On the occasion of World Tourism Day, which falls on September 27 (Ashwin 11 in the Nepali calendar), Pokhara, often regarded as the tourism capital of Nepal, is set to host an open mountain run. The event is being organized with the objective of promoting Pokhara both nationally and internationally as a premier tourism destination. According to the organizers, the race will begin from the World Peace Stupa in Pokhara–22 and conclude at Kalabang Gharedi Buddha Park, located at Nigaledanda.
Unique Route Showcasing Landmarks
The mountain run is designed not just as a sporting event but also as a way to showcase some of Pokhara’s iconic attractions. Participants will start their run from the World Peace Stupa, circle around the massive Mahadev statue in Pumdikot, and then head toward the final destination at Buddha Park.
Event coordinator and chairperson of Pokhara Click, Dinanath Baral, stated that the carefully selected route is intended to blend sports with tourism promotion. By integrating religious and cultural landmarks into the route, the organizers hope that the participants and spectators will experience Pokhara’s spiritual and natural beauty.
Participation from Across the Country and Abroad
As of now, around 100 athletes from six provinces, excluding Madhesh Province, have already registered for the event. In addition to Nepali participants, athletes from the United Kingdom have also signed up, adding an international dimension to the competition.
Baral further mentioned that the organizers expect between 200 and 250 athletes to take part in total. This number is considered significant for an event of this kind, reflecting growing interest in mountain running as well as Pokhara’s appeal as a sporting and tourism hub.
Six Categories of Competition
The competition has been divided into six categories to encourage broader participation. These include:
- 8 km Open Mountain Run
- Ward-Level Category
- Women’s Category
- Under-16 Category
- Tourism Category
- Veterans (Above 40 years)
The inclusion of diverse categories ensures that athletes of different age groups and backgrounds can participate, making the event more inclusive. The organizers also emphasized the importance of promoting female participation and youth involvement through separate categories.
Attractive Cash Prizes and Recognition
The open category will feature some of the most attractive cash prizes. The winner will be awarded NPR 50,000, while the second, third, fourth, and fifth place finishers will receive NPR 30,000, NPR 15,000, NPR 7,000, and NPR 3,000 respectively.
In the ward-level, women’s, and under-16 categories, the first-place winners will each be awarded NPR 15,000, and the runners-up will receive NPR 7,000 each. In addition to cash prizes, winners will also receive medals and certificates as recognition of their achievement.
This year, special encouragement prizes have been announced for participants in the veterans’ category (above 40 years) and for foreign athletes. Winners in these two categories will each receive NPR 15,000 as a token of appreciation for their participation.
Promotion of Tourism Through Sports
The event is being promoted in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board and Pokhara Metropolitan City. Organizers say the objective is to highlight Pokhara as not only a leisure and adventure tourism destination but also as a hub for sports tourism.
By linking World Tourism Day with a mountain running event, the organizers aim to spread the message that Pokhara offers more than just sightseeing. The combination of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and sporting activities is expected to create a unique identity for the city in the global tourism market.
Institutional Support for the Event
Several local committees and organizations are actively supporting the event to ensure its success. These include the World Peace Stupa Committee, the Pumdikot Development Committee, and the Kalabang Gharedi Buddha Park Committee. Additionally, the Ministry of Social Development, Youth, and Sports of Gandaki Province has also extended its cooperation.
The joint effort reflects the collective vision of local stakeholders to establish Pokhara as a prime destination for both sports and tourism. The involvement of multiple institutions is expected to strengthen the organizational capacity and overall impact of the event.
Significance of the Event
Organizers believe that such events will not only attract domestic and international athletes but will also help diversify tourism activities in Pokhara. Traditionally known for its lakes, mountains, and paragliding, Pokhara can also gain recognition as a venue for sports-related tourism.
Furthermore, the event provides an opportunity for local communities to showcase their cultural and natural assets, while simultaneously promoting healthy lifestyles and youth engagement through sports.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to World Tourism Day begins, preparations in Pokhara are in full swing. The open mountain run is expected to draw significant public attention and participation, adding vibrancy to the city’s tourism calendar.
With attractive cash prizes, diverse participation, and a scenic route showcasing major landmarks, the competition promises to be more than just a sporting event, it is envisioned as a celebration of tourism, culture, and community spirit. If successful, the organizers plan to make the Pokhara mountain run an annual event, further boosting the city’s reputation as Nepal’s tourism capital and an emerging sports tourism destination.
