Annapurna Spring 2025: Triumphs, Tragedies, and the Mountain’s Relentless Test
Anano Atabegashvili |
April 29, 2025 |
Seventy-five years ago, on June 3rd, 1950, two French climbers stood atop Annapurna I – the first humans to conquer an 8,000-meter peak. That moment didn’t just change mountaineering history; it ignited a legacy of adventure, risk, and reverence that lives on today…
Annapurna – the “Goddess of the Harvest” – once again proved why she remains one of the deadliest and most revered mountains in the world. The 2025 spring expedition season brought unforgettable moments: history-making summits, heartbreaking loss, and a reminder of the raw challenge that Annapurna holds for every climber who steps onto her icy slopes.
This year’s climbs were especially symbolic – marking the 75th anniversary of the mountain’s first ascent in 1950 by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal.
Photo: Zura Kvestadze
A Harsh Season Begins
From March to May 2025, teams from around the world gathered at Annapurna’s Base Camp, their sights set on the summit towering 8,091 meters above. But even for veterans of the Himalayas, the mountain quickly showed her teeth.
A dry winter had stripped the lower slopes almost bare, while the upper sections gleamed with hard-packed blue ice, riddled with wide, deep crevasses. The route was so brutal that climbers reached Camp 1 without even needing crampons – a surreal and ominous sight.
Adding to the challenge, fixed ropes were only installed up to Camp 3. Teams made the bold decision to skip establishing Camp 4 altogether, launching summit pushes from Camp 3 in exhausting, marathon efforts.
Early Summits and Major Achievements
On April 6, 2025, the first historic summit of the spring season belonged to the Imagine Nepal team. Chinese climber Mr. Zhao YiYi, alongside Sherpa climbers Dipan Gurung and Phinjo Dorjee Sherpa, reached the top at 10:10 AM local time – not only marking the season’s first 8,000-meter success but also highlighting Imagine Nepal’s crucial work in fixing ropes for the route.
The following day, April 7, over 45 climbers from teams like 8K Expeditions, Pioneer Adventure, Seven Summits Treks, and Imagine Nepal stood atop Annapurna, defying the mountain’s infamous odds.
Among the standout moments:
Anni Penttilä became the first Finnish woman to summit Annapurna. Her next challenge is K2 and Broad Peak in Pakistan, summer 2025.
Babar Ali achieved a historic milestone as the first Bangladeshi climber to summit Annapurna.
Liliya Ianovskaia reached the top as the oldest woman to conquer Annapurna.
On April 14, Allie Pepper from Australia summited without supplemental oxygen, supported by a powerful Sherpa team – a rare and monumental feat.
Despite the brutal conditions, the spirit of human endurance shone brightly across Annapurna’s icy heights.
Zura Kvestadze’s Solo Attempt
Among those drawn to Annapurna’s fierce slopes was Zura Kvestadze – professional alpinist, member of the Georgian National Mountaineering Team (UFGM), Summiters Club co-founder, and a lead alpine guide with over 10 years of experience.
With three 8000m summits (Lhotse, Manaslu, Cho Oyu) without supplemental oxygen, Zura set out to add Annapurna to his remarkable list – climbing solo, without oxygen, and without Sherpa support.
However, as conditions worsened – relentless snowstorms and the instability of the upper slopes – he made the hard but wise decision to retreat. On Annapurna, sometimes turning back is the true summit – a lesson known well by seasoned mountaineers.
Zura Kvestadze
Tragedy in the Icefall
While Annapurna inspired triumphs, she also demanded the ultimate price. On April 7, an avalanche swept down between Camp 2 and Camp 3 – the most dangerous stretch on the mountain.
Two Sherpas from Seven Summit Treks, Rima Rinje Sherpa and Ngima Tashi Sherpa, were caught while carrying oxygen cylinders for summit climbers. Despite immediate search efforts – even by fellow Sherpa Pemba Thenduk who heroically tried to find them – both were lost.
The tragedy raised Annapurna’s grim total to 75 fatalities, a stark reminder of the mountain’s peril even in the modern era.
Photo: Zura Kvestadze
Looking Forward
The Spring 2025 expedition season on Annapurna painted a portrait of pure mountaineering spirit: courage, loss, endurance, and hope.
As climbers like Anni Penttilä prepare for their next adventures, and as mountaineers like Zura Kvestadze continue to push limits with wisdom and heart, Annapurna stands eternal – beautiful, brutal, and utterly unforgettable.
At Summiters Club, we salute every soul who dared to walk her slopes this season. And we carry forward their stories – of those who reached the top, and those who touched the mountain’s heart.
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