Pumdi Bhumdi in Pokhara Metropolitan City 22 is ramping up its efforts to promote the area ahead of the Third Pumdi Bhumdi Open Mountain Race set for October 10, 2026. Local communities, schools, businesses and tourism stakeholders are coming together to promote the event and to position Pumdi Bhumdi as a sports tourism destination. Organized by Pokhara Click and Pokhara Promotion Center, the competition is set to highlight the area’s natural and cultural attractions, boost community-based tourism and bolster the link between Pumdi Bhumdi and Pokhara’s tourism economy.
Mountain Race To Help Promote the Destination in Pumdi Bhumdi
The 8 kilometer mountain race will pass through several attractions of Pokhara 22, among them the World Peace Stupa, Pumdikot and Kalabang Gharedi Buddha Park. Organizers and local stakeholders are looking to use the competition as a platform to introduce the area’s landscapes, viewpoints, religious sites and community based tourism products to a larger audience.
Local representatives, community organizations, schools, youth clubs, businesses and other stakeholders have pledged to support the event by mobilizing volunteers, participating as runners, providing health services, drinking water and hospitality along the route. Their involvement is intended to create a community led approach and support the link between sporting events and tourism promotion in the area. Pokhara Metropolitan City 22 Ward Chair Himlal Baral said the ward would continue to support the competition and called the race an opportunity to bring Pumdi Bhumdi’s identity to a broad audience. He also saw opportunities for trekking and tourism, citing the area’s improving local trail and visitor infrastructure.
Trail Infrastructure To Open Up New Tourism Potential
A notable tourism related development being discussed by local stakeholders is the “Round Phewa, View Phewa” foot trail, which is set to be completed. Baral said the trail project, which has estimated investment of around Rs. 52 crore, is being pursued with the cooperation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The tender process for the trail has already taken place.
The ward chair also highlighted the opportunity for trekking and outdoor tourism for Pumdi Bhumdi, which has a geographical benefit of connecting different attractions and communities in terms of trail hiking. With improved trails connecting different attractions and communities, local stakeholders are looking to attract more visitors looking for walking, hiking and nature based experiences around Pokhara.
The claim by Baral regarding the Rs. 52 crore project was made during a stakeholder discussion. The area currently has several tourism assets, including the World Peace Stupa, Pumdikot, Kalabang Gharedi Buddha Park and local homestays. Organizers are looking to leverage the attractions and mountain running and hiking activities to build a broader sports tourism identity for Pokhara 22.
Local Communities Prepare To Welcome Runners in Pumdi Bhumdi
Community involvement has been a key component of the race preparations. Durgabahadur Gurung, secretary of the World Peace Stupa Committee and a former ward chair, said the committee would support the event, which will be held from the World Peace Stupa area. He also emphasized the importance of tourism and community efforts in boosting the local economy and keeping people connected to the area.
The Kalabang Gharedi Buddha Park Committee also pledged support for the event. Committee chair Raj Gurung ‘Lal’ said lessons from last year’s event should be addressed, particularly with regard to health services, drinking water and the needs of runners. Prakash Gurung, central vice president of the Homestay Federation, pledged support for the event, while Kalabang Community Homestay and Bhagwati Primary School are expected to assist in preparations.
Health and educational institutions are also preparing for the event. Bidur Regmi, in charge of Pokhara 22 Health Post, said health workers would be provided, while Mahesh Baral of Maheshwori Secondary School said the school would support the competition and promote Pokhara 22 as a sports friendly ward. Shukraraj Secondary School is also preparing to send runners and provide hospitality along the route.
Race Aims For Long Term Sports Tourism Identity
The local Ward Youth Council is preparing to mobilize volunteers and address any shortcomings from the previous edition of the race. Council chair Dinesh Baral said the competition is being seen as a shared program of Pokhara 22 and that local clubs and organizations are expected to help ensure a successful run. Race Director Om Gurung described the 8 kilometer course as unique due to its natural surroundings and mountain views.
He said the competition could grow into a sports-tourism brand for Pokhara 22, while Asafal Gautam, vice chair of Pokhara Promotion Center, said the initiative aims to link Pumdi Bhumdi better with Pokhara’s tourism and sports activities to increase national and international recognition. The competition will include six categories, including an open category. Applications are to be made through the Pokhara Click online portal. Majestic Lake Front Hotel & Suites is the hospitality partner, while Nelumbo Nepal is the medical partner and Pokhara Television is the television partner.
Introduction Advertising, the Pokhara Metropolitan City 22 Ward Youth Council, local clubs, businesses and other organizations are all supporting the event. By bringing together sports, tourism infrastructure and community participation, organizers are looking to create a recurring platform for promoting the destination and its tourism assets. The third edition is set for October 10, 2026, with local stakeholders preparing to showcase Pumdi Bhumdi’s landscape, communities and sporting-tourism opportunities to a larger audience.
