Alliee Pepper makes history scaling Mt Annapurna-I oxygen-free; sets sights on further summits

KATHMANDU: Australian mountaineer Alliee Pepper has achieved a remarkable feat by successfully scaling Mt Annapurna-I without the aid of supplementary oxygen.

Although official verification is pending, Pepper's accomplishment marks a significant milestone in mountaineering.

Pepper, aged 47, reached the summit of the world's 10th tallest peak at 12:07 PM on Sunday, as confirmed by Minga Sherpa, Chairman of Seven Summit Treks Company.

Accompanied by tour guides Michael Sherpa and Nima Sherpa, Pepper's ascent adds to the growing list of remarkable achievements on the iconic mountain.

Earlier, 17-year-old Nepali mountaineer Rinzi Sherpa also scaled Mt Annapurna-I without supplementary oxygen on April 12, further highlighting the mountain's allure for adventurous climbers.

Director of Tourism Department, Rakesh Gurung, acknowledged the reports of successful ascents by individuals without supplementary oxygen, emphasizing the increasing interest in climbing Mt Annapurna-I following recent rope-fixing successes.

Pepper, who aims to conquer the world's 14 peaks above 8000 meters within two years, has already scaled three mountains, including Mt Annapurna-I. Following her recent achievement, Pepper is now preparing to ascend Mt Kanchanjungha and Mt Makalu.

Pepper's journey into mountaineering began in 2007 with the ascent of Mt Choyu without oxygen from Tibet's side.

As the spring season unfolds, a total of 25 climbers, comprising 11 women and 14 men from three expedition teams, have obtained permits to climb Mt Annapurna-I, underscoring the mountain's enduring appeal to adventurers worldwide.