KATHMANDU: Nepal’s far western frontier has welcomed a new milestone in mountaineering and tourism with the first-ever ascent of Lhayul Peak (6,397m), a remote mountain in Darchula district.

The historic climb was achieved by a group of instructors and students from the Professional Mountain Guide Training’s Summer Skill Course, organized by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in collaboration with the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP). The STP is a joint initiative of the Nepal Tourism Board, UNDP, and Api Himal Rural Municipality.

On September 18 at 9:00 am, the team reached the summit via the north ridge, navigating the technical and remote terrain that defines the Far Western Himalaya, the NMA said. The team included instructors Lal Bahadur Jirel, Ram Kaji Tiwari, and Raksha Raj Tamang, along with students Dali Sherpa, Suryaman Tamang, Surjan Tamang, and Vishan Yonjan.

"This successful ascent not only highlights the high standard of professional training provided by the NMA but also reinforces Nepal’s commitment to sustainable tourism development and the promotion of lesser-known climbing destinations in the country," NMA General Secretary Rajendra Bahadur Lama.

Photo Courtesy: NMA/facebook

Lama said that this adds a new chapter to Nepal’s rich mountaineering history.

Beyond the mountaineering feat, the climb underscores Nepal’s strategy of promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations. The Far Western region, home to dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is being positioned as a new hub for sustainable adventure tourism.

With Lhayul Peak now on the climbing map, tourism stakeholders hope the achievement will inspire more visitors to explore Darchula and the Api Himal area, adding fresh momentum to community-based tourism and local livelihoods.