KATHMANDU, 18 April 2026 — Mount Annapurna I (8,091m), one of the world’s most challenging 8,000-meter peaks, recorded its first successful summit of the Spring 2026 climbing season on Friday morning.
A total of 16 members, including 5 international climbers and 11 experienced Sherpa guides, successfully reached the summit, marking a significant milestone in this season’s Himalayan expeditions.
The successful climbers include Vladimir Kotlyar (Russia), Alexander Bachmann (Germany), Vladimir Belkovich (Russia), Mario Fernando Villagrán Avendaño (Ecuador), and Arno Ter-Saakovs (Latvia).
The ascent was led by veteran high-altitude guide Lakpa Sherpa (Makalu Lakpa), supported by a strong Sherpa team from Sankhuwasabha, reflecting Nepal’s unmatched expertise in Himalayan mountaineering.
The expedition team described the summit as a symbol of teamwork, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Himalayas, while emphasizing that a safe descent remains equally crucial, as the summit marks only the halfway point of the journey.
Annapurna, standing at 8,091 meters, is widely regarded as one of the most technically demanding and dangerous mountains in the world, making this achievement especially notable for the Spring 2026 season.
The 14 Peaks Annapurna Expedition Team has extended best wishes to all members for a safe and smooth descent.
