The 8th Phalelung Chauri Tourism Festival, held in Charate, Phalelung, kicked off with a vibrant celebration of the Chauri herding culture, aimed at promoting cultural and religious tourism. The festival, which started on the occasion of the New Year, featured a remarkable display of over 500 Chauris (yaks) brought from local herders in Phalelung and Yangwark municipalities. The event was organized by the Phalelung Municipality in collaboration with the Phalelung-Kanchanjunga Tourism Promotion Organization, Deepjyoti Youth Club, and Kanchanjunga Chauri Farming and Conservation Organization.
The festival showcased local products, including various Chauri-based items like churpi (a traditional dairy product), ghee, and cheese. The event included a variety of activities such as yak and horse rides, offering tourists a chance to immerse themselves in the scenic and tranquil environment of the high hills. The sound of bells from the roaming Chauris added an enchanting atmosphere to the surroundings.
Tourists from both Nepal and India attended, with many Indian visitors coming specifically to experience the culture and natural beauty of the region. The festival provided a platform for local herders to display their products, which have gained significant demand, especially for items made from Chauri milk. The Chauri herders have also been offering “Goath Stay” (staying in herders’ huts) experiences, which have been popular among Indian tourists. The festival not only helped preserve the unique Chauri herding culture but also contributed to local economic growth by promoting sustainable tourism and providing job opportunities. The municipality’s commitment to the event emphasizes its role in fostering both cultural heritage preservation and the region’s ecological diversity.
In addition to the celebrations, the event included a demonstration of rare Yak dances performed by artists from Sikkim, India, and a rope-pulling competition among Chauri farmers from Phalelung and Taplejung. The festival also promoted the Visit Koshi Year 2022 initiative, aimed at boosting tourism in the region. Koshi Province’s Minister of Tourism, Forests, and Environment, Sadanand Mandal, attended the festival and highlighted the importance of preserving Chauri-based culture and biodiversity while furthering tourism development. He assured that the provincial government would increase investments to support the growth of tourism linked to this unique cultural heritage.
