KATHMANDU: A five-member expedition team has successfully completed the first-ever ascent of Mt. Pathibhara (6,868m) in Nepal’s Kanchenjunga–Taplejung region.

According to Xtreme Climbers Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd., which organized and managed the expedition, the team reached the summit at 1:50 p.m. on October 14, 2025. 

The ascent was led by Hernán David Leal Barrientos, a climber from Chile, together with an experienced Nepali Sherpa team including lead climbing Sherpa and team leader Lakpa Chhiri Sherpa , and climbing Sherpas Lhakpa Chhiring Sherpa, Kunga Gyaju Sherpa, Pema Tasi Tamang, and Climbing Sherpa.

Mt. Pathibhara, located in the Kanchenjunga–Taplejung region of eastern Nepal, was officially opened for climbing earlier this year by the Government of Nepal. The mountain, which rises above one of the country’s least explored valleys, offers a mix of steep ice and snow routes, making it a challenging objective for experienced climbers seeking technical ascents in the eastern Himalaya.

Two first ascents in a year

The successful climb of Mt. Pathibhara follows Hernán’s first ascent of Mt. Sharphu IV (6,433m) on March 25, 2025, also organized by Xtreme Climbers. With these two first ascents within a single calendar year, Hernán is believed to be the first climber to achieve two Himalayan first ascents in 2025, said Pemba Sherpa, Managing Director of Xtreme Climbers Treks & Expeditions. 

As of Wednesday, the team was descending safely from Camp II (6,300m) to Base Camp, the company said in a statement. Further details on the route, technical aspects, and summit photographs are expected to be shared following their return.

“With these two groundbreaking ascents, Hernán David Leal Barrientos has etched his name in mountaineering history as the first international climber to accomplish two Himalayan first ascents in a single year, an extraordinary demonstration of skill, vision, and perseverance,” Sherpa added.