The 8th Chauri (Yak) Festival is set to take place in Charate, Phalelung Rural Municipality-4, Panchthar, from March 13 to 15, 2025 (Chaitra 31–Baishakh 2, 2082). Organized by Phalelung Rural Municipality in collaboration with Phalelung Kanchenjunga Ecotourism Promotion Institution, Deepjyoti Youth Club, and the Kanchenjunga Yak Farming and Conservation Organization, the festival aims to promote yak conservation and tourism development in the region.
The local community forest user groups are also actively involved in the festival’s management. The primary objective of the event is to preserve the endangered yak species and use its cultural significance to attract tourists, thereby supporting local livelihoods and boosting the region’s economy.
The festival will feature over 600 yaks, along with various exhibitions showcasing yak-based products such as cheese, butter, and wool, as well as local handicrafts and items that reflect the rich Himalayan culture. Cultural performances, including traditional Yak Dance and other folk performances, will highlight the unique customs of the high-altitude communities.
A friendly football match among yak herders and an award ceremony recognizing outstanding yak farmers are among the major attractions of the festival. Additionally, visitors will witness the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Nepal-India border region, which is home to rare wildlife such as the Red Panda.
As one of the few yak festivals in the world, this event has played a crucial role in promoting tourism in the high-altitude Falot region. Situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters, the festival site attracts thousands of visitors, including both domestic and international tourists from Nepal, India, and Bhutan. The Nepal Tourism Board and other tourism organizations are supporting the festival as part of their efforts to promote sustainable tourism in the area.
Since its inception in 2017 (2074 BS), the Chauri Festival has helped establish Falelung as a significant ecotourism destination. The event not only raises awareness about the importance of yak farming but also provides a vital source of income for local farmers and businesses. With an estimated 300,000 visitors exploring the Falot region annually, the festival’s continued success is expected to enhance Nepal’s position as a prime destination for eco-tourism and cultural exploration.
