A team of mountain guides and trainees has successfully climbed Bhabhya peak (6,396m) in Darchula for the first time.

The peak lies near Api mountain, the highest mountain in Sudurpaschim Province.

According to Bhakta Singh Bohara, chairperson of Api Himal Rural Municipality, the seven-member team successfully summited the peak on Thursday as part of a professional mountaineering training programme organised in coordination with the rural municipality to promote the region’s tourism potential.

Bhabhya peak lies to the right of Api mountain (7,131 metres).

Bohara said efforts are underway to develop trekking routes, tourist lodges, and other infrastructures with support from various agencies to attract climbers and boost tourism in the region. The federal government last year had waived climbing fees for 97 peaks in Sudurpaschim and Karnali for two years.