'First 8000m Summit of 2025 Achieved'

A three-member team of Chinese and Nepali climbers reportedly scaled the Annapurna-I (8091 meters) on Sunday (April 6), marking the first ascent of an eight-thousander of the Spring season  2025.

Imagine Nepal Trek and Expeditions stated in its social media and blog posts that a team of Zhao Yiyi (China), Dipan Gurung (Nepal) and Phinjo Dorjee Sherpa (Nepal) successfully made the first 8000-meter summit of the Spring 2025 season at 10 am on April 6.

The agency handling the expedition acknowledged that the summit wasn’t easy as it came after an earlier attempt on March 26 was called off due to harsh weather above 7,500m. After weeks of acclimatization and rotations starting March 10, the team pushed forward with determination, ultimately reaching the top during their second summit push, it stated. 

The second attempt came after a team of eight Chinese climbers and eight Sherpas from Imagine Nepal made their first attempt on March 26, which was aborted due to increased risks and sudden changes in weather conditions above 7,500 meters.

The second attempt involved three Chinese climbers and five Sherpas, including Zhao YiYi, Dipan Gurung, and Phinjo Dorje Sherpa, the agency stated. However, only Zhao YiYi, supported by two Sherpas, reached the summit, while the others had to turn back due to deteriorating weather conditions.

The expedition commenced on March 10, when a team of eight Chinese climbers and ten seasoned Sherpas began their ascent. After weeks of acclimatization and strategic rotations, the team completed their final rotation to Camp III (6,500m) on March 19, ensuring they were well-prepared for the final push to the summit, it said.

Imagine Nepal said it also proudly took the lead in fixing the ropes on Annapurna-I this year, guiding the path for all future climbers this season.