70 Years of Manaslu and Lhotse: Nepal plans year-long celebration

Kathmandu: Nepal is preparing to celebrate a major milestone in global mountaineering history with the Platinum Jubilee of Mount Manaslu and Mount Lhotse, marking 70 years since their first successful ascents in 1956.

The year-long celebrations in 2026 are being jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Mountaineering Association, aiming to honour mountaineering heritage while promoting Nepal as a leading global tourism destination.The announcement was made during a press meet in Kathmandu, attended by diplomatic representatives including officials from Japan and Switzerland.Mount Manaslu was first summited on May 9, 1956, by a Japanese expedition along with Nepali climber Urken Tshering Sherpa. In the same year, Mount Lhotse was successfully climbed by Swiss mountaineers Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger.

To commemorate these historic achievements, organizers plan to unveil statues of the first Lhotse summiteers Ernst Reiss, Fritz Luchsinger, and Urken Tshering Sherpa. Special honour ceremonies will also recognize pioneering climbers and their families, along with contributions from the international mountaineering community.According to officials, the celebrations will go beyond remembrance, forming part of a broader strategy to boost tourism. Events will be held in the Manaslu and Lhotse regions, particularly in Chumnubri and Khumbu, combining adventure tourism with cultural experiences.

A key highlight will be the unveiling of a 3D model of Mount Manaslu at the International Mountain Museum, symbolizing the historic mountaineering ties between Nepal and Japan. The ceremony will be attended by high-level dignitaries, including the Japanese ambassador to Nepal.Organizers also emphasized the importance of showcasing the cultural richness of the Chum Valley and surrounding Himalayan regions. By integrating local traditions, heritage, and mountaineering history, the Jubilee aims to offer visitors a more immersive tourism experience.Officials believe the Platinum Jubilee will attract climbers, diplomats, historians, and tourists from around the world. With exhibitions, cultural programs, and international outreach planned throughout the year, Nepal aims to reinforce its position as a global hub for mountaineering and trekking.

The celebration is expected to not only honour the legacy of early climbers but also strengthen Nepal’s international partnerships and promote sustainable tourism development.