First Ascent of Chhuama Mountain Boosts Tourism Prospects in Upper Mustang

An eight-member mountaineering team has successfully made the first-ever ascent of Chhuama Mountain in Upper Mustang, marking a new milestone for adventure tourism in the region.

The team, including three climbers from South Korea, scaled the 6,213-meter peak on November 2, according to the National Trust for Nature Conservation and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Office in Lomanthang. The mountain has to be climbed from Namdo village in Lomanthang Rural Municipality–4 via the 5,480-meter-high Chhuama Base Camp.

The successful ascent was achieved by the South Korean climbers along with five Nepali guides. The team began their final push to the summit from the base camp at 2:00 am on November 2 and reached the top after a 10-hour climb. They later returned safely to Lomanthang.

ACAP Lomanthang Office Chief Umesh Poudel said the first successful ascent of Chhuama Mountain—one of three peaks in the Chhuama range—holds significant potential for promoting tourism and mountaineering in Upper Mustang.

“This historic climb will help introduce Upper Mustang as a promising destination for high-altitude adventure tourism,” he said.

Located near the ancient walled city of Lomanthang, Upper Mustang is already renowned for its unique trans-Himalayan culture, arid landscapes, and ancient monasteries. With the first ascent of Chhuama, officials and tourism entrepreneurs hope to attract more international climbers and trekkers to the region, complementing its cultural and natural appeal. – With inputs from RSS