Myagdi, 5 Jun: An initiative has been launched to link Annapurna Base Camp, located at Narchyang in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 of Myagdi, with sports tourism.
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Annapurna, the potential for promoting sports tourism in the base camp area was highlighted for the first time through a marathon race organized as part of the Annapurna Platinum Jubilee Festival.
The marathon, which started from the base camp at an altitude of 4,190 meters above sea level and ended at Narchyang village, was successfully completed. Chairperson of the rural municipality, Bharat Kumar Pun, stated that the event laid the groundwork for promoting tourism in the base camp area through sports.
A total of 40 participants took part in the competition held along the Maurice Herzog Trail, covering a 38-kilometer distance from the base camp to Narchyang village. The organization of a sports competition in the base camp, which frequently sees snowfall, has encouraged local athletes.
Tej Gurung, a tourism activist from Narchyang, said that the marathon, organized for the first time at the high-altitude base camp, has inspired efforts to promote tourism in the area through sports activities. He expressed confidence that, while the region has traditionally attracted tourists for its natural beauty, it will now also draw those interested in adventure sports. According to him, the potential to attract tourists through sports has increased.
Ultramarathon races are considered popular in high Himalayan regions. Since sports activities held in such mountainous areas are regarded as adventurous, they often receive attention at both national and international levels.
Raju Thapa, Treasurer of the Gandaki Province Athletics Association, stated that while this was the first district-level marathon organized in the area, there is potential to host a national-level ultramarathon starting from the base camp in the coming days.
According to him, the title of the marathon held as part of the Platinum Jubilee Festival was won by Kushal Purja of Gharamdi, Annapurna Rural Municipality–7.
The Platinum Jubilee Festival was celebrated to mark the 75th anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Annapurna by Maurice Herzog of France on June 3, 1950, with the aim of promoting the Maurice Herzog Trail, which connects to the Annapurna Base Camp.
Two years ago, on the occasion of Annapurna Ascent Day, Annapurna Rural Municipality organized short-distance races and various sports competitions at the base camp. According to the rural municipality office, there is a plan to promote tourism through sports activities in the Himalayan region by engaging national and international-level athletes who can bring greater visibility to the area.
