A member of the Bidu Municipality team holds a Nepalese flag on the summit of Chhopa Bamare. Photo: Himalayan Shepherd

Nepalese climbers recently achieved the second-ever ascent of Chhopa Bamare, standing at 6,109 feet in Rolwaling, as documented by The Himalayan Database.

Back in the winter of 2019, John Patrick Kelley from the U.S. and Benjamin Billet from France pioneered the climb, scaling the southeast face and the southwest ridge in an alpine style over a four-day expedition. Their accomplishment, highlighted in the American Alpine Journal, praised the mountain's beauty, even though it didn't pose a highly challenging ascent.

Despite the comprehensive details and evidence provided by the 2019 climbers, Nepal's Department of Tourism has continued to categorize it as "unclimbed" on its Nepal Himal Peak Profile site since the mountain became open for climbing in 2014. Consequently, the Nepalese team now asserts the inaugural "official" ascent.

Beyond the conquest, the recent Nepalese expedition had a broader objective: to expand the selection of trekking peaks in Nepal and promote tourism in lesser-explored regions. Facilitated by Himalayan Eco Treks and Expeditions and Dolma Outdoor, the expedition members hail from the Bigu municipality.

Under the leadership of Nima Gyalzen, Dolma Outdoor's head, the summiters reached the pinnacle on Dec. 29, after an eight-day journey from Base Camp. The team included Phurba Thiley Sherpa, Lila Bahadur Basnet, Lakpa Gelji Sherpa, Bhabindra Khadka, and Bigu chairperson Sanjeeb Oli.

For detailed information on their route, we've approached the Nepalese outfitter.

"Himalayan Shepherd, a sister company of Dolma Outdoor, revealed that the peak can be conquered in just three days, making it an excellent choice for trekkers," as stated by Dolma Outdoor.

Chhopa Bamare is situated in the Dolkha district of Rolwaling, near Gauri Shankar and the Tibetan border. Remarkably, the peak is visible from the Tibetan border in Kodari, a departure point for teams heading to Shishapagma and Cho Oyu in Tibet.

Nima Gyalzen and his team had previously conquered another untouched peak with clients last fall: Jugal V. This recent achievement further underscores Nepal's commitment to uncovering new adventure opportunities for intrepid travelers.