Three Spanish mountaineers have made the first recorded ascent of Jugal-2 Himal, a 6,518-metre peak in Jugal Rural Municipality of Sindhupalchok district, Nepal. Michael Jabalza, Michael Saez and Ruben Perez reached the summit on Saturday and later returned to base camp, according to Milan Tamang, chair of the Jugal Rural Municipality tourism committee.
First ascent of Jugal-2
The successful climb marks the first time the peak has been summited, according to Tamang. The mountaineers’ return to base camp was also confirmed by the tourism committee chair, who shared the news after the expedition’s achievement.
Jugal-2 stands within the Jugal range in Sindhupalchok. At 6,518 metres, it is a high-altitude objective, and the Spanish team’s ascent brings a previously unclimbed summit in the area into focus. The available information identifies the three climbers and confirms the summit day, but does not provide further details about their route, the length of the expedition or the conditions during the climb.
The first ascent is a notable milestone for the local area, where the Jugal Rural Municipality tourism committee is looking to draw attention to the range’s mountaineering potential. Tamang said the achievement could encourage attempts on other peaks in the Jugal range, pointing to the possibility that the climb may be followed by further mountaineering activity in the area.
Tourism prospects for the Jugal range
Tamang also said the ascent could help promote Nepal’s mountain tourism internationally. A successful first ascent gives Jugal-2 a new point of recognition and may help introduce the surrounding range to climbers and visitors beyond Nepal. His comments linked the expedition both to possible future climbs and to broader efforts to raise the profile of Nepal’s mountains.
The immediate achievement, however, is the team’s summit of Jugal-2 and safe return to base camp. The climb adds a first ascent to the mountain’s record, while the tourism committee sees potential for the feat to bring more attention to other peaks in the range. No further plans for expeditions or tourism initiatives were provided.
For Jugal Rural Municipality, the Spanish climbers’ success offers a concrete achievement around which to promote the area. Whether it leads to further ascents or increased international interest remains to be seen, but Tamang said the first climb has opened up that prospect. The three mountaineers - Jabalza, Saez and Perez - have now completed the first ascent of the 6,518-metre peak and returned from the mountain to base camp.
