Annapurna I base camp resonates with music

By Thakur Prasad Acharya,Beni, June 5: Melodious music echoed in tribute to a father at the base camp of Annapurna I, beside the serene Panchakunda Lake.

 The confluence of music, the lake, and the Himalayas created a spiritual harmony that felt like a true tribute to the first climber of Annapurna, Maurice Herzog. His son Matthieu Herzog has managed to bring the French and other artists to the base camp.  

The melodies eased the exhaustion of trekkers who had reached there after a two-day trek, braving rain and snow.

The 75th anniversary of the successful ascent of Annapurna I was marked on June 3. On the evening of Monday, a group of French artists reached the base camp after trekking.

That evening, Annapurna was draped in a veil of clouds. A light snowfall welcomed the trekkers and tourists.

 At that very moment, French artists, carrying their musical instruments, sat cross-legged beside the Panchakunda Lake, located at an altitude of 4,050 meters, and music began to resonate.

“In a moment, the base camp turned musical. The tiredness of the whole day disappeared, and the mind became peaceful,” said Kamal Khatri, one of the trekkers.

In honour of Maurice Herzog, the first climber of Annapurna I along with Louis Lachenal and the first Nepali climber, Sonam Wangchuk Sherpa, French artists, including Matthieu filled the base camp with music. 

The group also included Herzog’s daughter-in-law and grandson. 

Named after Herzog, the Maurice Herzog Trail brought the artists to the base camp, where they also played music at various points along the route.

The atmosphere at the base camp became truly lively with performances that evoked the essence of Nepali music.

 Mathias himself played the harmonium, while other artists used flutes, guitars, and traditional Nepali instruments.

 Trekkers and tourists watched with delight as Herzog’s daughter-in-law danced to the rhythm.

Tej Gurung, campaigner of the Maurice Herzog Trail, said that the French artists’ performance in honour of Herzog and to welcome trekkers helped promote Annapurna across the globe.

 He said, “The journey of artists from France to the base camp has further highlighted Annapurna’s tourism value worldwide. This first-ever musical evening at the Annapurna Base Camp has encouraged us as well.”

The artists not only played music that reflected Nepali essence but also showcased popular French dances. They performed songs about Annapurna and its tourism potential.

Krishna Prasad Acharya, Chairperson of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki Province, who had trekked to the base camp on the occasion of the Annapurna Diamond Jubilee, said that the combination of mountains, lake, nature, and music offered a unique and joyful experience. 

He expressed confidence that the performance by international artists would help promote tourism in the region.