In a significant step towards promoting adventure tourism and local journalism, the Soklashwari Tourism Development Society has officially announced the establishment of the “Sokla Rock Climbing Media Award.” The award aims to honor journalists who have contributed substantially to the promotion and publicity of Sokla Valley and its growing reputation as a destination for rock climbing and adventure sports.
The first recipient of this newly instituted award is Kedar Shiwakoti, a correspondent for the Kantipur Media Group in Dolakha. Shiwakoti was recognized for his exemplary reporting on Sokla Valley and its rock climbing potential. The award was jointly presented by Bagmati Province Assembly Member (Dolakha-2) Bharat Bahadur KC and the society’s president Arjan Pakhrin, who handed over a cash prize of NPR 5,000 as part of the honor. The society noted that this is the first instance of such a recognition and that the award will be continued annually.
To ensure the sustainability of this honor, the tourism society has established a perpetual fund of NPR 100,000, with plans to award deserving journalists each year during the annual Rock Climbing Festival.
Adventure Climbing Competition 2082: Rising Enthusiasm
In parallel with the award, the third edition of the Sokla Rock Climbing Competition was held with great enthusiasm on Baishakh 20 and 21. This year’s title was claimed by Success Lama, who emerged victorious after climbing a 30-meter rock wall in just 1 minute and 15 seconds. Lama’s performance demonstrated the level of skill and athleticism the competition is fostering.
Roshan Rasaili secured the second position, completing the climb in 1 minute and 30 seconds, while Pujan Shrestha came in third. A consolation prize was awarded to Bharat Karki for his commendable effort.
The rock climbing event was more than just a competition it was a festival of adventure, drawing 103 participants including mountaineers, members of the Nepal Scouts, the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force.
The festival was inaugurated by Province Assembly Member Bharat KC, who reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to developing Sokla Valley into a prime adventure tourism destination. He also emphasized the need for better infrastructure and road improvements in the region.
Infrastructure, Routes, and Tourism Ambitions
The event was hosted at a dramatic 420-meter high cliff located between Sokla and Chakpa, a site that is fast gaining popularity among climbing enthusiasts. With financial support from the Nepal Tourism Board and Bhimeshwor Municipality, the festival featured three 25-meter single-pitch climbing routes, one of which has been extended to a height of 100 meters, as confirmed by Sanjiv Gurung, President of the Mountain Guide Association of Nepal.
The society envisions turning Sokla Valley into a full-fledged Adventure Climbing Hub, with future plans including activities like zip-lining, paragliding from Gumdanda, and rafting on the Tama Koshi River from Singati. These developments are part of a broader strategy to diversify the tourism experience and boost the local economy through sustainable adventure tourism.
Long-Term Development and Cultural Integration
Since 2078 BS, the Soklashwari Tourism Development Society has been actively working towards the promotion of birds, environmental conservation, cultural heritage, and tourism infrastructure development in the Sokla Valley. Prior to launching the rock climbing initiative, the society collaborated with Japanese citizens under the Hikari Sun Shift Project and received support from the French Embassy to conduct hydraulic climbing trainings.
The society has consistently pursued the vision of positioning Sokla as an adventurous and eco-conscious destination. Society President Arjun Pakhrin emphasized the vast potential of the region, citing possibilities such as mountain biking, bird-watching research centers, canyoning in the Mareng River, and soft trekking routes from Singati to Sokla Valley.
Sokla Valley, located just eight kilometers from Charikot, also holds significant religious and cultural importance. It is known not only for its natural allure but also as a location with rich traditions and spiritual landmarks. This dual appeal makes Sokla a unique blend of adventure and spirituality, offering something for every kind of traveler.
Community Engagement and Cultural Celebration
The opening ceremony of the climbing competition also featured traditional local performances, including Jhanki dances, Ayaki, and Maithisari cultural shows. These events were designed to reflect the local identity and heritage, integrating culture with modern adventure activities in a celebration of Dolakha’s vibrant spirit.
Future Outlook
The Sokla Rock Climbing Festival and the newly established Media Award mark a significant chapter in Dolakha’s journey towards becoming a premier adventure tourism hub. With ongoing support from local governments, national tourism agencies, and the community, Sokla Valley stands poised to attract domestic and international tourists alike.
Through a combination of strategic planning, community involvement, and innovative tourism models, the Soklashwari Tourism Development Society continues to set a benchmark for how rural regions can be transformed into thriving adventure destinations.
