Pokhara: The third Cross-Country Race will take place in Pokhara on November 9, organized by the Himalayan Tourism Forum. Athletes from Nepal and neighboring China will participate in the competition, which features four categories: a 50-kilometer group race, a 50-kilometer individual race (for both males and females), a student race, a five-kilometer race, and a two-kilometer “Happy Run”.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the winning team in the 50-kilometer group race will receive a cash prize of Rs 45,800, while the first runner-up will bag Rs 343,000. The individual winners in both the male and female categories of the 50-kilometer race will receive Rs 152,000 each. The winner of the student’s race will take home Rs 30,000.
The 50-kilometer mountain race will start at Barahighat, Lakeside, Pokhara, and conclude in the city, passing through Chhorepatan, Ramadi, Phusrekhola, Fedikhola in Syangja, Pumdibhumdi in Pokhara Sub Metropolis-22, and Phewalake and Pame. A total of 140 participants from Chi
na will be arriving on a chartered flight, as confirmed by tournament coordinator Bishwashankar Palikhe. The event aims to further strengthen Nepal-China ties, which have flourished for centuries, and to promote Nepal’s tourism industry, it is said.
Pokhara, renowned as the “city of adventure sports,” regularly hosts international competitions such as the Enduro Cycle Race, Dragon Boat Race, Triathlon, Paragliding, and more. Chinese tourists are especially attracted to adventure activities like Ziplining, Bungee Jumping, and Ultralight flying. Laxman Subedi, President of the Hotel Association Pokhara, said that 40 percent of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal make their trips to Pokhara. He added that the city has the potential to attract even more tourists from China, both for entertainment and business purposes.
Taranath Pahari, President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, is of the view that the Cross-country Race will not only highlight Pokhara as a prime tourist destination but will also help promote the ent
ire country’s tourism industry internationally.
ZCZC
Deer Relocated from Laxmi Narayan Shrine to New Matihani Park.
Matihani: The deer reared at the Laxmi Narayan shrine have been relocated to a newly constructed ‘deer park’ in Matihani. The relocation involved the transfer of twelve deer, initially brought as a single pair to the shrine 15 years ago, and marks a significant milestone in local wildlife management and urban development.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Ministry of Urban Development, Department of Urban Development and Building Construction undertook the construction of the deer park following an initiative by the Matihani Municipality. The project was influenced by recommendations from wildlife experts, aiming to create a suitable habitat for the deer.
The newly established park has led to an uptick in visitors, enhancing the prospects of local tourism. Matihani municipality mayor Hari Prasad Mandal expressed optimism about the park’s potential to attract more tourists and contribute to the region’s economic growth.