KATHMANDU, MAY 13
The 66th Dhaulagiri Expedition Day was observed today in Myagdi district with various programmes highlighting trekking promotion, homestay development and felicitation of mountaineers.
Mt. Dhaulagiri, the world's seventh highest peak at 8,167 metres, was first successfully climbed on May 13, 1960 by Kurt Diemberger of Austria along with Peter Diener, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, Nima Dorjee and Nawang Dorjee.
The programme was organised at Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-4, Mudi, by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki with support from the Ministry of Tourism and Industry, Gandaki Province, Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki, and coordination of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality.
Speaking at the event, local representatives said this was the first time the expedition day was formally observed in the ward where Mt. Dhaulagiri is located. TAAN Gandaki honoured mountaineer Krishna KC with a letter of appreciation.
Participants stressed the need for feasibility studies to develop the Dhaulagiri–Dhorpatan region as a new tourism destination. Concerns were also raised over the impact of road expansion on the existence of the traditional Dhaulagiri circuit trail.
Officials said the government has prioritised job creation and income generation through mountain conservation and tourism promotion.
According to the Department of Tourism, the government collected Rs 13.45 million in royalty from Mt. Dhaulagiri expeditions this season. A total of 30 climbers-18 men and 12 women-received permits this season, while over 700 climbers have successfully summited the peak in the past 66 years.