The Kanchenjunga Platinum Jubilee Festival is set to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. This grand event will take place from the 5th to the 7th of Baishakh 2082 (April 2025) in Fakhtanglung Village Municipality-5, Lelep, within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. The festival aims to highlight the region’s rich natural heritage, promote eco-tourism, and celebrate the cultural and historical significance of Kanchenjunga in Nepal and beyond.
As part of the preparations, the festival coordination committee has unveiled a special logo and slogan for the event. The slogan, “Kanchanjungha Conservation Area, Gift of Nature: Eco-tourism and the Foundation for Prosperity,” reflects the event’s focus on environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, and economic growth for local communities.
The logo and slogan were revealed in a formal event, where Chwang Sherpa, Treasurer of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council and Coordinator of the Festival Coordination Committee, expressed confidence that the festival would help enhance the promotion of natural resources, tourism, and local culture in the conservation area. He emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism in preserving the region’s delicate ecosystem while ensuring economic benefits for the local population.
The festival is being organized under the leadership of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Prosperous Mountain Project, the Conservation Area Office, and various national and local organizations. According to Mankumar Rai, the Council’s Member Secretary, discussions are underway with the Koshi Province government to secure financial and programmatic partnerships for the event. This collaboration is expected to bring in additional resources and support, further amplifying the impact of the festival on regional tourism development.
A wide range of activities and events will be included in the festival, aiming to showcase the tourism potential of the Kanchenjunga region. These activities will focus on trekking promotion, cultural performances, exhibitions of local products and traditional cuisine, and a volleyball competition. By incorporating sports and entertainment, the festival seeks to attract a diverse audience, including adventure enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and eco-tourists. Additionally, the event will serve as a platform to promote local handicrafts and organic products, providing economic opportunities for local artisans and farmers.
One of the highlights of the festival will be a tribute to the historical journey of Kanchenjunga’s first ascent. To honor this remarkable achievement, the families of the first climbers and distinguished mountaineers will be invited to participate in the event. Their presence will provide a historical perspective on the evolution of mountaineering in Nepal and inspire future generations of climbers. This special tribute will recognize the pioneering efforts of British climbers George Band and Joe Brown, who successfully reached the summit of Kanchenjunga on May 25, 1955. Their accomplishment marked a significant milestone in the history of mountaineering and put Kanchenjunga on the world map as a challenging yet rewarding expedition.
After the main festival events in Lelep, a national-level program will be organized in Kathmandu. This additional event will provide an opportunity to extend the celebrations to a broader audience, including policymakers, tourism entrepreneurs, and international dignitaries. By hosting a concluding event in Nepal’s capital, the organizers aim to foster discussions on the future of eco-tourism and sustainable mountain development in Nepal.
Mount Kanchenjunga, standing at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet), is the third-highest mountain in the world and the second-highest in Nepal. Located on the border between Nepal and India, Kanchenjunga is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural heritage. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, where the festival is set to take place, is home to numerous endangered species, including the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan black bear. The festival will serve as a crucial platform to raise awareness about the conservation of these species and the fragile mountain ecosystem.
The Kanchenjunga region is also known for its unique blend of cultures, with indigenous communities such as the Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan ethnic groups residing in the area. The festival will offer visitors an immersive cultural experience through traditional dances, music, and storytelling sessions, allowing them to engage with the local way of life. This cultural exchange is expected to enhance the appeal of the region as a sustainable and community-driven tourism destination.
With its focus on mountain conservation, tourism development, and historical commemoration, the Kanchenjunga Platinum Jubilee Festival is poised to be a landmark event in Nepal’s tourism calendar.
By attracting trekkers, climbers, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world, the festival is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy and Nepal’s overall tourism industry. It will also serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving Nepal’s natural and cultural heritage while fostering responsible tourism practices.
As the countdown to the Kanchenjunga Platinum Jubilee Festival begins, excitement is building among local residents, conservationists, and adventure seekers. The event promises to be a spectacular celebration of Nepal’s mountaineering legacy, environmental conservation, and cultural vibrancy.
