In an event held on January 20th, 2025, Thai mountaineer Vitidnan Rojanapanich shared insights from his unprecedented climb of Nepal’s Mount Yasa Thak. In December 2024, Vitidnan became the first foreigner to reach the summit of the 6,141-meter peak, a feat recognized by the Nepal Tourism Board. He shared his experiences and the profound motivations behind his climb, emphasizing the rapid acclimatization needed and the unexpected steepness of the terrain.
Vitidnan, who previously scaled Mount Everest, spoke about his aspiration to create a lasting legacy and to honor the rich historical and cultural ties between Thailand and Nepal. Inspired by the royal Thai composition “Echo,” which symbolizes an echo of everlasting love, his journey aimed to strengthen the bonds between the two nations. He also highlighted his ambition to be the first to summit, which was driven by a desire to earn the right to propose naming a part of the peak “Echo Peak” in honor of Thai-Nepalese friendship.
The climb, which coincided with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Nepal, was supported by Thailand’s Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Thailand Foundation.
This initiative, dubbed the Echo Friendship Expedition 2024, was not only a test of endurance and skill, but also a tribute to Thai-Nepal friendship. Alongside his climbing gear, Vitidnan carried a Buddha statue (Phra Buddha Metta) from Wat Thai Buddhagaya and Kalanamak rice to the summit, further symbolizing the cultural exchange and shared reverence.
The Nepal Tourism Board officially recognized Vitidnan’s achievement by presenting him with a certificate of ascent, acknowledging him as the first foreigner to summit Mount Yasa Thak.
Vitidnan’s efforts extend beyond mountaineering. He is the founder of the Thai-Nepal Friendship Association and has been a key figure in humanitarian efforts, particularly following the major earthquake in Nepal in 2015. This climb also highlighted his ongoing commitment to strengthening people-to-people relations between the two nations.
When asked if he had any words for younger generations, Vitidnan said, “I believe that life is an opportunity. It’s an important opportunity to follow your dreams and do something worthwhile. Use this opportunity to do something — even if others might forget — you never will.”
Paul Rujopakarn