76th anniversary of historic Annapurna I ascent being observed in Myagdi today

Myagdi, June 3: The 76th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Annapurna I is being commemorated today, marking a historic milestone in global mountaineering.

Annapurna I, located in the Annapurna region of Gandaki Province, lies within the Himalayan range between Myagdi and Kaski districts, with its wider massif extending toward Manang and Mustang districts.

The 8,091-metre mountain was first summited on this day (June 3, 1950) by French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal.

The achievement came three years before the first successful ascent of the world’s highest mountain, Sagarmatha (Mount Everest), earning Annapurna the distinction of being the first 8,000-metre peak ever climbed.

So far, a total of 536 climbers have successfully reached the summit of Annapurna I, while four expedition teams comprising 27 climbers were permitted to attempt the mountain during this spring season, according to the Department of Tourism.

Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun informed that various programmes are being organized across the Annapurna region today to commemorate the occasion.

Pun said that a 36-kilometre trail run from Annapurna I’s base camp to Narchyang will be held, along with cultural events promoting tourism and new trekking routes.

He highlighted the events as a celebration of the country’s mountaineering heritage and the beginning of Himalayan tourism.

The celebration will conclude later today with cultural performances and an award ceremony in Narchyang, Myagdi, honouring both the mountain’s legacy and its growing role in adventure tourism.(RSS)