MYAGDI: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the government is actively working to make mountaineering in Nepal safer and more accessible.
Speaking at a ceremony in Narchyang, Annapurna Rural Municipality–4, on the occasion of the diamond jubilee of the Annapurna Mountain ascent, PM Oli highlighted the government’s efforts in reducing the risks of Himalayan expeditions.
“The number of climbers summiting Everest has increased due to the government’s preparation of skilled personnel and the development of necessary infrastructure along the climbing routes,” he said.
He added that the government has also prioritized the construction and upgrading of trekking routes that connect base camps of Annapurna and other mountains.
Oli further stated that the Kaligandaki Corridor, which connects Myagdi to the Korala border point in Mustang, is a national priority and that infrastructure development at the Korala border is currently underway.
Recalling the historic first ascent of Annapurna by French mountaineer Maurice Herzog 75 years ago, PM Oli credited the climb with opening the doors of Nepal’s mountaineering potential to the world. He also praised the Sherpa community for their significant role in the development of mountain tourism.
“Herzog’s book Annapurna played an important role in introducing Nepal and its mountains to the world,” Oli said.
Maurice Herzog successfully summited the 8,091-meter Annapurna peak on June 3, 1950.
The ceremony was also attended by Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey, and Minister of State for Energy, Irrigation and Water Resources Kham Bahadur Garbuja.
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