On 25 May 1955, Joe Brown and George Band, members of a British expedition, made history by becoming the first climbers to summit Mt. Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak. Seventy years later, the legacy of that first ascent of the 8,586-meter mountain endures, reflected in the global and intergenerational fascination it continues to inspire. Exhibition "Summit of Friendship: 75 Years of Annapurna Ascent" opens at Alliance Française in Kathmandu The First Ascent of Yasa Thak (6141 m)…and its future To celebrate this lasting legacy and promote a sustainable future for Kangchenjunga, Nepal and the United Kingdom will jointly host events marking the 70th anniversary of the summit, organizers announced. Under the theme 'Kangchenjunga: Five Treasures, Five Pillars', the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council (KCAMC) and Samriddha Pahad will co-host the platinum jubilee event in Kathmandu on April 24, bringing together the private sector, media, government stakeholders, and international organizations to honor the historic climb. To date, nearly 400 climbers have successfully reached the summit. According to the organisers, the event will feature prominent figures, including Manose Singh, master flute player and Nepal's only Grammy-nominated musician, John Porter, acclaimed mountain filmmaker, Prithvi B. Pande, Chairman of Nepal Investment Mega Bank and Samriddha Pahad, Lisa Choegyal, New Zealand's Honorary Consul to Nepal, Nima Nuru Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Jaco du Toit, UNESCO Nepal Country Representative, Manisha Koirala, celebrated actress in Nepali and Indian cinema, Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Director of WWF Nepal, and other distinguished guests. The first three Nepali male summiteers-Ang Phurba Sherpa, Nima Dorje Sherpa, and Pemba Tsering Sherpa-as well as the first Nepali female summiteer, Nima Jangmu Sherpa, will receive special recognition during the event, said Sir Graham Wrigley, advisor to Samriddha Pahad and Chairman of Himalayan Trust UK. The program will include panel discussions, film screenings, and speeches, among other activities. The celebrations began on April 19 in the heart of the Kangchenjunga region, with a special event in the scenic village of Lelep, Taplejung, accompanied by a curated photography exhibition showcasing Kangchenjunga's history. On June 5, the festivities will culminate in the United Kingdom at the prestigious Royal Geographical Society, where adventurers, mountaineers, and enthusiasts will gather to commemorate this historic milestone. The event will honor pioneering climbers while promoting community engagement and highlighting the region's rich cultural heritage, according to the organisers.Organizers also revealed plans for the 70th Anniversary Duke of Edinburgh Expedition to Kangchenjunga, scheduled for Spring 2026. As per the organisers, 'The Five Treasures of Snow' is a sacred representation encompassing- gold, silver, grain, gems and sacred religious texts. The event will also discuss 'The Five Pillars': environment and conservation, sustainable tourism infrastructure, community human capital & economic development, smart technologies and destination marketing. Sir Graham Wrigley, a Permira co-founder who transitioned from finance to development economics and led British International Investment (2013–2022), shared that Samriddha Pahad and KCAMC have developed a long-term holistic program - the 'Samriddha Kangchenjunga Program' - based on these five pillars. With fewer than 1,000 international tourists visiting the Kangchenjunga region annually-far fewer than the Annapurna and Everest regions-KCAMC and Samriddha Pahad aim to encourage responsible tourism, boost conservation efforts, and develop a new tourism model that prioritizes environmental protection and local community support, according to Sir Graham. "The Kangchenjunga region is more than a destination-it's a vibrant ecosystem that deserves protection and appreciation," the organizers emphasized, "Our initiative promotes sustainable tourism, enhances local livelihoods, and preserves the area's unique cultural heritage. Through the Kangchenjunga 70 events in Nepal and the UK, we hope to inspire visitors to explore this breathtaking region while supporting conservation and community development."