A seven-kilometer hiking event has been organized to promote the religious and tourism potential of Pumdi Bhumdi in Pokhara Metropolitan City 22, drawing attention to an area that is increasingly emerging as an important destination for hiking, religious tourism and outdoor recreation. The program brought together elected representatives, tourism professionals, media personnel and residents and was also organized as part of preparations for the upcoming Pumdi Bhumdi Open Mountain Race.
The hike began at Machhapuchhre Bimba Park in Damside, Pokhara 17, and followed a route through Raniban and Pumdikot before concluding at Dream City, a newly developing tourism destination. Participants explored the area’s natural surroundings and major attractions, including the 51-foot Mahadev statue at Pumdikot, while the event itself highlighted the potential to connect several attractions through hiking and outdoor activities. Organizers say such initiatives can help bring greater attention to tourism sites outside Pokhara’s most established visitor areas.
Hiking route to Pumdi Bhumdi links religious and emerging tourism attractions
The program was organized by the Pokhara Promotion Centre and Pokhara Click to promote Pumdi Bhumdi and support preparations for the mountain race scheduled for the upcoming World Tourism Day programme. The seven-kilometre route was selected to showcase the area’s combination of natural landscapes, religious attractions and emerging recreational destinations, allowing participants to experience the tourism potential of southern Pokhara on foot.
A major attraction along the route is the 51-foot Mahadev statue at Pumdikot, which has become a prominent religious and tourism landmark in the area. Participants also visited Dream City, which has recently begun operating as a new attraction, adding another destination to Pumdi Bhumdi’s developing tourism circuit. Together, these sites provide opportunities to combine religious visits with hiking and nature-based experiences.
The organizers and tourism representatives see hiking as an effective way to promote Pokhara’s surrounding hills and encourage visitors to explore destinations beyond the city’s traditional Lakeside area. Hiking routes can connect forests, viewpoints, religious sites and local communities while creating opportunities for visitors to experience a quieter side of Pokhara. The initiative therefore goes beyond a single recreational event and forms part of a broader effort to expand the city’s tourism products.
New trail infrastructure planned to improve visitor access
Himalal Baral, chairperson of Pokhara Metropolitan City 22, said work is progressing on plans to develop a dedicated walking trail from Damside through Raniban to Pumdikot. He said the tendering process for the project has reached its final stage, paving the way for further development of walking infrastructure in the area.
According to Baral, the project is being supported by the Asian Development Bank and will include the construction of walking trails along with supporting facilities such as waiting areas and railings. The broader plan is to develop approximately 27 kilometres of foot trail from Damside to the 85 area. Around seven kilometres of the planned route has already been constructed, while work remains to be completed on the remaining sections.
The proposed trail network could significantly improve access to the area’s tourism attractions and help connect individual sites into a more attractive visitor route. Better walking infrastructure would make short hikes more accessible to tourists staying in Pokhara and could encourage visitors to spend additional time exploring the surrounding hills. It could also create opportunities for local communities to benefit from tourism through accommodation, food services, guiding and other visitor-oriented businesses.
Taranath Pahari, president of the Pokhara Tourism Council, said hiking and mountain running activities can help utilize the tourism potential of Pokhara’s hills. Yubaraj Gurung, programme officer at the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province, also emphasized the importance of prioritizing tourism-promotion programmes that have a direct impact on attracting visitors and developing new destinations.
Mountain race to strengthen Pokhara’s sports tourism profile
The hiking program was also organized as part of preparations for the third Pumdi Bhumdi Open Mountain Race, which is scheduled for September 26, 2026. The competition is expected to further promote Pumdi Bhumdi as a destination for sports and adventure tourism while bringing athletes and visitors into an area known for its combination of natural and religious attractions. Din Nath Baral, president of the Pokhara Promotion Centre and program coordinator, said the hike was organized as a preparatory activity for the upcoming race. According to him, the competition will feature six different events, including an open category, allowing athletes to compete across several categories.
The main race will begin at World Peace Pagoda and pass through the Mahadev statue, the Pokhara 22 ward office, and other parts of the area before finishing at Kalabang Gharedi Buddha Park in Kalabang Nyal Danda. The main course will cover approximately eight kilometers, creating a route that combines mountain running with views of the surrounding landscape and access to important local attractions.
Tank Prasad Dhakal, undersecretary at the Ministry of Social Development, Youth and Sports of Gandaki Province, said sports tourism can play an important role in extending visitors’ stays in Pokhara. He noted that sporting events such as mountain races can attract participants and spectators while encouraging them to experience other tourism products during their stay. The ministry has been supporting the Pumdi Bhumdi mountain race and intends to continue its support in the future.
Domestic and international runners expected to participate
The organizers are preparing to attract both Nepali and international runners to this year’s competition. Sagar Sunar, secretary of the Pokhara Promotion Centre, said preparations are underway to encourage athletes from Nepal and other countries to participate in the event, which could provide greater exposure for Pumdi Bhumdi and its tourism attractions.
International participation could also strengthen the event’s value as a destination-promotion platform. Athletes, accompanying visitors and spectators travelling to Pokhara for the race may explore local attractions, stay in nearby hotels and guest houses, dine at local businesses and experience other tourism activities. In this way, the mountain race has the potential to generate tourism benefits beyond the competition itself.
During the hiking event, participants visited the 51-foot Mahadev statue at Pumdikot and explored the newly operational Dream City. Their journey demonstrated how religious attractions, hiking routes, natural landscapes and sporting activities can be combined to create a broader visitor experience.
The initiative reflects Pokhara’s continuing effort to diversify its tourism offerings beyond its traditional attractions. While Phewa Lake and Lakeside remain central to Pokhara’s tourism identity, destinations such as Pumdi Bhumdi provide opportunities to expand hiking, religious, adventure and sports tourism. With continued investment in trails, visitor facilities and organized events, Pumdi Bhumdi could become a stronger part of Pokhara’s tourism circuit while encouraging visitors to explore more of the hills and communities surrounding the city.
