KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 15

A five-member international expedition team has successfully completed the first-ever ascent of Mt. Pathibhara (6,868m) in eastern Nepal, achieving a new milestone in Himalayan mountaineering.

The team reached the summit at 1:50 p.m. on October 14, according to Xtreme Climbers Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd., which organized the climb.

Mt. Pathibhara, officially opened for climbing by the Government of Nepal in 2025, lies in one of the country's most remote and lesser-explored valleys in the Kanchenjunga–Taplejung region.

The summit team was led by Chilean mountaineer Hernán David Leal Barrientos, along with lead climbing Sherpa Lakpa Chhiri Sherpa, and Sherpas Lhakpa Chhiring Sherpa, Kunga Gyaju Sherpa, and Pema Tasi Tamang. They ascended via the challenging South-East Route, navigating mixed rock, steep snow, and ice terrain.

Xtreme Climbers' Managing Director Pemba Sherpa described the achievement as defining milestone that celebrates courage, precision, and the relentless pursuit of exploration at the highest level.

Earlier this year, on March 25, 2025, Hernán Leal also made the first ascent of Mt. Sharphu IV (6,433m) - another expedition managed by Xtreme Climbers. With two successful first ascents within the same year, Hernán becomes the first climber in the world to achieve such a double first-ascent record in the Himalayas.

The team is currently descending safely from Camp II (6,300m) to Base Camp. The company said detailed route information and summit images will be shared once they return safely.