Historic First Ascent of Chhuama Peak III Opens New Horizons for Mountaineering in Upper Mustang

A joint mountaineering team from Nepal and South Korea has successfully completed the first-ever ascent of Chhuama Peak III (6,268 meters) in Upper Mustang, marking a landmark moment for Nepal’s high-altitude exploration and the growing adventure tourism sector in the region.

The ascent took place on November 2, when members of the “2025 Jeju International Mountaineering Expedition” began their summit push from Chhuama Base Camp at 2:00 a.m. Despite freezing temperatures and steep terrain, the team reached the summit roughly ten hours later, raising the national flags of Nepal and South Korea atop the previously unclimbed peak.

The expedition was a collaborative effort featuring Nepali climbers Dawa Phurten Bhote and Mingmar Sherpa, and South Korean climbers Kim Dongjin (team leader), Kim Hyon Chul, and Oh Namyong. The group was supported by guide Karma Sherpa and additional logistical staff, bringing the total team size to eight.

According to Trekking Camp Nepal, which coordinated the climb, a reconnaissance team had surveyed the Chhuama region in mid-October to identify a safe and feasible route. Following the survey, the expedition received climbing authorization and began their journey via the Jomsom–Lomanthang–Nhichung route, covering roughly 80 kilometers to the base camp.

Officials from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in Lomanthang confirmed that this was the first recorded foreign ascent in Upper Mustang, a region historically known more for its cultural tourism than for mountaineering. “This achievement sets the stage for Upper Mustang to emerge as a new hub for adventure tourism,” said Umesh Paudel, Chief of the ACAP Lomanthang Office.

Upon their return to Lomanthang, the climbers were honored with traditional khadas and certificates of recognition by ACAP representatives. Paudel noted that the successful climb would “enhance Mustang’s global visibility and contribute to local livelihoods through sustainable adventure tourism.”

The Chhuama Himal range consists of three primary summits—Chhuama I (6,366m), Chhuama II, and Chhuama III (6,268m). With the first ascent of Chhuama III now recorded, experts believe that interest in neighboring unclimbed peaks will grow, attracting more expedition teams in the coming years.

Chhuama Peak lies within the Mustang Himal range of Gandaki Province, north of the ancient walled city of Lomanthang. The peak can be accessed either by flight or drive to Jomsom, followed by a multi-day trek through Mustang’s trans-Himalayan landscape.

The climb’s success not only adds a new name to Nepal’s long list of first ascents but also highlights Upper Mustang’s untapped potential as a frontier for exploration. As local authorities and trekking agencies look to diversify Nepal’s adventure portfolio, the achievement on Chhuama Peak III is expected to inspire further expeditions and strengthen the region’s identity as a destination that blends culture, wilderness, and high-altitude challenge.