KATHMANDU: Nepal is set to mark a historic milestone in global mountaineering by celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Mount Manaslu and Mount Lhotse, commemorating 70 years since their first successful ascents in 1956. The celebrations will take place throughout 2026 with a series of special programs aimed at honoring mountaineering history and promoting Nepal as a leading global tourism destination.
The events are being jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The announcement was made during a press conference held in Kathmandu, attended by diplomatic representatives including Maximilian Ritzmann and Purab Kayastha.
The year 2026 marks seven decades since the first successful ascents of both peaks. Mount Manaslu was first summited on May 9, 1956, by a Japanese expedition team along with Nepali climber Urken Tshering Sherpa. Likewise, Mount Lhotse was first climbed by Swiss mountaineers Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger. To honor these historic achievements, organizers are preparing to construct and unveil three statues of the pioneering climbers.
According to Bodhraj Bhandari, the Platinum Jubilee will include special recognition of veteran mountaineers and their families. He said the celebration is not only a festive occasion but also an opportunity to express gratitude to those who contributed to mountaineering history, including international climbers.
Sunil Sharma stated that the Program is directly linked to tourism promotion. He noted that joint activities will be conducted focusing on the Chumnubri area of the Manaslu region and the Khumbu region associated with Lhotse, aiming to strengthen Nepal’s presence in the global tourism market.
Chairperson of Chumnubri Rural Municipality, Nima Lama, highlighted the historical importance of Manaslu, stating that more than 3,000 climbers have successfully summited the peak so far. He added that the statues of the first climbers are in their final stage of construction and will be unveiled on “Manaslu Day,” along with cultural programs showcasing the heritage of the Chum Valley and surrounding Himalayan regions.
President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Furgelje Sherpa, described the jubilee as a landmark event not only for Nepal but also for the global mountaineering community. He noted that the first ascents of Manaslu and Lhotse played a significant role in strengthening diplomatic relations between Nepal, Japan, and Switzerland.
As part of the celebrations, a 3D model of Mount Manaslu will be unveiled at the International Mountain Museum in the presence of Japanese Ambassador Maeda Toru, further highlighting Nepal–Japan mountaineering ties.
In addition to adventure tourism, the Platinum Jubilee aims to promote cultural tourism by showcasing the unique traditions, heritage, and lifestyle of Himalayan communities. Various cultural programs, exhibitions, and international participation are planned throughout the year.
Organizers believe the celebration will further strengthen Nepal’s identity as a global hub for mountaineering and trekking, attracting climbers, diplomats, historians, and tourists from around the world while contributing to sustainable tourism development.
