Nepal will celebrate the 'Platinum Jubilee' with special programs throughout 2026 to mark the 70th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Manaslu and Lhotse, two important mountains in the history of world mountaineering.

The programs jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Mountaineering Association aim to highlight the historical importance of these peaks and promote Nepal as a major global tourism destination, the board said in a program organized on Wednesday.

Manaslu, which has a height of 8,163 meters, is the eighth highest mountain in the world. The word 'Manaslu' comes from the Sanskrit word 'Manas', which means soul or consciousness. Located in Gorkha district, this mountain was first successfully climbed on May 9, 1956, by Toshio Imanishi and Nepali Sherpa Gyalzen Norbu of a Japanese expedition team. This successful climb, which came after a long period of unsuccessful attempts, is considered to be particularly associated with Japan.

Nima Lama, Chairman of Chumanubri Rural Municipality, mentioned the historical importance of Manaslu Mountain and said that more than 3,000 climbers have climbed the peak so far. “The construction of the statue of the first climbers has reached the final stage, which will be unveiled on the occasion of Manaslu Day,” said Chairman Lama. “The cultural richness of the Chum Valley and the surrounding mountainous areas will also be included in this program.” Similarly, Lhotse, at an altitude of 8,516 meters, is the fourth highest mountain in the world, located in the Khumbu region near Mount Everest. “Lhotse” means “southern peak” in Tibetan. This mountain was first climbed on May 18, 1956, by Swiss mountaineers Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luxinger. Lhotse, which has a close relationship with Mount Everest, is considered very challenging in terms of mountaineering, especially its south face, which is one of the most difficult routes in the world.

It has been informed through a press conference organized by the Nepal Tourism Board that various programs will be conducted throughout the jubilee year. The program was attended by Swiss and Japanese diplomatic representatives, who recalled that these climbs established historical relations between Nepal, Japan and Switzerland.

Under the program, statues will be built and unveiled in honor of the first climbers, and senior mountaineers and their families will be specially honored. Cultural and tourism promotion activities will be conducted focusing on the Chumnubri rural municipality in the Manaslu region and the Khumbu region in the Lhotse region.

On this occasion, a 3D model of Manaslu will also be unveiled at the International Mountain Museum. In addition, various cultural programs will be organized with the aim of introducing the original culture, traditions and heritage of the Chum Valley at the international level.

Nepal Mountaineering Association President Furgelje Sherpa said that the Platinum Jubilee is a historic achievement not only for Nepal but also for the world mountaineering community. ‘The first ascents of Manaslu and Lhotse played an important role in strengthening diplomatic relations between Nepal, Japan and Switzerland,’ he said, ‘on this basis, international cooperation and goodwill have expanded.’ According to the organizers, this jubilee is not just a celebration but also an opportunity to pay tribute to the pioneers who created mountaineering history.’