Platinum Anniversary: Nepal Prepares to Mark Seven Decades of Lhotse and Manaslu Conquests
Nepal is preparing to honor seven decades of mountaineering history next month as the nation celebrates the 70th anniversary—the Platinum Jubilee—of the first successful ascents of Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Manaslu. The dual celebrations will feature a series of high-profile events across Gorkha, Pokhara, and Solukhumbu, drawing international dignitaries and descendants of the original climbers to the Himalayas.
Both peaks were first conquered in 1956, a landmark year for global mountaineering. On May 9, 1956, Japanese climber Toshio Imanishi reached the summit of Mt. Manaslu, while just days later, on May 18, Swiss climbers Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger successfully scaled Mt. Lhotse. These historic feats laid the groundwork for decades of international cooperation and tourism in Nepal.
The commemorations are being spearheaded by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), in collaboration with local municipalities and the Embassies of Japan and Switzerland. A major highlight of the festivities will be the unveiling of commemorative statues. A statue of Toshio Imanishi will be inaugurated in Sama Gaun, Gorkha, while statues of Reiss and Luchsinger will be erected in Khumjung, Solukhumbu. Additionally, the events will honor Urkien Tshering Sherpa, the first Nepali climber to summit both peaks, with a dedicated statue in recognition of his pioneering contributions to Nepali mountaineering.
The Manaslu Platinum Jubilee will kick off on May 8–9 in Sama Gaun, followed by a special program at the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara on May 10. During the Pokhara event, Japanese Ambassador Maeda Toru is scheduled to inaugurate a 3D model of Mt. Manaslu. Attendees will also view a documentary and a presentation by the Japanese Alpine Club regarding the original 1956 expedition. The Lhotse celebrations will follow on May 21 in the Khumbu region.
Beyond the historical tribute, officials view these jubilees as a vital tool for “mountain diplomacy.” Neema Lama, Chairman of Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality, noted that the first ascent of Manaslu was a foundational moment for diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan. NTB Senior Director Sunil Sharma added that the Board aims to leverage these milestones to promote Nepal’s rich mountaineering heritage and bolster the tourism sector. As preparations reach their final stages, the nation stands ready to welcome the global climbing community to celebrate the enduring spirit of Himalayan exploration.
