KATHMANDU, Jan 31: FinePrint and the French Embassy in Nepal, has announced the completion of the Nepali translation of Maurice Herzog’s iconic book, Annapurna: Premier 8000. The French Ambassador to Nepal Virginie Corteval, handed over the draft of the translation to the CEO of FinePrint, Niraj Bhari amid a program held in the capital.
According to a press release jointly issued by the French Embassy and FinePrint, the seminal travelogue, recounting the triumphant ascent of Annapurna—the first 8,000-meter peak ever climbed—has captivated readers worldwide since its initial publication in 1951. The Nepali translation will be launched on June 3 commemorating the exact day Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal reached the summit of Annapurna 75 years ago.
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Translated into dozens of languages and selling millions of copies globally, the book is known to have shaped the world’s perception of Nepal, placing it firmly on the map as a premier destination for mountain climbing and adventure tourism. However, the book was never translated into Nepali until now.
This Nepali translation marks a significant step in making this narrative accessible to a broader audience within Nepal, allowing them to connect with a story that has inspired adventurers and readers around the world. The translation, financed by the French Embassy and Alliance Française de Katmandou (AFK), had been commissioned for the translation.
At the program Niraj Bhari, CEO of FinePrint emphasized the significance of the Nepali translation of the globally popular book. He said, “Maurice Herzog’s Annapurna played a monumental role in popularizing Nepal, selling millions of copies worldwide but it was never translated into Nepali. By publishing this iconic work in Nepali, we aim to honor the incredible feat of this Franco-Nepali expedition team as well as of Herzog and Louis Lachenal and ensure that this important story reaches the people whose land and spirit it celebrates.”
Similarly, Ambassador Corteval remarked, “The French Embassy is proud to support the Nepali translation of Maurice Herzog's Annapurna: Premier 8000, a work that helped make Nepal known to the French and worldwide. It is only befitting that this tale will now be available in the Nepali language and thus allowing many Nepalis to read in their own language. We hope that this translation will create awareness among future generations in Nepal and elsewhere."
Translated by Ashok Shakya and Rijendra Shrestha, teachers of French as a foreign language at the AFK, the account of the first ascent of Annapurna highlights the cultural and natural beauty of Nepal, inspiring countless individuals to explore its rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes. It has cemented Nepal’s reputation as a land of unparalleled challenges and opportunities for mountaineers and adventure seekers alike.
