Herzog’s ice axe to be brought to International Mountain Museum

By Phadindra Adhikari,Lekhnath, Feb. 7: The International Mountain Museum located at Ratopahiro of Pokhara Metropolitan City-17 in Kaski district is set to add new historical artefacts related to the Annapurna expedition. One such addition is the ice axe used by Maurice Herzog, the first climber to summit Annapurna, which will be brought from Switzerland.

During a programme organised on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the museum on Wednesday, Chairman of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nimanuru Sherpa, who manages the museum, said “On this year’s Annapurna Day, June 3, we will receive Maurice’s ice axe from a Swiss museum.”

Annapurna was the first mountain over 8,000 metres to be successfully climbed. Maurice Herzog, along with Louis Lachenal, reached the summit in 1950. The museum also has plans to construct a climbing wall in honour of Herzog.  

A few weeks ago, Maurice Herzog’s son, Matthias Herzog, visited Pokhara and announced that the ice axe would be handed over to the museum. After trekking along the Annapurna trail, he said, “My father’s historic ice axe belongs in a museum where Annapurna can be seen with the naked eye.” Additionally, the Nepali translation of Maurice’s book ‘Annapurna’, which details his climbing experiences, is set to be released this June.  

State Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Arun Kumar Chaudhary emphasised that with determination and proper planning, progress is always possible. He said, “We have seen the progress made by the museum in 22 years. Now, we need a 222-year vision. With strong willpower, this museum can be made exemplary.”  

Writer Sarubhakta said, “When I attended the museum’s inauguration 22 years ago, the mountains were covered in snow. Now, they look like bare black rocks. I see no one taking responsibility for this. If there are no mountains, there is no life, no creation.”  

Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Binod Prakash Singh, spokesperson of Pokhara Metropolitan City Motilal Timsina, Chairman of the Pokhara Tourism Council Taranath Pahari and others were present at the event.   

Over the past 22 years, the museum has been visited by 2,919,543 ticketed visitors. Additionally, around 200,000 high-ranking national and international guests have visited for free, while 573,000 foreign tourists have explored the museum during this period.