Preparations underway for first ascent of Api Himal

 By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 4: For the first time, a large number of climbers are set to ascend Api Himal (7,132 metres) and Lhayo Peak (6,395 metres), located within the Api Nampa Conservation Area in Nepal’s Far-Western Province. 

Situated in Api Himal Rural Municipality of Darchula district, Api Himal is the highest peak in the province. Despite its immense potential to attract thousands of tourists, the mountain has remained largely overlooked due to a lack of promotional efforts, suitable trekking routes, and necessary infrastructure, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) informed.

Recently, the federal government announced that 97 peaks in the Far-Western and Karnali provinces will be open for climbing free of charge for the next two years. In line with this initiative, the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), jointly implemented by the NTB and the UNDP Nepal, has launched a climbing training campaign. 

This programme is led by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in collaboration with Api Himal RM, under the ‘Summer Skills for Professional Mountain Guide Course’.

“After two weeks of theoretical training in Kathmandu, participants will undergo two weeks of practical training in the Api region. Graduates of this training will be eligible to work as mountain guides or assistant guides for trekking peaks and other mountains in the future,” said the NTB in a statement on Wednesday.

The training team was officially launched from Kathmandu by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey. He said that this initiative marks a historic step for the Far-West, promoting local coordination and collaboration, and contributing to tourism development across both provinces.

As part of the training, 14 trainees are preparing to ascend Lhayo Peak, near Api Himal, by opening their own route. The expedition includes 14 students and six instructors. Following the successful ascent of Lhayo Peak, a group of seven climbers, including instructors, will go on to summit Api Himal. 

Subsequently, 15 local trekking guides will also receive specialised training in mountain navigation and camping.

According to the NTB, this initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the promotion of ‘virgin tourism destinations’ like the Api region. Members from the Api RM are also involved in the climbing team. According to Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the NTB, the project aims to enhance tourism facilities and services, develop skilled tourism professionals, and create employment and livelihood opportunities for local communities through destination promotion.