Tourism Info Nepal

Ninth Mountain Festival Concludes in Pokhara, Drawing Over 25,000 Visitors

Ninth Mountain Festival Concludes in Pokhara, Drawing Over 25,000 Visitors

The Ninth Mountain Festival, jointly organized by the Nepal Mountaineering Association and the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara, concluded on Thursday, attracting over 25,000 visitors during its five-day run.

The closing ceremony was officiated by Gandaki Province’s Minister for Forest and Environment, Bhesh Bahadur Paudel. In his remarks, Minister Paudel emphasized the deep connection between Nepal’s mountaineering culture, its economy, and environmental preservation. He assured governmental support for the development and promotion of the International Mountain Museum, calling it a source of pride for Pokhara and the entire Gandaki Province.

“This museum is a treasure of Gandaki Province and Pokhara. The provincial government is committed to supporting its growth and promotion to the best of its abilities,” he said.

Focus on Climate Change and Mountaineering Challenges

The festival featured diverse programs, including discussions on the impacts of climate change in mountain regions. A session titled “Impacts of Climate Change in the Annapurna Region” brought together experts to discuss rising challenges, mitigation strategies, and the roles of stakeholders. Organized by the BMTM program of Janapriya Multiple Campus, the discussion explored how climate change has begun to affect trekking tourism and local livelihoods.

Environmentalist Prof. Dr. Bikash KC stressed the need to develop precautionary systems to minimize climate change effects, pointing out irregular rainfall patterns and unforeseen damages. “We are witnessing unregulated rainfall and significant damage, which calls for serious research to confirm whether it is entirely due to climate change,” he said.

Similarly, Dr. Rabin Kadariya, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), noted that Nepal’s capacity to manage the crises resulting from climate change is limited. “Behavioral changes and global awareness are necessary to combat these issues effectively. Relying on significant investments alone will not suffice,” he emphasized.

Challenges in Trekking Tourism

Trekking entrepreneur Dharma Raj Panthi expressed concerns about the challenges posed by climate change to trekking tourism. He noted that tourists visiting popular destinations like Kala Patthar are often disappointed due to changing landscapes and weather conditions.

Festival Highlights

The festival offered various engaging activities, including archery, chhelo, zipline, and bouldering, drawing widespread participation. The museum waived its entry fee for visitors during the event, making it more accessible to the public.

The Executive Director of the museum, Nirmala Kumari Neupane, highlighted the festival’s role in promoting mountain regions. “The event has facilitated in-depth discussions on the potential of mountain regions, the impacts of climate change, and measures for its mitigation. We believe this contributes to Nepal’s economy, uplifts the living standards of locals, and promotes tourism,” she stated.

Museum’s Growing Importance

The International Mountain Museum has become an informal research hub, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually. The museum showcases the heritage, culture, and history of mountain life, contributing significantly to Nepal’s tourism and environmental awareness efforts.

As a focal point of pride for the region, the festival concluded on a high note, emphasizing the importance of addressing climate change and preserving Nepal’s mountain ecosystem while fostering sustainable tourism growth.

Caption: Participants during the discussion session on “Impacts of Climate Change in the Annapurna Region” at the Mountain Festival.

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