Annapurna Climbing Day: Three distinguished mountaineers honoured in Lamjung

KATHMANDU: Three accomplished Nepali mountaineers were honoured in Lamjung district on Thursday as part of celebrations marking the 76th Annapurna Ascent Day, an event aimed at promoting mountain tourism and recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Nepal’s mountaineering sector.

The recognition ceremony was held during a two-day tourism promotion programme organized in Dordi Rural Municipality on Jestha 20–21. According to Dordi Rural Municipality Chairperson Yubaraj Adhikari, the award recipients were record-setting climber Purnima Shrestha, veteran mountain guide Narendra Shahi, and climber-educator Man Raj Gurung.

The honours were presented by Yashoda Rimal.

The programme was organized by Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki in collaboration with the Gandaki Province Ministry of Industry and Tourism, the Nepal Tourism Board, Dordi Rural Municipality and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

Celebrating Nepal’s Mountain Heritage

The event commemorated the historic first ascent of Annapurna I, the world’s first 8,000-meter peak to be successfully climbed in 1950. Officials said the celebration was intended not only to honor mountaineering achievements but also to highlight the economic and tourism significance of Nepal’s mountain regions.

Tourism stakeholders have increasingly emphasized the role of mountaineering, trekking, and adventure tourism in supporting local economies, particularly as Nepal seeks to strengthen its position as a global destination for high-altitude tourism.

Purnima Shrestha Recognized for Record-Breaking Achievements

Among those honoured, Purnima Shrestha has emerged as one of Nepal’s most prominent female mountaineers in recent years.

Originally a photojournalist from Arughat, Gorkha, Shrestha’s journey into mountaineering began while covering the Everest Marathon in 2017. Since then, she has climbed several of the world’s highest peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse and K2.

In 2021, she became part of the first all-Nepali women’s team to summit Annapurna and later made history alongside Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita as one of the first Nepali women to successfully summit Dhaulagiri.

Her most notable achievement came in 2024 when she climbed Mount Everest three times within 13 days, becoming the first woman in the world to achieve the feat during a single climbing season. The accomplishment earned her recognition in the Guinness World Records.

Having completed her sixth Everest ascent in 2026, Shrestha is widely regarded as one of Nepal’s leading female mountaineers and a symbol of growing female participation in high-altitude climbing.

Narendra Shahi Honoured for Climbing and Rescue Contributions

Another recipient, Narendra Shahi, is a veteran mountaineer and internationally certified mountain guide from Rainas Municipality in Lamjung.

Shahi began his climbing career with the ascent of Mera Peak in 2005 and has since completed five successful Everest summits between 2017 and 2024. He is also credited with the first recorded ascent of Tobsar Peak (6,100 metres) in 2017.

His mountaineering experience extends beyond Nepal, including climbs in Iceland, France, Switzerland, Italy and Russia. In 2024 alone, he successfully summited Everest, Hvannadalshnúkur in Iceland and Lobuche Peak in Nepal.

Beyond climbing, Shahi has played a major role in mountain education and rescue operations. He has served as an education chief and observer in mountain guide training programmes in Nepal and China and previously worked as technical director of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association.

Currently involved with rescue initiatives under the Himalayan Rescue Association, Shahi is also known for promoting professional standards in Nepal’s mountain guiding industry.

Man Raj Gurung Recognized for Adventure Tourism Leadership

The third honouree, Man Raj Gurung, has built a reputation as both a mountaineer and an advocate for adventure tourism education.

Born in Pyarjung of Rainas Municipality, Gurung successfully summited Everest on May 15, 2025, marking a major milestone in a climbing career spanning more than 15 years.

An international mountain guide and tourism entrepreneur, he has completed ascents of several notable peaks including Himlung Himal, Ama Dablam, Mera Peak and Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.

Through his company, Bodhi Adventures, Gurung has promoted adventure tourism while also emphasizing education and professional development within the sector.

Unlike many climbers, Gurung combines extensive mountain experience with a strong academic background. He holds postgraduate degrees in business studies and Buddhist and Himalayan studies.

He has also served as a trainer in mountain rescue, rope rescue and navigation programmes, working with institutions including the Nepal Army and Nepal Police.

In recent years, Gurung has advocated introducing mountaineering, adventure sports and mountain tourism as optional subjects in Nepal’s secondary education curriculum, arguing that formal education could help prepare future generations for careers in the country’s growing adventure tourism industry.

Tourism Sector Highlights Role of Mountaineers

Organizers said the recognition of Shrestha, Shahi and Gurung reflects the growing importance of mountaineers not only as climbers but also as ambassadors of Nepal’s tourism industry.

With adventure tourism contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings and international visibility, stakeholders say experienced climbers, guides and tourism professionals play a crucial role in promoting Nepal’s mountain destinations globally.

The Annapurna Ascent Day celebrations in Lamjung also underscored efforts by local governments and tourism organizations to connect mountain heritage with regional tourism development, particularly in areas linked to major trekking and climbing routes.

As Nepal continues to position itself as a premier destination for mountaineering and adventure tourism, officials said recognizing the achievements of accomplished climbers remains an important part of preserving the country’s mountaineering legacy while inspiring a new generation of adventurers.