Nepal to Celebrate Platinum Jubilee of Mount Manaslu and Mount Lhotse with Year-Long EventsWednesday, April 29th, 2026

KATHMANDU: Nepal is set to mark a historic milestone in global mountaineering as it prepares to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Mount Manaslu and Mount Lhotse, commemorating 70 years since their first successful ascents in 1956. The celebrations, jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Mountaineering Association, will feature a series of events throughout 2026 aimed at honoring mountaineering history while promoting Nepal as a premier global tourism destination.

The announcement was made during a press meet conducted by Sudan Subedi, Senior Officer at the Nepal Tourism Board, with participation from diplomatic representatives including Maximilian Ritzmann from the Swiss Embassy and Purab Kayastha from the Embassy of Japan.

The year 2026 marks seven decades since the historic ascents of both peaks in 1956. Mount Manaslu was first summited on May 9, 1956, by a Japanese expedition along with Nepali climber Urken Tshering Sherpa, while Mount Lhotse was first climbed by Swiss mountaineers Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger. To commemorate these achievements, organizers have planned the unveiling of three statues of the first Lhotse summiteers, Ernst Reiss, Fritz Luchsinger, and Urken Tshering Sherpa, in association with the Nepal Tourism Board.

Speaking at the event, Bodh Raj Bhandari, Second Vice President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, said the Jubilee will include special honour ceremonies for pioneering mountaineers and their families. Special ceremonies are also planned to acknowledge the contributions of international climbers and strengthen Nepal’s long-standing mountaineering ties.

Sunil Sharma, Officiating Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, emphasized that the celebrations are not limited to commemoration but are part of a broader strategy to promote Nepal as a global tourism destination. He said programs will be jointly conducted in the Chumnubri (Manaslu region) and Khumbu (Lhotse region) areas, with coordinated efforts alongside the Nepal Mountaineering Association for international promotion and publicity.

Nima Lama, Chairperson of Chumnurbi Rural Municipality highlighted that Mount Manaslu was first summited on May 9, 1956, by Nepali climber Urken Tshering Sherpa alongside a Japanese expedition team. He added that more than 3,000 climbers have since summited the mountain. To commemorate this legacy, statues of the first summiteers are nearing completion and are planned to be unveiled on “Manaslu Day.” He also underlined the cultural richness of the Chum Valley and surrounding Himalayan regions. The Jubilee events aim to integrate mountaineering history with local traditions, culture, and heritage, offering visitors a more immersive experience.

President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Fur Gelje Sherpa, described the Platinum Jubilee as a milestone not only for Nepal but for the global mountaineering community. He emphasized that the first ascents of Manaslu and Lhotse played a crucial role in strengthening diplomatic relations between Nepal, Japan, and Switzerland. According to him, these mountaineering achievements laid the foundation for long-standing international cooperation and goodwill.

He further announced that a major highlight of the Manaslu celebrations will be the inauguration of a 3D model of Mount Manaslu at the International Mountain Museum. The model will be unveiled by the chief guest, MAEDA Toru, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Nepal, alongside other distinguished dignitaries, symbolizing the historic Nepal–Japan mountaineering connection. Sherpa also stressed the need for stronger global promotion of Nepal’s mountain tourism, urging media and international stakeholders to support efforts to showcase both established and emerging trekking destinations.

Organizers highlighted that the Jubilee will also promote the rich culture and traditions of the Chum Valley, integrating cultural tourism with adventure experiences. With thousands of climbers visiting these peaks over the decades, officials believe the Platinum Jubilee will reinforce Nepal’s position as a global hub for mountaineering and trekking. The celebrations will include international participation, exhibitions, cultural programs, and extensive media outreach aimed at boosting tourism and honouring the legacy of the first ascenders.

The Platinum Jubilee celebrations are expected to attract climbers, diplomats, historians, and tourists from across the world. By combining commemoration with strategic promotion, Nepal aims to celebrate its mountaineering legacy while advancing sustainable tourism development.

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