 13 days in 2024, earning a Guinness World Record.
Her achievements have been recognized internationally, including by CNN, which listed her among extreme athletes breaking global barriers. She continues to symbolize courage, determination, and women’s empowerment in Nepal’s mountaineering sector.
Narendra Shahi: A Veteran Climber and Rescue Expert
Narendra Shahi, also known as Naren Shahi Thakuri, is one of Nepal’s most experienced mountaineers and rescue professionals. Born in Lamjung, he has completed five successful ascents of Mount Everest between 2017 and 2024.
Beginning his climbing journey with Mera Peak in 2005, he has since climbed peaks across Europe and Asia, including Iceland, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Russia. He is also credited with the first ascent of Tobar Peak (6,100m).
Beyond climbing, he has served as a mountain guide trainer, rescue expert, and technical instructor in Nepal and China. His contribution to mountaineering education and rescue operations has played a vital role in strengthening Nepal’s climbing safety standards.
Manraj Gurung: A Scholar-Climber Bridging Knowledge and Adventure
Manraj Gurung, often described as a “scholar climber,” represents a unique blend of academic excellence and mountaineering achievement. He successfully summited Mount Everest on May 15, 2025, marking a milestone in his 15-year climbing journey.
He has climbed numerous peaks including Himlung Himal, Ama Dablam, Mera Peak, and Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. Through his venture “Bodhi Adventures,” he promotes adventure tourism combined with spirituality and sustainable travel practices.
Holding master’s degrees in Business Studies and Buddhist Studies, Gurung is also active in training programs for the Nepali Army and Police in mountain rescue and safety operations. He advocates for integrating mountaineering education into Nepal’s formal academic curriculum.
Tourism Vision for Gandaki Province
Officials concluded that Gandaki Province has immense potential to become a global hub for adventure tourism if new trekking routes are developed and promoted strategically. They emphasized that regions like Dordi, Lamjung, and surrounding districts can reduce pressure on overcrowded trails while offering authentic Himalayan experiences. The celebration of Annapurna Ascent Day in Lamjung thus became more than a ceremonial event, it turned into a platform for shaping the future of Nepal’s tourism industry.
A Tribute to the Himalayas and Future Trails
The TAAN Gandaki program in Lamjung successfully combined historical tribute, mountaineering recognition, and tourism planning into a single event. As Nepal continues to strengthen its identity as a global trekking destination, initiatives like the Dordi trekking promotion reflect a growing shift toward sustainable, community-based tourism. From the first ascent of Annapurna to modern-day Himalayan exploration, Nepal’s mountains continue to inspire the world, carrying forward a legacy of courage, exploration, and natural beauty that remains unmatched.
Photo Courtesy: Subash Thapa
