Begnas Lake in Pokhara Metropolitan City–31 is set to host the 6th edition of the Open Men’s and Women’s Boat Race competition from Jestha 27, aiming to promote adventure tourism while raising awareness on water safety. The event is being organized by the Begnas Lake Boat Entrepreneurs Committee with the objective of promoting Begnas Lake at national and international levels while highlighting its tourism significance and spreading awareness on water-related accidents, according to Committee Chair Nawaraj Bastola. The competition is expected to further boost sports tourism and attract domestic tourists to the lake area, organizers said.
Separate Race Routes for Men and Women
As per the organizers, the men’s category race will cover a distance of around two kilometers from Begnas Lake Boat Station to the mid-points between Ratotunda and Kandel Tunda. Similarly, the women’s category race will be conducted over a one-kilometer stretch from Begnas Lake Boat Station to Piple Tunda. The race is expected to showcase teamwork, physical endurance, and traditional boating skills while promoting Begnas Lake as a key water sports destination.
Cash Prizes and Participation Details
With the promotional support of the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province Office, the competition will feature competitive prize distributions in both categories. According to jury committee coordinator Rabiraj Kandel, the winning team in both men’s and women’s categories will receive NPR 15,000, while the second, third, and consolation positions will be awarded NPR 10,000, NPR 5,000, and NPR 3,000 respectively, along with certificates. A total of 22 teams are expected to participate in the event, with each team comprising three boat paddlers.
Promoting Adventure and Water Safety Tourism
Organizers believe the event will help position Begnas Lake as a vibrant hub for water-based adventure tourism in Nepal. Along with entertainment and competition, the event will also emphasize public awareness on water safety, a growing concern in lake-based tourism activities. The event is also expected to contribute to increasing visitor flow in the Pokhara region, further strengthening its identity as Nepal’s tourism capital.
