Nepal Marks 76 Years Since First Ascent of Annapurna I

Nepal is marking the 76th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Annapurna I, the world’s first mountain above 8,000 metres to be climbed by humans.

Standing at 8,091 metres, Annapurna I lies along the borders of the districts of Myagdi, Kaski, Manang and Mustang. Its base camp is located in Narchyang, Ward No. 4 of Annapurna Rural Municipality.

Often referred to as the “eldest” of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks, Annapurna earned that distinction after becoming the first mountain above the 8,000-metre mark to be successfully climbed. On 3 June 1950, French mountaineers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal reached the summit of Annapurna I, three years before the first successful ascent of Mount Everest.

Officials say the anniversary is being observed to commemorate a landmark moment in Nepal’s tourism and mountaineering history, which helped introduce the country’s Himalayan peaks to the world.

According to Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun, various programmes are being organised to celebrate the occasion. Events include a race towards the Annapurna Base Camp route from Ghandruk in Kaski and activities in Lamjung’s Dordi Rural Municipality aimed at promoting new trekking trails.

Data from Nepal’s Department of Tourism show that a total of 536 climbers had successfully summited Annapurna I by the end of last year. During the 2026 spring climbing season, 27 climbers from four expedition teams obtained permits to attempt the mountain.

Tourism Department branch officer Sharmila Banjade said records are still being updated to determine how many of those permit holders successfully reached the summit this season.

The anniversary serves as a reminder of Annapurna’s enduring place in mountaineering history and its role in establishing Nepal as one of the world’s premier destinations for high-altitude adventure.