Gandaki: The 74th Annapurna Day was celebrated with various programs today, marking the historic ascent of Mt. Annapurna by French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal on June 3, 1950.

Ambassadors and diplomats from nine different countries participated in the celebrations alongside officials from the Nepal Tourism Board, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), and the Nepal Mountaineering Association.

During the morning procession, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha emphasized the government's commitment to identifying and promoting tourist destinations to develop Nepal as a premier tourist hub.

Surendra Raj Pandey, Chief of Gandaki Province, highlighted how Maurice Herzog's first ascent of Annapurna established Nepal as a renowned mountaineering and adventure destination.

In addition, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha unveiled a statue of Maurice Herzog, which will be placed at the Annapurna base camp in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, Myagdi district.