Pokhara is set to host the 9th edition of the Mountain Festival, scheduled from December 8 to December 12 at the International Mountain Museum. Organized collaboratively by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the International Mountain Museum, this five-day event is dedicated to addressing pressing challenges in mountain tourism, exploring innovative solutions, and leveraging opportunities to benefit communities worldwide.
The Mountain Festival serves as a vital platform for stakeholders in mountain tourism, including policymakers, tourism experts, mountaineers, and conservationists. The event will feature insightful discussions, interactive panels, and exhibitions that highlight the diverse aspects of mountain ecosystems, their cultural heritage, and the need for sustainable development.
The festival aims to tackle critical issues such as the impact of climate change on mountain regions, the preservation of indigenous cultures, and the enhancement of tourism infrastructure. Through workshops and expert dialogues, participants will discuss actionable strategies to ensure that mountain tourism contributes to local development while safeguarding natural and cultural resources.
With Nepal being home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including Mount Everest, the event underscores the nation’s pivotal role in global mountain tourism. Additionally, the festival seeks to inspire innovative approaches that can be replicated in mountain regions worldwide.
Visitors to the festival can explore exhibits showcasing mountaineering gear, photographs, and artifacts that reflect Nepal’s rich mountaineering history. Cultural performances, traditional cuisine, and interactive activities will also provide attendees with an immersive experience of mountain life.
The 9th Mountain Festival aspires to create lasting impacts by fostering collaboration among stakeholders and promoting policies that ensure sustainable mountain tourism. It is not just an event but a movement to protect the fragile mountain environment while enhancing its contributions to the global community.
This annual celebration in Pokhara reaffirms the critical importance of mountains as sources of inspiration, livelihood, and ecological balance, inviting all to take part in shaping a more sustainable future.
