KATHMANDU: 14 Peaks Expedition has opened the Spring 2026 Himalayan season with a successful summit of Annapurna (8,091m) on the morning of April 18, making it the first eight-thousander to be climbed this season.

A team of five international climbers and 11 Nepali guides reached the top of the world's tenth highest and arguably most technically demanding eight-thousander, marking what the expedition called "a proud milestone in the Himalayas."

The international summiteers were Vladimir Kotlyar and Vladimir Belkovich of Russia, Alexander Bachmann of Germany, Mario Fernando Villagrán Avendaño of Ecuador, and Arno Ter-Saakovs of Latvia.

The 11-member Sherpa guide team was led by Lakpa Sherpa (Makalu Lakpa) of Makalu-1, Sankhuwasabha, accompanied by Pasang Sherpa (Sojo), Lakpa Sherpa, Dorchi Sherpa, Dorchi Sherpa (Done), Dorchi Sherpa, Pemba Sherpa (Neta), Ngang Pemba Sherpa, Lakpa Renji Sherpa, Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, and Pemdorchi Sherpa — all from Makalu-1 and Makalu-2 in Sankhuwasabha.

"This remarkable achievement reflects true teamwork, resilience, and the strength of the Himalayan spirit," the 14 Peaks Annapurna Expedition Team said, adding that the entire team has begun its descent.

With Annapurna now climbed, attention in the spring season turns to Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Dhaulagiri, where expeditions are currently in various stages of acclimatisation and preparation.