Annapurna I celebrates 76 years since first ascent with commemorative events

Annapurna I has marked 76 years since its first ascent. Located at the border of Myagdi, Kaski, Manang, and Mustang districts, the 8,091-meter-high Annapurna was first climbed on June 3, 1950, by a French team led by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal. This climb occurred three years before the successful ascent of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.

In commemoration of this historic event, various programs are being organized today to celebrate the day that marked the beginning of Nepal’s tourism and mountaineering sector, according to Indra Kumar Pun, chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality.

On this occasion, Annapurna Rural Municipality in Kaski is organizing a race towards the base camp in Ghandruk and an Annapurna Ascent Day event in Dordi Rural Municipality, Lamjung, to promote new trekking routes.

According to the Department of Tourism, 536 people had climbed Annapurna by last year. This spring, 27 climbers from four groups received permits to climb the peak. The department’s branch officer, Sharmila Banjade, mentioned that the details of successful ascents are still being updated.

The day will conclude with a 36-kilometer race from the base camp to Narchyang, along with cultural programs and a prize distribution ceremony, as stated by Ward Chair Lok Bahadur Phagami of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4.

In the open race competition with 20 participants, the winner will receive a cash prize of NPR 100,000, the runner-up NPR 60,000, the third place NPR 35,000, and three consolation prizes of NPR 10,000 each.

The race is organized with technical support from the Nepal Former Players Forum and the Gandaki Province Athletics Association. Following the race, the event will conclude with a prize distribution and cultural program in Narchyang, which began on Monday.