The 3rd Annapurna Marathon and Century Tourism Festival Promotes Tourism and Sports in Ghandruk
The 3rd Annapurna Marathon and Century Tourism Festival recently took place in the picturesque village of Ghandruk, organized by the Annapurna Century Tourism Committee and Ghandruk Tourism Management Committee. The festival aimed to promote tourism, celebrate Annapurna Climbing Day, and showcase the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and traditional rituals of the region.
Tourism as the Key to Prosperity:
During the festival's inauguration, Prakash Baral, a member of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly, emphasized the significance of tourism for the prosperity of Gandaki Province. Highlighting the attraction of Ghandruk's natural beauty, authentic rituals, and vibrant culture, he emphasized the need for comprehensive development and promotion of the region.
Honoring Contributions to Waste Management:
In a gesture of recognition, Ram Bahadur Periyar, who has dedicated 13 years to waste management in Ghandruk, was honored during the opening ceremony of the festival. His commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being exemplified the festival's focus on preserving the natural beauty of the region.
Marathon on Annapurna Climbing Day:
The Annapurna Century Tourism Committee has a tradition of organizing a marathon on June 3rd, known as Annapurna Climbing Day. This date commemorates the historical achievement of French climber Maurice Herzog's team, who successfully reached the summit of Annapurna on June 3, 1950. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the marathon returned as a highlight of the festival.
Marathon Prizes and Registration:
The marathon competition, scheduled for June 20th, will be the culmination of the 3-day festival. The top three male runners will receive cash prizes of 150,000, 100,000, and 75,000 rupees, respectively. For female participants, the first-place winner will be awarded 75,000 rupees, the second-place runner-up 50,000 rupees, and the third-place runner-up 25,000 rupees. To participate in the marathon, interested individuals must pay a registration fee of 7,000 rupees for men and 5,000 rupees for women.
Marathon Route and Scenic Trail:
The marathon will commence at the base camp of Annapurna Himal and traverse through breathtaking locations such as Machhapuchhre base camp, Bagar, Deurali, Kimrongkhola, and Uri, before reaching the final destination of Ghandruk. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the majestic mountain vistas and immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the region.
Sports Tournaments and Prizes:
In addition to the marathon, the festival featured an open village-level men's volleyball tournament and a basketball tournament. Thirteen teams participated in the volleyball tournament, with the winner receiving a prize of 80,000 rupees and the runner-up receiving 50,000 rupees. Similarly, the winners of the basketball tournament were awarded 80,000 rupees, while the runner-up received 50,000 rupees.
Discounts and Packages for Visitors:
To further enhance the festival experience, organizers extended a 20 percent discount to tourists visiting Ghandruk during the festival period. Additionally, special packages were available for participants of the volleyball and basketball tournaments, including food and lodging at a cost of 800 rupees.
The 3rd Annapurna Marathon and Century Tourism Festival successfully combined the promotion of tourism, celebration of Annapurna Climbing Day, and the spirit of sportsmanship in Ghandruk. The festival not only showcased the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage but also honored the efforts of individuals dedicated to environmental sustainability. Through marathons, tournaments, and discounts, the event provided a memorable experience for both participants and visitors, contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of Gandaki Province.
Pokhara
