The second edition of the Mountain Race, organized to mark the 46th World Tourism Day, concluded in Pokhara on Friday with a thrilling display of stamina, sportsmanship, and cultural celebration. The event, jointly hosted by Pokhara Promotion Center and Pokhara Click, attracted 117 runners from Nepal and abroad, underscoring the growing role of adventure sports in promoting tourism in the Lake City.
Race Route with Scenic Significance
The race began at the iconic World Peace Stupa in Pokhara-22 and continued around the towering Shiva statue at Pumdikot before concluding at Kalabang Gharedi Buddha Park. Covering an eight-kilometer stretch, the route combined spiritual, cultural, and natural attractions, offering participants both a test of endurance and a breathtaking view of Pokhara’s landscape.
Rawat Secures First Place
Narendra Singh Rawat from Sudurpaschim Province clinched the championship title, completing the course in 35 minutes and 44 seconds. For his victory, he was awarded a cash prize of NPR 50,000, along with a medal and a certificate. Rawat’s outstanding performance highlighted the competitive spirit and physical strength of Nepal’s athletes in mountain sports.
Karan Rawal, also from Sudurpaschim Province, secured second place, finishing in 36 minutes and 33 seconds, while Dal Bahadur Kunwar from Karnali Province came third with a time of 37 minutes and 16 seconds. They received NPR 30,000 and NPR 15,000 respectively, in addition to medals and certificates.
Other Top Finishers
In a tightly contested race, Gautam Shrestha finished fourth, earning NPR 7,000, while Saphal Lama secured the fifth position and received NPR 3,000. The determination of these runners added depth to the competition, proving the diversity of talent in the field.
Foreign Participants Add Global Flavor
The race also featured international runners, further boosting Pokhara’s image as a hub for adventure tourism. Among them, French runner Theo Donnet emerged victorious in the foreign tourist category, completing the eight-kilometer distance in 49 minutes and 51 seconds. Donnet was honored with NPR 15,000 and a certificate, symbolizing Nepal’s warm hospitality toward international sports enthusiasts.
Veterans’ and Women’s Categories
In the veterans’ category, Kishor Thapa from Gandaki Province took the top spot, earning NPR 15,000. The women’s division also saw remarkable performances, with Padma Kumari Sunuwar from Koshi Province finishing first, while Nitu Tamang from Bagmati Province secured second place. They received NPR 15,000 and NPR 7,000 respectively, along with medals and certificates.
Similarly, in the ward-level competition of Pokhara-22, Kushal Pariyar secured first place, and Sujal Pariyar came second. They too received cash prizes of NPR 15,000 and NPR 7,000, reinforcing local enthusiasm for athletic participation.
Rising Stars in the U-16 Category
The Mountain Race also provided a platform for young talent. In the U-16 division, Prakash Thing clinched first place, while Til Bahadur Pariyar came second. They were awarded NPR 15,000 and NPR 7,000 respectively. Their success reflects the potential of Nepal’s next generation of athletes to shine on both national and international platforms.
A Platform for Sports and Tourism
The organizers highlighted that the Mountain Race was not merely a sporting event but also a cultural and tourism-promoting initiative. According to coordinator Dinanath Baral, the event’s primary aim was to showcase Pokhara’s natural beauty and strengthen its image as a center for adventure sports.
The race coincided with World Tourism Day, celebrated globally under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” Aligning with this theme, the competition emphasized that sports tourism is an innovative way to diversify Nepal’s tourism offerings while fostering healthy lifestyles and community engagement.
Participation from Eight Countries
The competition drew runners from eight different countries, further enhancing its international appeal. Their participation highlighted Pokhara’s growing recognition as a sports tourism hub, where culture, nature, and athleticism converge.
Cultural Welcome for International Runners
Adding a touch of Nepali tradition, international athletes who completed the race were welcomed with garlands by local tourism entrepreneur Ganesh Bahadur Bhattarai. This warm reception symbolized Nepal’s commitment to hospitality, ensuring that visitors not only experience thrilling adventure but also connect deeply with local culture.
Boost for Local Tourism
Local tourism entrepreneurs believe such events can play a pivotal role in reviving Pokhara’s tourism industry, which has faced challenges in recent years due to external factors like weather disruptions and global crises. The successful organization of the second edition of the Mountain Race provides optimism for the integration of sports with tourism promotion.
The 2025 Mountain Race in Pokhara was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of endurance, culture, and tourism. From the cheers of local communities to the participation of international runners, the event showcased the potential of adventure sports to strengthen Nepal’s tourism sector.
Champion Narendra Singh Rawat’s victory and the enthusiastic participation of runners across multiple categories marked the day as a milestone for sports tourism in Nepal. As Pokhara continues to position itself as a premier adventure destination, events like this highlight the importance of blending culture, community, and competition to promote sustainable tourism.
