KATHMANDU, April 5

The French Embassy in Nepal and the Alliance Française Kathmandu has announced the opening of the exhibition titled 'Summit of Friendship: 75 Years of Annapurna Ascent' from Friday.

The exhibition, which commemorates the first successful ascent of Annapurna I (8,091) in 1950, will remain open to the public at the Alliance Française in Pulchowk until April 18, 2025.

Curated by Swaraj Man Chitrakar, the exhibition revisits the historic achievement of June 3, 1950, when a Franco-Nepali team became the first to summit an 8,000-metre peak. This achievement, the first human conquest of an 8,000-meter peak, marked an important chapter in mountaineering history and strengthened ties between Nepal and France, according to the press release issued by the French Embassy in Kathmandu.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the French Ambassador to Nepal emphasized the essential role played by Nepali Sherpas in the success of the 1950 ascent and that their expertise and dedication have been crucial to mountaineering efforts ever since.

The exhibition also highlights the contributions of Nepali climbers, the evolution of mountaineering, and key milestones over the years. It is part of a series of events planned by the Team France throughout 2025 to commemorate this historic 1950 ascent, the release further stated.