Nepal to mark Platinum Jubilee of Manaslu, Lhotse ascents

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 30: Nepal is set to mark a historic milestone in global mountaineering as it prepares to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of the two famous mountains - Manaslu and Lhotse, commemorating 70 years since their first successful ascents in 1956. 

The celebrations, jointly organised by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), will feature a series of events throughout 2026 aimed at honouring mountaineering history while promoting Nepal as a premier global tourism destination.

The NTB informed at a press conference on Wednesday that 2026 marks seven decades since the historic ascents of both peaks in 1956. 

Manaslu was first summited on May 9, 1956, by a Japanese expedition along with Nepali climber Urken Tshering Sherpa, while Lhotse was first climbed by Swiss mountaineers Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger. 

To commemorate these achievements, organizers have planned the unveiling of three statues of the first Lhotse summiteers, Ernst Reiss, Fritz Luchsinger, and Urken Tshering Sherpa, in association with the NTB, informed Sudan Subedi, Seinor Officer of the NTB. 

Diplomatic representatives including Maximilian Ritzmann from the Swiss Embassy and Purab Kayastha from the Embassy of Japan also attended the press conference.

Speaking at the event, Bodh Raj Bhandari, Second Vice-President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, said the Jubilee will include special honour ceremonies for pioneering mountaineers and their families. 

Special ceremonies are also planned to acknowledge the contributions of international climbers and strengthen Nepal’s long-standing mountaineering ties.

Sunil Sharma, Officiating Director of the NTB, said that programmes will be jointly conducted in the Chumnubri (Manaslu region) and Khumbu (Lhotse region) areas, with coordinated efforts alongside the NMA for international promotion and publicity.

Nima Lama, Chairperson of Chumnubri Rural Municipality, said that more than 3,000 climbers have summited Manaslu so far. To commemorate this legacy, statues of the first summiteers are nearing completion and are planned to be unveiled on the 'Manaslu Day'. 

The Jubilee events aim to integrate mountaineering history with local traditions, culture, and heritage, offering visitors a more immersive experience.

President of the NMA Fur Gelje Sherpa, described the Platinum Jubilee as a milestone not only for Nepal but for the global mountaineering community. 

According to him, the first ascents of Manaslu and Lhotse played a crucial role in strengthening diplomatic relations between Nepal, Japan, and Switzerland. These mountaineering achievements laid the foundation for long-standing international cooperation and goodwill.

He further announced that a major highlight of the Manaslu celebrations will be the inauguration of a 3D model of Mount Manaslu at the International Mountain Museum. 

The model will be unveiled by the chief guest, Maeda Toru, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, alongside other distinguished dignitaries, symbolising the historic Nepal–Japan mountaineering connection. 

Sherpa also stressed the need for stronger global promotion of Nepal’s mountain tourism, urging media and international stakeholders to support efforts to showcase both established and emerging trekking destinations.