The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) hosted a highly successful one-day hike to Chandragiri Hill in celebration of World Cancer Day on February 8, 2025. The event, themed “First Step to Fight Cancer: Hike,” aimed to promote physical well-being through outdoor activity while also raising awareness about cancer prevention and overall health. With more than 70 enthusiastic participants, the hike offered a memorable experience, blending the beauty of nature with the importance of health education.
The recently organized Chandragiri Hike saw enthusiastic participation, with Hilton Kathmandu serving as the title sponsor for the event. The hike commenced from the base station of the Chandragiri Cable Car, where participants eagerly gathered at the starting point, and prepared to embark on the scenic journey. The route led adventurers up the picturesque Chandragiri Hill, culminating at the renowned Chandragiri Resort. Throughout the trek, hikers were treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Kathmandu Valley.
The physical activity, paired with the stunning natural landscape, served as a major motivation for participants, encouraging both fitness and the cause the event aimed to support. Hilton Kathmandu’s sponsorship played a vital role in making the event a success, further reinforcing its commitment to promoting tourism, adventure, and community engagement in Nepal.
After completing the hike, the event transitioned into a formal program at the resort, which included an important awareness session on cancer. This part of the event was designed to provide participants with valuable insights into cancer prevention, early detection, and the vital role of regular health check-ups.
The program was graced by the esteemed presence of several dignitaries, highlighting the significance of the event in both the tourism industry and the broader health community. NATTA President Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya, Vice Chairman of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Mr. Ram Prasad Sapkota, and various officials from NTB attended the occasion, along with presidents and representatives from different travel associations, sponsors, guests, and members of travel companies.
The event was successfully coordinated by NATTA Senior Vice President Ms. Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha, whose leadership played a crucial role in bringing together the various elements of the event. In the awareness session, two distinguished medical professionals Dr. Saujanya Karmacharya and Dr. Aagon Krishna Shrestha shared their expertise on cancer prevention and the importance of early detection.
Dr. Karmacharya discussed the significance of healthy lifestyle choices and their role in reducing cancer risk, while Dr. Shrestha emphasized the latest advancements in medical research and the effectiveness of regular screenings in detecting cancer at an early stage. The interactive session was well-received by the attendees, who actively participated in the discussions, asking questions and seeking advice on how they could incorporate cancer prevention measures into their daily lives.
The session highlighted the essential role of awareness in combating cancer and underscored the importance of educating the public on the matter. At the closing ceremony, NATTA President Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya addressed the gathering, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated in the event. He commended the attendees for their commitment to both the hike and the cause of cancer awareness.
Mr. Thapaliya emphasized NATTA’s continued dedication to organizing more health-related programs and initiatives, underscoring the organization’s role in promoting health education alongside tourism. He also shared that the event was part of NATTA’s broader strategy to align tourism and travel professionals with social causes, encouraging them to contribute to the well-being of the community. He further reaffirmed NATTA’s commitment to organizing more awareness campaigns and charity programs in the future, particularly focused on health and wellness.
The event successfully brought together people from the travel and tourism industry for a noble cause, not only providing an opportunity for physical activity but also fostering a sense of responsibility toward health education. The hike to Chandragiri Hill served as a unique platform to unite professionals from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to engage with the broader community on important health issues while promoting the message of cancer prevention.
In addition to the physical benefits of hiking, the event also showcased the power of collaboration between different sectors, including healthcare, tourism, and the general public. The efforts of NATTA and the various stakeholders involved are expected to have a lasting impact, encouraging more people to engage in similar activities that promote both mental and physical health.
NATTA’s successful organization of the event marks another milestone in its commitment to social responsibility. The association has a long history of organizing events that not only focus on the promotion of tourism but also give back to society in meaningful ways. With the success of this World Cancer Day event, NATTA has once again demonstrated its dedication to both the growth of Nepal’s tourism industry and the well-being of its people.
This initiative has significantly contributed to raising cancer awareness within the tourism sector and the broader community. As Nepal continues to grow as a tourist destination, such events are instrumental in promoting both the physical health of participants and the societal impact of tourism beyond its traditional role.
The event concluded on a positive note, with participants expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to a cause that transcended their professional interests, further solidifying the importance of health awareness in the tourism industry.
Looking ahead, the success of this event has paved the way for more such initiatives in the future, with NATTA pledging to continue organizing programs that promote health, well-being, and community involvement. The hike to Chandragiri Hill on World Cancer Day will remain a testament to the power of tourism in fostering positive change and raising awareness of critical health issues.
