KATHMANDU, April 8: The spring ascent of Mount Annapurna in Myagdi has officially begun. Located in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, the 8,091-meter-tall mountain saw a successful summit by 32 climbers—including Nepali Sherpas and foreign mountaineers—on the very first day, Monday, between 8 AM and 11 AM, according to the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).
NMA General Secretary Mohan Lamsal informed that nine climbers were from Seven Summit Treks, eight from Pioneer Adventure, nine from 8K Expedition, three from Imagine Nepal, and two from Makalu Adventure. Favorable weather on Monday allowed many climbers to reach the summit.
However, two Sherpas—Rima Sherpa and Nima Tashi Sherpa from Solukhumbu—have gone missing in an avalanche between Camp II and Camp III. Search efforts with helicopters and Sherpa rescue teams are currently underway.
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Climber Mingma Sherpa wrote on Facebook about the dangers faced during the climb, citing dry conditions, large crevasses, and a deadly avalanche zone between Camps II and III. “With determination and courage, I reached the summit and bid farewell to this beautiful mountain. Though Annapurna’s beauty always drew me in, I can no longer risk my life here,” he posted.
This spring, 66 climbers have obtained permits to ascend Annapurna, a notable increase from just 25 last year. The Annapurna Base Camp, at an elevation of 4,190 meters, is bustling with climbers, Sherpas, guides, porters, and tourists.
According to the Department of Tourism, 520 climbers have successfully summited Annapurna so far. French mountaineer Maurice Herzog was the first to summit the mountain in 1950. A trekking route named after him—the Maurice Herzog Trail—connects Narchyang to Base Camp via the route he originally used.
From the municipal center Pokharebagar, climbers travel 22 kilometers by vehicle to Homs Khola and then trek 21 kilometers to reach Base Camp. Attractions such as the Phutfate Waterfall, the scenic Panchakunda Lake, and stunning Himalayan views have made the area a rising tourist destination.