KATHMANDU, JUNE 3
The 76th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Annapurna I is being observed in the Annapurna region today.
French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal first summited the 8,091-metre Annapurna I on June 3, 1950, making it the world's first climbed mountain above 8,000 metres, three years before the first ascent of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest).
Located in the Annapurna Himalayan range of Gandaki Province, the mountain lies between Myagdi and Kaski districts, with the massif extending toward Manang and Mustang.
According to the Department of Tourism, 536 climbers have successfully summited Annapurna I so far. During this spring season, four expedition teams comprising 27 climbers received permits to climb the peak.
Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun said various programmes are being organised to commemorate the historic occasion.
The events include a 36-kilometre trail race from Annapurna I Base Camp to Narchyang, cultural programmes and tourism promotion activities focusing on new trekking routes.
The celebrations are scheduled to conclude in Narchyang with cultural performances and an award ceremony.