KATHMANDU: Nepal marked a historic milestone on Saturday as the Manaslu Platinum Jubilee Celebration 2026 was held in Samagaun, Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality-1, Gorkha, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth-highest peak, on May 9, 1956.

The centrepiece of the day's ceremony was the unveiling of statues of Japanese climber Toshio Imanishi and Nepali mountaineer Urken Tshering Sherpa, who together made the historic first summit. The unveiling was performed by chief guests at 10:00 am, followed by a civic reception honouring the families of both pioneers along with other Manaslu summiteers.

Nima Lama, Chairman of Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality, delivered the welcome address, followed by remarks from Kunio Imanishi, son of Toshio Imanishi, who recalled that 70 years ago there was no road infrastructure and his father had to walk all the way from Kathmandu to reach the mountain. "The support extended to my father during that time was immense. I am truly happy to be part of this programme today," he said.

Chiri Sherpa, son of Urken Tshering Sherpa, also addressed the gathering, as did Iida Hajima, Vice President of the Japanese Alpine Club, and Shinto Yasuharu, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan.

Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Director General of the Nepal Tourism Board, also spoke at the event. Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey, the chief guest, addressed the gathering and urged greater focus on developing alternative trekking routes in areas where motor roads have expanded. He stressed that Manang, Mustang, and upper Gorkha should be developed as special protected zones for high-value tourism. The vote of thanks was delivered by Fur Gelje Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).

The ceremony also honoured local residents of Samagaun who have summited Manaslu, including Mingmar Tshiring Lama, Nangsal Choden Lama, Diki Lhamu Lama, and Tshiring Diki Lama. Tourism entrepreneurs Bir Bahadur Lama and Lakpa Dundup Lama, as well as organisations CAN Nepal and Help Nepal, also received recognition.

A cultural programme followed the formal proceedings, after which delegates departed for Pokhara.

The two-day celebration continues on Sunday, May 10, at the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara, where a 3D model of Manaslu will be jointly inaugurated by Gandaki Province Minister of Forests and Environment Namdu Gurung and Japanese Deputy Chief of Mission Shinto Yasuharu. The Pokhara programme will also feature a presentation on the 1956 Manaslu Expedition by Iida Hajima and a screening of a documentary on the historic climb.

The event was organised by Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality, Gorkha, with participation from NTB, TAAN, NMA, and the Japan-Nepal partnership organisations.