Api Himal Rural Municipality in Darchula is preparing to organise the Api Himal Tourism Festival 2083 from Kartik 17 to 19, bringing together sports, culture, adventure, local products, wellness activities and environmental awareness to promote the tourism potential of Nepal’s far-western Himalayan region. The three-day festival aims to showcase the natural beauty of the Api Himal region, encourage visitors to explore its mountain landscapes and trekking routes, and create opportunities for local communities and businesses.
The festival will be centred around Api Himal Base Camp in Ward No. 1 of Api Himal Rural Municipality, with related activities also planned in other parts of the municipality. The rural municipality has designed the festival as an integrated tourism promotion programme, combining adventure and literary activities with sports, cultural performances, health services, yoga, meditation and climate discussions. It is expected to provide a platform to introduce the region’s natural and cultural attractions to domestic and international visitors while encouraging community participation in sustainable tourism.
Sports, Adventure and Cultural Programmes to Be Major Attractions
Sports activities will form an important part of the festival, with friendly cricket and volleyball matches planned between local teams and invited participants. The programme is intended to promote sports tourism in the Himalayan region while providing an opportunity for athletes and visitors to experience the unique surroundings of Api Himal. The festival will also feature cultural performances highlighting the traditions of Sudurpashchim Province, including Deuda, Chanchari and Chhaliya dances, alongside musical performances by local and nationally recognised artists.
An Api Himal Base Camp trekking promotion programme will also be organised, bringing together tourism entrepreneurs, representatives of tourism-related organisations, content creators and domestic and international journalists. The initiative aims to introduce the trekking route and surrounding landscapes to a wider audience. A literary journey will further highlight the region’s identity through readings of essays and travel writings inspired by Api Himal at the base camp.
Climate Dialogue, Yoga and Community Activities
The festival will include an interactive climate dialogue focusing on environmental conservation, the effects of climate change and the importance of sustainable tourism development. The discussions will bring together experts, public representatives and local communities to exchange views on climate-related challenges and the protection of the Himalayan environment.A yoga and meditation camp will be organised along the route from Api Himal Base Camp to the base camp area, adding a wellness tourism dimension to the programme.
The festival will also feature a free health camp, where specialist doctors will provide health examinations, treatment and medicines to residents of remote areas.Under the “Hamro Api, Safa Api” campaign, organisers will conduct a plastic collection and cleanliness drive from Makari Gad towards the base camp. The campaign will encourage visitors and local residents to take responsibility for keeping trekking routes and natural surroundings clean, with community groups also expected to participate.
Local Products and Businesses to Receive Promotion
The festival will provide space for the promotion and marketing of products made in Api Himal, including organic local produce, herbs, handicrafts and traditional food items. Stalls will be arranged at different locations along the route from Makari Gad towards the base camp, allowing local producers and entrepreneurs to display and sell their products to visitors.
The rural municipality expects the integrated programme to benefit local residents, tourism entrepreneurs, domestic and international tourists, athletes, artists, literary enthusiasts, trekkers and other businesses. By connecting tourism with local production, culture and community participation, the festival aims to create employment and income opportunities while strengthening the rural economy.
Organising Committee and Sponsorship Arrangements
Api Himal Rural Municipality has proposed a main organising committee led by the rural municipality chairperson, with the vice-chairperson, ward chairpersons and chief administrative officer as members. The main committee will be responsible for overall coordination, programme planning and implementation, while subcommittees will be formed to manage specific activities and responsibilities. The municipality has also invited firms, institutions, organisations and individuals to support the festival through sponsorship and co-sponsorship.
The proposed title sponsorship package is valued at Rs. 100,000, while the co-sponsorship package is set at Rs. 50,000. Sponsors will receive promotional visibility through event branding, banners, posters, digital invitations and social media promotion, along with opportunities for stalls and recognition during the programme. The municipality has also called for support from government and non-government organisations, private businesses and other stakeholders. Through the Api Himal Tourism Festival 2083, the rural municipality aims to bring greater attention to the region’s natural attractions and develop a broader tourism identity built around adventure, sports, culture, wellness and environmental conservation.
