8 Jun 2023 3 min to read
French mountaineers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal on June 3, 1950, were the first to pioneer the ascent of Annapurna I (8,091 m). Mount Annapurna holds great significance as the first ascended mountain, marking the beginning of mountaineering in Nepal. Despite its remarkable importance, the first ascended Glory of Mount Annapurna remains unacknowledged. Exactly three years later, on May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary (New Zealand) and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa (Nepal) conquered the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, solidifying their place in history.
The world’s tallest Mount Everest has overshadowed the extraordinary achievement of the glorious Annapurna summit. Mt. Annapurna marked the first successful ascent of an 8,000-meter peak. Despite Maurice Herzog’s historic ascent in 1950, which catapulted Nepal on the global map, Annapurna’s significance has been largely overlooked.
Maurice Herzog’s renowned book ‘Annapurna’, reached a global audience with translations in over 50 languages. The book stands out among other books on Annapurna and was sold more than 16 million copies. The book captured the world’s attention and showcased the scenic tourism region while highlighting the expertise of Himalayan mountaineers. Herzog’s victorious ascent brought a wave of happiness to post-World War II France, creating a sense of sheer bliss.
Only 309 individuals have conquered Mount Annapurna, as of the data of 2021. In the first season of 2023, permission was granted to five groups, totaling 45 climbers, to attempt the challenging ascent. Despite 73 years passing since the first ascent, even 400 climbers have not reached the summit of Annapurna. In comparison, Mount Everest has attracted over 8,000 climbers worldwide, despite being three years younger in terms of its first ascent. Purnima Shrestha became the first Nepali woman to achieve this feat, 43 years after American and Czechoslovakian women accomplished it in 1978.
Annapurna has emerged as a popular destination for mountaineers, drawing approximately 60% of tourists visiting Pokhara, Nepal. While the southern base camp in Kaski receives significant footfall due to the Annapurna Conservation Project. Unfortunately, the northern base camp which made Mt. Annapurna renowned worldwide remains relatively unexplored.
It is important to bring more recognition to the greatness of Mt Annapurna and fully acknowledge its economic potential for local communities. By working together with local authorities in the Annapurna region, we can promote Mt Annapurna as an exciting adventure by establishing routes, accommodations, and logistical support. This will attract more national and international tourists, as well as encourage mountaineers to take on the challenging ascent. It creates a more authentic and thrilling experience instead of relying solely on helicopter access to the Annapurna base camp.
As Nepalese, we are awestruck by the immense beauty and grandeur of our beloved Himalayas. However, we must question whether we truly understand their geographical significance. Sadly, we have yet to fully recognize and present our own Himalayas to the world. It is essential to promote and create curiosity toward others regarding the majestic beauty of Mount Annapurna and other Himalayan ranges. We can also involve the local community in promoting a deeper connection with the Annapurna Himalayas.
